Absolute Phase Noise Measurement (Standard and LN)

Measuring phase noise in an important issue as the demand grows for higher performance RF instrumentation. In the next video, we will take a look at the basic components of Phase Noise, and compare measurement with a Spectrum Analyzer versus a Dedicated Phase Noise Measurement system.

The Model 7000 Series Phase Noise Test System is an all-in-one measurement system with a software interface (GUI) that allows some unique features:

Automatic DUT frequency search

Frequency counter and power meter

Adjustment of offset range, resolution, # of correlations and averages, show spurs, etc.

In the Statistics tab you will find jitter, Allen Deviation, etc.

The GUI to the instrument is show below:

Sensitivity

Measurements above done with 1 cross-correlation

When using internal references, the Model 7300 LN mode improves phase noise test sensitivity especially in the offset range < 1 kHz. Regardless with internal / external references, multiple cross-correlation further improves the measurement sensitivity:

• 10 correlations: ~ 5 dB better
• 100 correlations: ~ 10 dB better
• Limit: system noise floor

So how does a Phase Noise Tester actually make the measurements? The following video explains how the phase fluctuation is digitized and processed, and how a cross correlation engine strips system and reference noise for an accurate result. The GUI then provides additional post-processing support and tools to the user. ATE applications may bypass the software GUI to increase measurement speeds.