Residual Phase Noise (Manual Performance Test)

(E8267D/E8257N/E8663D Option UNX or UNY, and E8257D Option UNX or UNY or HNY Only)

This manual test verifies that the signal generator's residual phase noise meets specifications.

Residual phase noise is the phase noise of the signal generator excluding the contribution of the 10 MHz reference.

With the N5511A Phase Noise Test System (PNTS), the 10 MHz out of the of the M9300A frequency reference is split to provide a common reference signal to both the reference signal generator and to the test signal generator.

When using a legacy phase noise test system (E5505A, E5504A/B, or E5503A/B), the N5507A or 70427A downconverter's buffered 10 MHz output signal is used.

For test signal generators with Option UNX, an E82x7D with Option UNX or UNY is used as the reference source.  For test signal generators with Option UNY, only an E82x7D with Option UNY can be used as the reference source.

Required Test Equipment

Test Equipment

Recommended Models

Alternate Model(s)

Phase Noise System

N5511A Options 540, CH21

  1. CH2 is not required but recommended for future capability.

E5505A Option 001
E5504A
E5504B
E5503A1
E5503B1

  1. For testing an E8257D/67D Opt 1ED and E8663D only.

 

Reference Source

E8257D Opt UNT, UNY, 1EU

E8257D/E8663D Opt HY21

  1. For testing an E8257D/E8663D Opt HY2 only.

E8257D Opt UNT, UNR1 or UNX1 or HNY3, and 1EU
E8267D Opt UNT, UNX1 or UNY

E8663D Opt UNT, UNX1 or UNY and 1EU

  1. Cannot be used to test signal generators with Option UNY or HNY.
  2. Cannot be used to test signal generators with Option UNX or UNY or HNY.
  3. Cannot be used to test signal generators with Option UNX or UNY.

 

Power Splitter

Mini-Circuits ZFSC-2-2-S+ (Keysight part number 0955-2274)

 

3 dB Attenuator

8490D Opt 003

8491x Opt 003
8493x Opt 003

6 dB Attenuator

  • Not required when using the N5511A PNTS.

8490D Opt 006

8491x Opt 006
8493x Opt 006

 

Connection and Setup Procedures

There are two sets of procedures depending on the model of the phase noise test system used:

Select from the links below according to the phase noise test system being used.

N5511A PNTS, .

 

 

  1. Connect all test equipment as shown.

  2. For the 10 MHz connections:

    1. Connect the 10 MHz Out of the M9300A Frequency Reference Module to the 3 dB attenuator and then to the power splitter.

    2. Connect the outputs of the power splitter to the 10 MHz frequency reference of both the DUT and the Reference Source.

  3. Connect GPIB cables to all GPIB-controlled test equipment.

  4. Preset all test equipment and the DUT.

  5. Change the following parameters in the N5510A PNTS user interface:

    1. Select the View pull-down menu.

    2. Select Display Preferences and un-check the Spurs box.

    3. Select OK to close Display Preferences.

    4. Select the System pull-down menu and select Server Hardware Connections.

    5. Select or ensure the following:

      1. Test Set has Keysight M9550A selected.

      2. FFT Analyzer has Keysight M9551A selected.

    6. Select Close to close Server Hardware Connections.

    7. Select the Define pull-down menu, select Measurement, and select the following settings:
       

Parameter

Setting

 

 

Type and Range Tab

Measurement Type

Absolute phase noise (using a phase locked loop)

Measurement Method

Fast

Start Offset Resolution Expansion

10

Channel Setup

Single

Start Offset Frequency

9 Hz (must be < first specified offset frequency)

Stop Offset Frequency

110 kHz (must be > last specified offset frequency)

FFT Analyzer Minimum Number of Trace Averages

160

RBW %

1.96 (1024 point FFT)

FFT Overlap %

75

FFT Window Type

Flat Top

 

 

Sources Tab

Carrier Source Frequency

Obtain tested frequencies from the TME data entry form.

Carrier Source Power

+10 dBm

Detector Input Frequency

Same as Carrier Source Frequency

Reference Source Power

+15 dBm

VCO Nominal Tune Constant

1 Hz/Volt

VCO Tune Range

1 Volt

VCO Input Resistance

50 Ω

Center Voltage

0

 

 

Cal Tab

Phase Detector Constant

Derive detector constant from measured beat note

VCO Tune Constant

Measure VCO Tune Constant

Verify calculated phase lock loop suppression

Blank

 

 

Block Diagram Tab

Carrier Source

Manual

Reference Source

Model number of reference source

Phase Detector

Automatic Detector Selection

Test Set Tune Voltage Output

Front Panel

Test Set Tune Voltage Destination

Reference Source

VCO Tune Mode

DCFM

 

 

Test Set Tab

LNA Low Pass Filter

Internal — Selected

Auto — Checked

LNA Gain

Auto Gain — Selected

Minimum Auto Gain — 14 dB

PLL Integrator Attenuation

0 dB

Use Channel #2

Unchecked

 

