Phase Noise Performance Test

This test applies to the following models:

This test verifies the analyzer Noise Sideband specification.

The test requires that DANL at 1 GHz be characterized for the near noise corrections. If the DANL test has been run, the DANL test data will be used. If DANL has not been run, then the DANL will be characterized at 1 GHz.

Preferred and Alternate Solutions

There are two solutions available for testing phase noise. The preferred solution is the Wenzel Ultra Low Noise source. The alternate solution is the PSG signal generator with a notch filter. Some X-Series models can only use the preferred solution as explained below.

Preferred solution uses a Wenzel source

For some X-Series models, only the Wenzel preferred solution is allowed because the PSG alternate solution cannot provide the phase noise performance required.

The following X-Series models can only use the Wenzel preferred solution. The alternate solution is not allowed.

Alternate solution uses a PSG signal generator with a notch filter

The alternate solution uses a PSG signal generator as the source (Opt. UNX or UNR) with a 1.0001 GHz notch filter which will reduce the source phase noise at offsets above 100 kHz. The analyzer center frequency is tuned such that the offset frequency is centered in the notch. The notch filters out approximately 5 dB of noise contribution that the source creates. The notch bandwidth is very narrow, so the analyzer Resolution Bandwidth must be kept narrow (1 kHz) in order to prevent out-of-band noise from entering the measurement.

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Required Test Equipment

Test Equipment

Model Number

Preferred Solution1

Ultra Low Noise Signal Source

Recommended model:
Wenzel model 500-13438 Rev D

Alternative model for all X-Series analyzers EXCEPT for DUTs with Option EP0:2
Wenzel model 500-13438 Rev C

Alternate Solution3

RF Signal Generator

PSG Models
(see equipment list)

1 GHz Notch Filter

Trilithic CFN-2-1000.1

Miscellaneous Devices

50 ohm Termination

909A, Option 012

2.4 mm (f) Termination

85138B

3.5 mm (f) Termination

909D

BNC Cable
(for PSG setup)

8120-1840 

Coaxial Cable, 3.5 mm
(2 required for PSG setup)

11500E

3.5 mm (f) to 3.5 mm (f) adapter
(for 3.5 mm source)

83059B

Type-N (m) to 3.5 mm (f) adapter
(2 required for Type-N source)

1250-1744

2.4 mm (f) to 3.5 mm (f) adapter
(for 2.4 mm source)

11901B
  1. See Preferred and Alternate Solutions for an explanation of the two solutions.
  2. Rev C can be used as an alternate for all X-series models EXCEPT UXA. The performance of Rev C is insufficient for DUTs with Option EP0.
  3. The alternate solution is not allowed with certain X-Series models. See Preferred and Alternate Solutions above for a list of models that are excluded from using the alternate solution.

Connection Setups

In the following setups, cables are designated as solid lines and direct connections are designated as dashed lines.

Displayed Average Noise Level Test Setup

 

Wenzel Source Rear Panel Switch Settings

 

Phase Noise Wenzel Test Setup (preferred solution)

 

Phase Noise PSG Test Setup (alternate solution)