Non-Harmonic Spurious Performance Test

This test applies to the following models:

Non-Harmonic Spurious Responses are unwanted signals that are not related to the fundamental output frequency of the DUT. They are produced by the internal frequency synthesis of the DUT. This test utilizes a spectrum analyzer to measure the amplitude of these responses relative to the amplitude of a fundamental frequency.

The spectrum analyzer and the signal generator are both tuned to the harmonic frequency and a reference amplitude measurement is made. Then, the signal generator is tuned to the fundamental frequency with the power level unchanged. The spectrum analyzer measures the resulting harmonic response relative to the reference amplitude. For spurious signals close to the fundamental where phase noise dominates over thermal noise, an additional noise measurement is made to correctly determine the measurement uncertainty due to noise.

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Required Test Equipment

Test Equipment

Recommended Models1

Spectrum analyzer

N9030B Option 5xx2

Adapter, Type-N (f) to 3.5 mm (m)

1250-1750

Adapter, 3.5 mm (f) to 2.4 mm (f)

11901B

Cable, 3.5 mm (m) to 3.5 mm (m)

11500E

Cable, BNC (m) to SMB (f)

8121-2063

100 MHz reference

M9300A

  1. Refer to the main Required Equipment table for a list of alternative models.
  2. Select any frequency option (503, 508, 513, 526, 544, 550) that has a maximum frequency greater than or equal to the maximum frequency of the unit under test.

Connections and Setup Procedures