Page 1: Measurement System
Agilent E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide First edition, June 2004 Agilent Technologies...
Page 2: Safety Notices
Notices © Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2004 Manual Part Number agency regulation or contract clause. Use, duplication or disclosure of Software is No part of this manual may be reproduced E5505--90003 subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard in any form or by any means (including...
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents 1 Getting Started Introduction Documentation Map Table 1. E5505A user’s guide map Additional Documentation Figure 1. Navigate to system documentation System Overview Figure 2. E5505A benchtop system, typical configuration Table 2. Equivalent system/instrument model numbers 2 Introduction and Measurement Introducing the GUI Figure 3.
Page 4 Congratulations Learning more Table 3. Parameter data for the N5500A confidence test example Powering the System Off To power off a racked system To power off a benchtop system Using the E5500 Shutdown Utility Figure 13. Shutdown utility icon 3 Phase Noise Basics What is Phase Noise? Figure 14.
Page 5 Figure 33. Asset Manager on System menu Figure 34. Asset Manager window Figure 35. GPIB address dialog box Testing the 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz Required equipment Defining the measurement Figure 36. Select the parameters definition file Figure 37. Enter Source Information Table 5.
Page 6 Figure 54. Selecting a new measurement Figure 55. Confirm measurement dialog box Figure 56. Connect diagram dialog box Table 9. Test set signal input limits and characteristics Figure 57. Oscilloscope display of beatnote from test set monitor port Making the measurement Figure 58.
Page 7 The Noise Level of the Reference Source Figure 75. Reference source noise approaches DUT noise Selecting a Reference Figure 76. DUT noise approaches reference noise Using a Similar Device Using a Signal Generator Tuning Requirements Table 12. Tuning Characteristics of Various VCO Source Options Figure 77.
Page 8 Selecting a reference source Figure 87. Selecting a reference source Selecting Loop Suppression Verification Figure 88. Selecting loop suppression verification Setup considerations for stable RF oscillator measurement Figure 89. Noise floor for the stable RF oscillator measurement Figure 90. Noise floor calculation example Beginning the measurement Figure 91.
Page 9 Table 19. Parameter data for the free-running RF oscillator measurement RF Synthesizer Using DCFM Required equipment Defining the measurement Figure 109. Select the parameters definition file Figure 110. Enter source information Table 20. Tuning characteristics for various sources Selecting a reference source Figure 111.
Page 10 Figure 129. Connect diagram for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement Table 24. Test set signal Input Limits and Characteristics Checking the beatnote Figure 130. Oscilloscope display of a beatnote from the test set Monitor port Making the measurement Figure 131. Selecting suppressions Figure 132.
Page 11 Figure 147. Measurement setup for two similar DUTs Calibrating the Measurement Figure 148. General equipment setup for making residual phase noise measurements Calibration and measurement guidelines Calibration options User entry of phase detector constant Figure 149. Measuring power at phase detector signal input port Table 29.
Page 12 Defining the measurement Figure 163. Select the parameters definition file Figure 164. Navigate to residual phase noise Figure 165. Enter frequencies into source tab Figure 166. Select constant in the cal tab Figure 167. Select parameters in the block diagram tab Figure 168.
Page 13 Figure 183. Select measurement type Figure 184. Enter frequencies in source tab Figure 185. Enter parameters into the call tab Figure 186. Select parameters in the block diagram tab Figure 187. Select Graph Description on Graph Tab Setup considerations Beginning the measurement Figure 188.
Page 14 Figure 210. System connect diagram example Making the measurement Figure 211. Calibration measurement (1 of 5) Figure 212. Calibration measurement (2 of 5) Figure 213. Calibration measurement (3 of 5) Figure 214. Calibration measurement (4 of 5) Figure 215. Calibration measurement (5 of 5) When the measurement is complete Figure 216.
Page 15 Figure 231. Measuring power at the am detector Figure 232. Measuring carrier-to-sideband ratio Figure 233. Measuring the calibration constant Method 3: Single-Sided Spur Figure 234. AM noise measurement setup using single-sided spur Figure 235. Measuring relative spur level Figure 236. Measuring detector sensitivity 12 AM Noise Measurement Examples AM Noise with N5500A Option 001 Required equipment...