 

Graph Tab

Title

User specified

Graph Type

Single-sideband phase noise (dBc/Hz)

X Scale minimum

Same as start offset frequency

X Scale maximum

Same as stop offset frequency

Y Scale maximum

0 dBc/Hz

Y Scale minimum

–170 dBc/Hz

Normalize Trace Data

1 Hz bandwidth

Trace Smoothing Amount

0

Making the Measurement

  1. Set the DUT frequency to the first carrier frequency and power in the TME data entry form.

  2. Set the DUT RF Output to On.

  3. If testing a DUT with Option UNX, UNY, or HNY, ensure that the Optimize φ Noise is set to Optimize φ Noise Offset < 150 kHz (Mode 1). To do this, press Frequency > More > More > Optimize φ Noise and select Optimize φ Noise Offset < 150 kHz (Mode 1).

  4. Select the Measure pull-down menu and select New Measurement.

  5. When the measurement completes, select the Markers icon and place markers at specified offsets to determine the measured phase noise. When specifying a marker offset, the marker will be set to the closest frequency on the graph as indicated in the following table:

    Nominal Offset

    Actual Offset

    10 Hz

    10.058 Hz

    100 Hz

    99.838 Hz

    1 kHz

    1.0014 kHz

    10 kHz

    9.9182 kHz

    20 kHz

    19.836 kHz

    100 kHz

    100.71 kHz

 

E5505A, E5504A/B, and E5503A/B phase noise test systems, .

Connections and Setup Procedures (using legacy phase noise test system)

All test equipment requires a 30 minute warmup period to ensure accurate performance.

  1. Connect all test equipment as shown.

  2. Connect GPIB cables to all GPIB-controlled test equipment.

  3. Preset all test equipment and the signal generator.

  4. Connect the Reference Source E82x7D Option UNX/UNY/HNY RF Output to the N5500A or 70420A Reference Input.

  5. Connect the N5507A or 70427A Down Converter's buffered 10 MHz output to the 3 dB attenuator and connect the attenuator to the input of the Mini-Circuits ZFSC-2 Power Splitter.

  6. Connect one output port of the splitter to the rear panel 10 MHz Ref In of the reference source.

  7. Connect the other output port of the splitter to the signal generator's rear panel 10 MHz Ref In.

  8. Connect the N5500A or 70420A Tune Voltage Output to the front panel Ext 1 Input of the Reference Source E82x7D.

  9. In the E5505A Phase Noise System user interface, change the following parameters:

    1. Select the View pull down menu.

    2. Select Display Preferencesand un-check the Spurs box.

    3. Select OK to close Display Preferences.

    4. Select the Define pull down menu, select Measurement, and select the following settings:

Parameter

Setting

 

 

Type and Range Tab

 

Measurement Type

Absolute phase noise (using a phse lock loop)

Start Offset Frequency

1 Hz

Stop Offset Frequency

100 MHz

FFT Averages

4

FFT Quality

Custom

Define Custom Segment Table - FFT

Note: the following parameters should be left at their default values for all segments:

  • Overlap = 0%

  • Window Type = Flat Top

  • Number of Spectral Lines = 401

Display Start
Offset		 Display Stop
Offset		 Measure
Start Offset		 Measure
Stop Offset		 Number of
Averages
1 Hz 40 Hz 0 40 Hz 30
40 Hz 100 Hz 0 100 Hz 45
100 Hz 400 Hz 100 Hz 400 Hz 135
400 Hz 1.2 kHz 400 Hz 1.2 kHz 200
1.2 kHz 3 kHz 1.2 kHz 3 kHz 170
3 kHz 10 kHz 3 kHz 10 kHz 350
10 kHz 100 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz 400
100 kHz 1 MHz 0 1 MHz 400
1 MHz 10 MHz 0 10 MHz 400

Swept Quality

Normal

 

 

Sources Tab

 

Carrier Source Connected

Test Set

Carrier Source Frequency

100, 500 MHz and 1, 2, 3.2 GHz

Carrier Source Power

For frequencies ≤ 2 GHz: +10 dBm or maximum specified power, whichever is less. Note: If the test frequency is > 1.2 GHz and <= 3.2 GHz, then add a 6 dB attenuator to the DUT RF output (not required for Option 550 or 567 models).

For frequencies > 2 GHz: +5 dBm or maximum specified power, whichever is less.

Detector Input Frequency

Same as carrier source frequency

Reference Source Power

+15 dBm, or +10 dBm for frequencies > 1.2 GHz.

