Pnts Overview - Symmetricom 5120A Operation And Maintenance Manual

1.3 PNTS Overview

The PNTS are instruments that combine sophisticated timing technologies into a single advanced
test set for the measurement of (f) phase noise. The low-noise, bench-top instrument combines
the latest digital synthesizer, active mixer, and dual conversion techniques to capture precise,
accurate (f) phase noise measurements. The 5120A and 5120A-01 also perform cross-correlation
of the digitized signal from both input paths to provide the lowest possible noise measurement.
The 5120A-01 features two built-in oscillators for applications where a reference signal is not
available or required.
The PNTS are designed for ease of use. Little configuration is required. Just connect signal sources
to the BNC (using supplied adapters) inputs and press Start.
The input impedance is 50 Ω, and the ideal nominal input level is near 1 V
automatically initializes itself, measures the frequencies of the input signals, configures the signal
paths, and collects data.
All models measure phase noise, Allan deviation, frequency counter, frequency difference, and
phase difference.
An Ethernet port make remote control, measurement retrieval and printing to network printers
possible. Two USB ports on the rear panel provide connections for a printer, mouse and keyboard.
Figure 1 shows the test set's front panel, and
Screen; automatically turns
off after one hour if no keys
are pressed. Press any
softkey to view the last
screen displayed.
Softkey labels; labels change
based on the current function.
4
Figure 2
Start; use to start
Stop; use to stop
collecting data.
collecting data.
Softkeys; press the
corresponding button to
access functions.
Figure 1: Front Panel
RMS
shows the test set's rear panel.
Print; use to print the
current screen to the
connected printer.
Test signal ports.
. The test set
Power.
1: Introduction