Page 16 Table 49. Parameter data for the baseband using a test set measurement Baseband Noise without Test Set Measurement Example Defining the measurement Figure 254. Select the parameters definition file Beginning the measurement Figure 255. Selecting a new measurement Figure 256. Confirm measurement dialog box Figure 257.
Page 17 Discontinuity in the graph Table 52. Potential causes of discontinuity in the graph Higher noise level Spurs on the graph Table 53. Spurs on the graph Table 54. Actions to eliminate spurs Small angle line Figure 271. L(f) Is only valid for noise levels below the small angle line 15 Advanced Software Features Introduction Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression...
Page 18 16 Reference Graphs and Tables Approximate System Noise Floor vs. R Port Signal Level Figure 288. Noise floor for R input port Phase Noise Floor and Region of Validity Figure 289. Region of validity Phase Noise Level of Various Agilent Sources Figure 290.
Page 19 How to access special functions Figure 300. 8644B special functions keys Description of special function 120 8664A Frequency Limits Table 60. 8664A frequency limits 8664A mode keys Table 61. Operating characteristics for 8664A modes 2 and 3 How to access special functions Figure 301.
Page 20 18 System Interconnections Making Connections System Connectors Table 71. E5505A connectors and adapters System Cables Table 72. E5505A cables and connections Connecting Instruments Figure 304. Connect adapter to PC digitizer card Figure 305. PC to test set connection, standard model Figure 306.
Page 21 Figure 322. Test set connection, standard model Figure 323. Test set (options 001 and 201) and downconverter connection PC Digitizer Software: Phase 2 Agilent I/O Libraries To install the Agilent I/O libraries 419 Measurement Software Installation To install the E5500 software 424 Asset Configuration Setting Up Asset Manager To set up Asset Manager 426...
Page 22 21 Preventive Maintenance Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors Repeatability RF Cable and Connector Care Proper Connector Torque Table 75. Proper Connector Torque Connector Wear and Damage SMA Connector Precautions Cleaning Procedure Table 76. Cleaning Supplies Available from Agilent General Procedures and Techniques Figure 338.
Page 23 Declaration of Conformity Compliance with German noise requirements Table 78. German noise requirements summary Compliance with Canadian EMC requirements Service and Support Agilent on the Web Return Procedure Determining your instrument’s serial number Figure 340. Serial number location Shipping the instrument To package the instrument for shipping 476 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 24 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 25 E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Getting Started Introduction Documentation Map Additional Documentation System Overview Agilent Technologies...
Page 26: Getting Started
Getting Started Introduction This guide introduces you to the Agilent E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System software and hardware. It provides procedures for configuring the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement software, executing measurements, evaluating results, and using the advanced software features. It also covers phase noise basics and measurement fundamentals to get you started.
Page 27: Documentation Map
Getting Started Documentation Map Table 1 E5505A user’s guide map Learning about the E5505A System Learning Phase Noise Basics & Using the E5505A for Specific Phase Measurement Fundamentals Noise Measurements Chapter 1, “Getting Started” Chapter 2, “Introduction and Chapter 3, “Phase Noise Basics” Measurement”...
Page 28: Additional Documentation
Getting Started Additional Documentation You can access the complete set of PDF documents that support the E5505A   system through the system GUI. (Adobe Acrobat Reader is supplied.) Navigate the menu as shown in Figure 1. The files are stored on the system PC hard drive and on the E5500A software CD.
Page 29: System Overview
Getting Started System Overview The E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System provides flexible sets of measurements on one-port devices such as voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs), dielectric resonator oscillators (DROs), crystal oscillators, and synthesizers, and on two-port devices such as amplifiers and converters. The E5505A system measures absolute and residual phase noise, AM noise, and low-level spurious signals, as well as CW and pulsed signals.
Page 30 Getting Started Figure 2 shows a typical configuration of an E5505A benchtop system. Figure 2 E5505A benchtop system, typical configuration The E5505A replaces earlier Agilent E5500A/B series phase noise systems, which are based on MMS technology. The E5505A system uses GPIB communication and certain instruments have been redesigned with GPIB functionality.