VCO Tune Constant

1 Hz/Volt

VCO Tune Range

1 Volt

VCO Input Resistance

50 ohms

 

 

Cal Tab

 

Measure Phase Detector Constant

Checkmark

Calculate from expected VCO Tune constant using tune port resistence

Checkmark

Verify calculated phase lock loop suppression

Blank

Phase Lock Loop Suppression

Use Adjusted Values

 

 

Block Diagram Tab

 

Carrier Source

Manual

Down Converter

None

Reference Source

E8257D Asset Control Module (use the E8257C if the E8257D is not available)

Phase Detector Mode

Automatic

Test Set Tune Voltage Destination

Reference Source

VCO Tune Mode

DCFM

 

 

Test Set Tab

 

Input Attenuation

0 dB

LNA Low Pass Filter

Auto

LNA Gain

Auto

PLL Integrator Attenuation

0 dB

 

 

Downconverter Tab

 

Input Attenuation

Auto

IF Gain

Auto

Microwave/Millimeter Band

Microwave (0 – 26.5 GHz)

Reference Chain Reference

10 MHz

External Tune Enable

Blank

 

 

Graph Tab

 

Title

User specific

Graph Type

Single-sideband phase noise (dBc/Hz)

X Scale minimum

1 Hz

X Scale maximum

100E+6

Y Scale maximum

0

Y Scale minimum

-170

Normalize Trace Data

1 Hz bandwidth

 

Making the Measurement

  1. Set the DUT frequency to 100 MHz and the power to +10 dBm or maximum specified power, whichever is less.

  2. Select Utility > Instrument Adjustments > Reference Oscillator Adjustment > Restore Factory Defaults (Internal Ref. Bandwidth = 125 Hz, External Ref. Bandwidth = 650 Hz).

  3. Set the DUT RF Output to On.

  4. For a test signal generator with Option UNY, set Optimize φ Noise to Optimize φ Noise Offset < 150 kHz (Mode 1). To do this, select Frequency > More > More Optimize φ Noise.

  5. For testing with an E8663D Option HY2, set Optimize Signal Noise Mode OFF. To do this, perform the following steps in order:

    1. Press Amplitude > More > More > Optimize S/N Off On and select Off.
    2. Press Frequency > More > RF Path and select Normal.

    3. Press Frequency > More > Low Pass Filter Below 2 GHz and select Off.

  6. Select the Measure pull down menu and select New Measurement.

  7. If using a release of the phase noise measurement software older than A.04.05.0001, ensure the Input Impedance on the Reference Source’s Ext 1 Input is set to 50 Ohms. To do this, select FM/ φM > More > Ext Impedance and select 50 Ohm.

  8. If using an HY2 equipped PSG-D as the reference source, ensure that SNR mode is disabled. To do this, perform the following steps:

    1. Press Amplitude > More > More > Optimize S/N Off On and select Off.
    2. Press Frequency > More > RF Path and select Normal.

    3. Press Frequency > More > Low Pass Filter Below 2 GHz and select Off.

  9. If the PLL Suppression Calibration Factors panel appears, select Continue using Adjusted Loop Suppression.

  10. When the measurement completes, select the Markers icon and place markers at the offsets specified by TME. To get these offsets:

    1. Launch TME with the DUT connected to the test system.

    2. Start the Residual Phase Noise test.

    3. With the form selected, press Ctrl-A, Ctrl-C on the keyboard to collect the data in the form.

    4. Open an application such as Microsoft Notepad and press Ctrl-V to copy the test point data into this application.

    5. Print out this data and use it to complete this test.

  11. Compare the marker amplitude value to the specifications from the datasheet shipped with this product (also found with the data collected in step 6).

    If a test point fails the measurement, then route the 10 MHz Oven Out from the N5507A downconverter to the input of the splitter and repeat the measurement.


    Note: If a failure occurs, a three-source comparison measurement should be performed at this carrier frequency and offset to identify a true failure.

  12. Print out a phase noise plot.

  13. Continue to the next carrier frequency and perform the measurement.  Note the following frequency specific changes:

    1. At 2 GHz:

      1. Move the reference source RF Output to the 1.2-26.5 GHz REF INPUT from the 50 kHz-1600 MHz REF INPUT.

      2. Add a 6 dB attenuator to the DUT RF Output.  (Not required for DUT Option 550 or 567.)

      3. Change the reference source power to +10 dBm.

    2. At 3 GHz:

      1. Set the DUT power to +5 dBm or maximum specified power, whichever is less.

 

Entering the Data

The measurement data must be entered into the following form displayed on-screen when the test is run.

 

 

Enter the measured value from the phase noise system into the "Measured Value" column for the appropriate frequency/offset frequency combination. All values must be entered for the test to complete. Entering a measured value and then clicking in the "Result" column in the form will cause the result to appear.

If the "Guardbanding On" checkbox is not selected, then the overall result would not include uncertainty to calculate PASS/FAIL result. Otherwise, the result will be calculated using the displayed uncertainty and will be in the form of PASS/FAIL/INDETERMINATE. The specification against which the measured value is compared is displayed in the "Specifications" column.