Page 31 E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Introduction and Measurement Introducing the GUI Designing to Meet Your Needs E5505A Operation: A Guided Tour Powering the System On Performing a Confidence Test Powering the System Off Agilent Technologies...
Page 32: Introduction And Measurement
Introduction and Measurement Introducing the GUI The graphical user interface (GUI) gives the user instant access to all measurement functions, making it easy to configure a system and define or initiate measurements. The most frequently used functions are displayed as icons on a toolbar, allowing quick and easy access to the measurement information.
Page 33: Figure 3. E5500 Graphical User Interface (Gui)
Introduction and Measurement S ystem Requ irement s E5500_main_screen 24 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 3 E5500 graphical user interface (GUI) Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 34: Designing To Meet Your Needs
Introduction and Measurement Designing to Meet Your Needs The E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System is a high performance measurement tool that enables you to fully evaluate the noise characteristics of your electronic instruments and components with unprecedented speed and ease. The phase noise measurement system provides you with the flexibility needed to meet today’s broad range of noise measurement requirements.
Page 35: E5505A Operation: A Guided Tour
Introduction and Measurement E5505A Operation: A Guided Tour This measurement demonstration introduces you to the system’s operation by guiding you through an actual phase noise measurement. You will be measuring the phase noise of the Agilent N5500A Phase Noise Test Set’s low noise amplifier.
Page 36: Powering The System On
Introduction and Measurement Powering the System On This section provides procedures for powering on a racked or benchtop system. First connect your system to an appropriate AC power source, then follow the steps below. Before applying power, make sure the AC power input and the location of the WA RN IN G system meet the requirements given in Table 4...
Page 37: Starting The Measurement Software
Introduction and Measurement Starting the Measurement Software Place the E5500 phase noise measurement software disk in the CD-ROM drive. Using Windows® Start menu as in Figure 4, navigate to the E5500 User Interface. E5500_start_menu 04 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 4 Navigation to the E5500 user interface The phase noise measurement subsystem main screen appears (Figure 5...
Page 38 Introduction and Measurement E5500_main_screen 24 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 5 Phase noise measurement subsystem main screen The default background for the screen is gray. You can change the background color by NO T E selecting View/Display Preferences and clicking on the Background Color button. Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 39: Performing A Confidence Test
Introduction and Measurement Performing a Confidence Test This first measurement is a confidence test that functionally checks the N5500A test set’s filters and low-noise amplifiers using the test set’s low noise amplifier. The phase detectors are not tested. This confidence test also confirms that the test set, PC, and analyzers are communicating with each other.
Page 40: Beginning A Measurement
Introduction and Measurement e5505a_users_nav_define_wind 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 7 Navigating to the Define Measurement window Click the Close button. Beginning a measurement From the Measure menu, choose New Measurement. See Figure E5500_new_measurement 04 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 8 Navigating to the New Measurement window Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 41: Figure 10. Setup Diagram Displayed During The Confidence Test
Introduction and Measurement When the Do you want to Perform a New Calibration and Measurement? dialog box appears, click Yes. See Figure E5500_new_cali_meas 04 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 9 Confirm new measurement When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, connect the 50 Ω termination, provided with your system, to the test set’s noise input connector.
Page 42: Making A Measurement
Introduction and Measurement N5500A Standard Test Set 50 Ω N5500A TEST SET GPIB STATUS Termination INPUT REF INPUT SIGNAL NOISE 50 kHz-1600MHz 50 W 1V Pk 50 kHz-1600 MHz 0.01 Hz-100 MHz +15 dBm MIN PHASE DET OUTPUT RF ANALYZER MONITOR ANALYZER ANALYZER...
Page 43: Sweep Segments
Introduction and Measurement e5500_install_curve_sys_confidence_test rev2 10/10/03 Figure 12 Typical phase noise curve for test set confidence test Sweep segments When the system begins measuring noise, it places the noise graph on its display. As you watch the graph, you see the system plot its measurement results in frequency segments.
Page 44: Learning More
Introduction and Measurement Learning more Continue with this demonstration by turning to Chapter 4, “Expanding Your Measurement Experience to” learn more about performing phase noise measurements. Table 3 Parameter data for the N5500A confidence test example Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab •...
Page 45: Powering The System Off
If you still receive errors after running the E5500 Shutdown utility, call your local Agilent Technologies Service Center. To run the E5500 Shutdown utility Double-Click on the E5500 Shutdown utility shortcut on the PC desktop and follow the onscreen instructions.
Page 46 Introduction and Measurement Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 47: Phase Noise Basics
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Phase Noise Basics What is Phase Noise? Phase terms Agilent Technologies...
Page 48: What Is Phase Noise
Phase Noise Basics What is Phase Noise? Frequency stability can be defined as the degree to which an oscillating source produces the same frequency throughout a specified period of time. Every RF and microwave source exhibits some amount of frequency instability. This stability can be broken down into two components: •...
Page 49: Phase Terms
Phase Noise Basics e5505a_user_RF_sideband.ai rev2 10/20/03 Figure 14 RF sideband spectrum Phase terms There are two types of fluctuating phase terms: • spurious signals • phase noise Spurious signals The first are discrete signals appearing as distinct components in the spectral density plot.
Page 50: Figure 15. Cw Signal Sidebands Viewed In The Frequency Domain
Phase Noise Basics ∆φ 2 rms f ( ) rad 2 Sφ f ( ) - - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - - - - - -- - -- - -- - - BW used to measure ∆φ...
Page 51: Figure 16. Deriving L(F) From A Rf Analyzer Display
Phase Noise Basics e5505a_user_derivingL_RF_display.ai rev2 10/20/03 Figure 16 Deriving L(f) from a RF analyzer display L f ( ) is usually presented logarithmically as a spectral density plot of the phase modulation sidebands in the frequency domain, expressed in dB relative to the carrier per Hz (dBc/Hz) as shown in Figure 17.
Page 52: Figure 18. Region Of Validity Of L(F)
Phase Noise Basics L f ( ) Caution must be exercised when is calculated from the spectral density of S φ f ( ) L f ( ) the phase fluctuations because the calculation of is dependent on the small angle criterion. Figure 18, the measured phase noise of a free L f ( )
Page 53: Expanding Your Measurement Experience
Starting the Measurement Software Using the Asset Manager Using the Server Hardware Connections to Specify the Source Testing the 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz Testing the 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz Viewing Markers Omitting Spurs Displaying the Parameter Summary Exporting Measurement Results Agilent Technologies...
Page 54: Starting The Measurement Software
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Starting the Measurement Software Make sure your computer and monitor are turned on. Place the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System software disk in the disc holder and insert in the CD-ROM drive. Using Figure 19 as a guide, navigate to the E5500 User Interface. E5500_start_menu 04 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 19 Navigate to E5500 user interface...
Page 55: Using The Asset Manager
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Using the Asset Manager Use the Asset Manager to add assets to your E5505A system. The process is essentially the same for any asset, including reference sources. In fact, the procedure in this section uses an Agilent 8663 source as an example. (The procedure applies to all Agilent sources, including the 8257x series.) Adding an asset involves two steps once the hardware connections have been made:...
Page 56: Figure 21. Navigate To Add In Asset Manager
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Select Add in the Asset Manager window. See Figure E5500_add_source2 16 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 21 Navigate to Add in Asset Manager From the Asset Type pull-down list in Choose Asset Role dialog box, select Source, then click Next.
Page 57: Figure 23. Choose Source
Table 4 on page 63 shows the default GPIB address NO T E for all system instruments. In the Library pull-down list, select the Agilent Technologies VISA. Click the Next button. E5500_add_source5 16 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 24 Select I/O library...
Page 58: Figure 25. Enter Asset And Serial Number
Expanding Your Measurement Experience In the Set Model & Serial Numbers dialog box, type in your source name and its corresponding serial number. Click the Next button. See Figure E5500_add_source6 16 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 25 Enter asset and serial number In the Enter A Comment dialog box, you may type a comment that associates itself with the asset you have just configured.
Page 59: Figure 27. Click Check-Mark Button
Expanding Your Measurement Experience In the Asset Manager window, select the source in the left window pane. Click the check-mark button on the toolbar to verify connectivity. See Figure E5500_add_source8 16 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 27 Click check-mark button •...
Page 60: Using The Server Hardware Connections To Specify The Source
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Using the Server Hardware Connections to Specify the Source From the System menu, choose Server Hardware Connections. See Figure E5500_add_source10 16 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 29 Navigate to server hardware connections Select the Sources tab shown in Figure E5500_add_source11 16 Apr 04 rev 1...
Page 61: Figure 31. Successful I/O Check
Expanding Your Measurement Experience From the Reference Source pull-down list, select Agilent 8663A. A green check-mark appears after an automatic I/O check has been successfully performed by the software. If nothing happens, click the Check I/O button to manually initiate the check. E5500_add_source12 16 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 31 Successful I/O check...
Page 62 Expanding Your Measurement Experience In the Asset Manager, verify that the 8663A is configured correctly. Do the following: • Check your system hardware connections. • Click the green check-mark button on the Asset Manager’s toolbar to verify connectivity. • Return to Server Hardware Connections and click the Check I/O button to re-check it.
Page 63: Setting Gpib Addresses
Source # 2 Counter Agilent E1430 VXI digitizer Agilent E1437 VXI digitizer Agilent E1420B VXI counter Agilent E1441 VXI ARB 1 The E5500 software supports this instrument although it is not part of the standard E5505A system. Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 64: Figure 33. Asset Manager On System Menu
Expanding Your Measurement Experience To change the GPIB address On the E5500 main menu, select System/Asset Manager. See Figure E5500_asset_manager 23 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 33 Asset Manager on System menu Double-Click on the desired instrument in the Asset Manager list (left pane).
Page 65: Figure 35. Gpib Address Dialog Box
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Type the desired address in the dialog box. See Figure E5500_edit_asset_info 04 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 35 GPIB address dialog box Click OK. To exit the Asset Manager, on the menu select Server/Exit. Next proceed to one of the following absolute measurements using either an Agilent 8257x or an Agilent 8644B source: •...
Page 66: Testing The 8663A Internal/External 10 Mhz
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz This measurement example helps you measure the absolute phase noise of an RF synthesizer. To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input C A UTI ON signal to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 6...
Page 67: Figure 37. Enter Source Information
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Click the Open button. The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 7 on page 79 lists the parameter data that has been entered for this measurement example.) Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 7 on page 79 may not be NO T E...
Page 68: Selecting A Reference Source
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 5 Tuning characteristics for various sources VCO Source Carrier Tuning Constant Center Voltage Input Tuning Freq. (Hz/V) Voltage Tuning Range Resistance Calibration ± Ω) Method Agilent 8662/3A υ 5 E – 9 x υ 1E + 6 Measure DCFM FM Deviation...
Page 69: Selecting Loop Suppression Verification
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Selecting loop suppression verification Using Figure 39 as a guide, navigate to the Cal tab. Check Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression and Always Show Suppression Graph. Select If limit is exceeded: Show Loop Suppression Graph. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button.
Page 70: Figure 40. Noise Floor For The 8663 10 Mhz Measurement
Expanding Your Measurement Experience L Port level +15dBm -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Expected phase noise floor of system (dBc/Hz) 10kHz n5505a_exp_phase_noise 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 40 Noise floor for the 8663 10 MHz measurement e5505a_user_noise_floor_ex 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 41 Noise floor example Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 71: Beginning The Measurement
Expanding Your Measurement Experience If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it is necessary to insert a low-noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set. Refer to “Inserting a Device" on page 122 for details on determining the effect the amplifiers noise will have on the measured noise floor.
Page 72: Figure 44. Connection Diagram
Expanding Your Measurement Experience E5500_verify_con 23 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 44 Connection diagram Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time and confirm your connections as shown in the appropriate connect diagram. • The input attenuator (Option 001 only) is now correctly configured based on your measurement definition.
Page 73 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 6 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits Frequency 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz Maximum Signal Input Power +30 dBm At Attenuator Output, Operating Level Range: • RF Phase Detectors 0 to +23 dBm •...
Page 74 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Status messages This section describes the status messages that appear on the display as the system performs its calibration routines. Determining Presence of Beat Note... An initial check is made to verify that a beatnote is present within the system’s detection range. Verifying Zero-Beat...
Page 75: Sweep Segments
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Sweep segments When the system begins measuring noise, it places the noise graph on its display. As you watch the graph, you see the system plot its measurement results in frequency segments. The system measures the noise level across its frequency offset range by averaging the noise within smaller frequency segments.
Page 76: Making The Measurement
Expanding Your Measurement Experience -1V/div E5505a_oscillo_disp_beatnote 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 45 Oscilloscope display of beatnote from test set monitor port Making the measurement Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears, check View Measured Loop Suppression, View Smoothed Loop Suppression, and View Adjusted Loop Suppression in the lower right of the dialog box.
Page 77: Figure 46. Selecting Suppression
Expanding Your Measurement Experience e5505a_user_select_suppression.ai rev2 10/21/03 Figure 46 Selecting suppression There are four different curves for the this graph. (For more information about loop suppression verification, refer to Chapter 15, “Advanced Software Features”). • “Measured” loop suppression curve—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system.
Page 78: Figure 47. Typical Phase Noise Curve For An 8663A 10 Mhz Measurement
Expanding Your Measurement Experience e5505a_user_typ_noise_curve_8663a 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 47 Typical phase noise curve for an 8663A 10 MHz measurement Table 7 on page 79 contains the data stored in the parameter definitions file. Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 79 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 7 Parameter data for the 8663A 10 MHz measurement Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • • Measurement Type Absolute Phase Noise (with phase locked loop) • 10 Hz • • Start Frequency 2 E + 6 Hz •...
Page 80 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 7 Parameter data for the 8663A 10 MHz measurement (continued) Step Parameters Data Graph Tab • • Title Confidence Test using Agilent 8663A Int vs Ext 10 MHz • Single-sideband Noise (dBc/Hz) • Graph Type •...
Page 81: Testing The 8644B Internal/External 10 Mhz
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz This measurement example helps you measure the absolute phase noise of an RF synthesizer. To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input signal to C A UTI ON the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in...
Page 82: Figure 49. Sources Tab In Define Measurement Window
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Click the Open button. • The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 10 on page 94 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the RF Synthesizer using a DCFM measurement example.
Page 83: Selecting A Reference Source
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 8 Tuning characteristics for various sources VCO Source Carrier Tuning Constant Center Voltage Input Tuning Ω) Freq. (Hz/V) Voltage Tuning Range Resistance ( Calibration ± Method Agilent 8662/3A υ 5 E – 9 x υ 1E + 6 Measure DCFM...
Page 84: Selecting Loop Suppression Verification
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Agilent-8644 e5505_user_select_ref_source8644 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 50 Selecting a reference source When you have completed these operations, click the Close button Selecting loop suppression verification From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window.
Page 85: Setting Up The 8663A 10 Mhz Measurement
Expanding Your Measurement Experience e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 51 Selecting loop suppression verification Setting up the 8663A 10 MHz measurement The signal amplitude at the R input (Signal Input) port on the test set sets the measurement noise floor level. Use the graph in Figure 52 and the example in Figure 53...
Page 86: Figure 53. Noise Floor Example
Expanding Your Measurement Experience e5505a_user_noise_floor_ex 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 53 Noise floor example If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it is necessary to insert a low-noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set.
Page 87: Beginning The Measurement
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Beginning the measurement To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input C A UTI ON signal to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 9 on page 89.
Page 88: Figure 56. Connect Diagram Dialog Box
Expanding Your Measurement Experience e5505a_conn_diag_dialog rev 1 23 jun 04 Figure 56 Connect diagram dialog box Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time. Confirm your connections as shown in the Connect Diagram (Figure 56). •...
Page 89 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 9 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits Frequency 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz Maximum Signal Input Power +30 dBm At Attenuator Output, Operating Level Range: • RF Phase Detectors 0 to +23 dBm •...
Page 90 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Zero beating sources... The center frequencies of the sources are now adjusted, if necessary, to position the beatnote within the 5% range. The adjustment is made with the tune voltage applied to the VCO source set at its nominal or center position.
Page 91: Figure 57. Oscilloscope Display Of Beatnote From Test Set Monitor Port
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO.) If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within NO T E the capture range, the system is not able to complete its measurement.
Page 92: Making The Measurement
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Making the measurement Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears, select View Measured Loop Suppression, View Smoothed Loop Suppression, and View Adjusted Loop Suppression.
Page 93: Figure 59. Typical Phase Noise Curve For An 8644B 10 Mhz Measurement
Expanding Your Measurement Experience changing loop parameters (in the theoretical response) to match the “smoothed” measured curve as closely as possible. When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help in evaluating your measurement results. Figure 59 on page 93 shows a typical phase noise curve for an RF Synthesizer.
Page 94: Table 10. Parameter Data For The 8644B 10 Mhz Measurement
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 10 Parameter data for the 8644B 10 MHz measurement Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • Measurement Type • Absolute Phase Noise (using a phase locked loop) • Start Frequency • 10 Hz • Stop Frequency •...
Page 95 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 10 Parameter data for the 8644B 10 MHz measurement (continued) Step Parameters Data Dowconverter Tab The downconverter parameters do not apply to this measurement example. Graph Tab • Title • Confidence Test using Agilent 8644B Int vs Ext 10 MHz •...
Page 96: Viewing Markers
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Viewing Markers The marker function allows you to display the exact frequency and amplitude of any point on the results graph. • To access the marker function, on the View menu, click Markers. See Figure 60. In the dialog box containing Marker buttons, up to nine markers may be added.
Page 97: Omitting Spurs
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Omitting Spurs The Omit Spurs function plots the currently loaded results without displaying any spurs that may be present. On the View menu, click Display Preferences. See Figure e5505a_user_nav_display_pref 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 62 Navigate to display preferences In the Display Preferences dialog box, uncheck Spurs and click OK.
Page 98: Figure 64. Graph Displayed Without Spurs
Expanding Your Measurement Experience e5505a_user_graph_without_spurs 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 64 Graph displayed without spurs Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 99: Displaying The Parameter Summary
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Displaying the Parameter Summary The Parameter Summary function allows you to quickly review the measurement parameter entries that were used for this measurement. The parameter summary data is included when you print the graph. On the View menu, click Parameter Summary. See Figure e5505a_user_nav_param_sum 24 Jun 04 rev 3...
Page 100: Figure 66. Parameter Summary
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Agilent 8644B Int vs Ext 10 MHz Agilent 8644B; VCO tuned using DCFM. Agilent N5502A e5505a_user_text_param_sum 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 66 Parameter summary Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 101: Exporting Measurement Results
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting Measurement Results The Export Measurement Results function exports data in one of three types: • Exporting Trace Data • Exporting Spur Data • Exporting X-Y Data To export measurement results, on the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on either Trace Data, Spur Data, or X-Y Data.
Page 102: Exporting Trace Data
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting Trace Data On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on Trace Data. See Figure 68 on page 102. e5505a_user_trace_data_results 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 68 Trace data results Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 103: Exporting Spur Data
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting spur data On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on Spur Data. See Figure e5505a_user_spur_data_results 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 69 Spur data results Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 104: Exporting X-Y Data
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting X-Y data On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on X-Y Data. See Figure e5505a_user_xy_data_result 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 70 X-Y data results Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 105 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals The Phase-Lock-Loop Technique What Sets the Measurement Noise Floor? Selecting a Reference Estimating the Tuning Constant Tracking Frequency Drift Changing the PTR Minimizing Injection Locking Inserting a Device Evaluating Noise Above the Small Angle Line Agilent Technologies...
Page 106: Absolute Measurement Fundamentals
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals The Phase-Lock-Loop Technique The phase lock loop measurement technique requires two signal sources; the source-under-test and a reference source. This measurement type requires that one of the two sources is a voltage-controlled-oscillator (VCO). You will most likely use the phase lock loop technique since it is the measurement type most commonly used for measuring signal source devices.
Page 107: Figure 72. Capture And Drift-Tracking Range With Tuning Range Of Vco
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals The system’s peak tuning range is derived from the tuning characteristics of the VCO source you are using for the measurement. Figure 72 illustrates the relationship that typically exists between the VCO’s peak-to-peak tuning range and the tuning range of the system. The system’s drift tracking range is limited to a small portion of the peak tuning range to minimize the possibility of measurement accuracy degradation caused by non-linearity across the VCO’s tuning range.
Page 108: Figure 73. Capture And Drift-Tracking Ranges And Beatnote Frequency
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals enough together to create a beatnote that is within the system’s Capture Range. Once the loop is locked, the frequency of the beatnote must remain within the drift tracking range for the duration of the measurement. In Figure 73, the ranges calculated in the previous example are marked to show their relationship to the beatnote frequency.
Page 109 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals • Input Resistance of Tuning Port, (ohms) if the tuning constant is not to be measured. The measurement examples in the next chapter that recommend a specific VCO source provides you with the tuning parameters for the specified source. Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 110: What Sets The Measurement Noise Floor
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals What Sets the Measurement Noise Floor? The noise floor for your measurement is set by two things: • The noise floor of the phase detector and low-noise amplifier (LNA) • The noise level of the reference source you are using The System Noise Floor The noise floor of the system is directly related to the amplitude of the input signal at the R input port of the system’s phase detector.
Page 111: The Noise Level Of The Reference Source
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals The Noise Level of the Reference Source Unless it is below the system’s noise floor, the noise level of the source you are using as the reference source sets the noise floor for the measurement. When you set up your measurement, you want to use a reference source with a noise level that is at or below the level of the source you are going to measure.
Page 112: Selecting A Reference
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Selecting a Reference Selecting an appropriate reference source is critical when you are making a phase noise measurement using the phase lock loop technique. The key to selecting a reference source is to compare the noise level of the reference with the expected noise level of the DUT.
Page 113: Using A Signal Generator
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Using a Signal Generator When using a signal generator as a reference source, it is important that the generator’s noise characteristics are adequate for measuring your device. Tuning Requirements Often the reference source you select also serves as the VCO source for the PLL measurement.
Page 114: Curve
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Table 12 Tuning Characteristics of Various VCO Source Options (continued) VCO Source Carrier Tuning Constant Center Voltage Tuning Input Tuning ± Freq. (Hz/V) Voltage Range ( Resistance Calibration Ω) Method Other Signal Generator FM Deviation Calculate DCFM Calibrated for ±1V Other User VCO Estimated within a...
Page 115: Estimating The Tuning Constant
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Estimating the Tuning Constant The VCO tuning constant is the tuning sensitivity of the VCO source in Hz/V. The required accuracy of the entered tuning constant value depends on the VCO tuning constant calibration method specified for the measurement. The calibration method is selected in the Calibration Process menu.
Page 116: Tracking Frequency Drift
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Tracking Frequency Drift The system’s frequency drift tracking capability for the phase lock loop measurement is directly related to the tuning range of the VCO source being used. The system’s drift tracking range is approximately 24% of the peak tuning range (PTR) of the VCO.
Page 117 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Action If beatnote drift exceeds the limits of the Capture or drift tracking ranges set for your measurement, the system is not able to complete the measurement. You have two possible alternatives. Minimize beatnote drift. • By Allowing sources to warm-up sufficiently. •...
Page 118: Changing The Ptr
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Changing the PTR The peak tuning range (PTR) for the phase lock loop measurement is set by the tune range entered for the VCO and the VCO’s tuning constant. (If the calibration technique is set to measure the VCO tuning constant, the measured value is used to determine the system’s PTR.) PTR= VCO Tuning Constant X Voltage Tuning Range From the PTR, the phase noise software derives the capture and drift tracking...
Page 119 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals As long as these qualifications are met, and the software does not indicate any difficulty in establishing its calibration criteria, an increase in PTR will not degrade the system’s measurement accuracy. The following methods may be considered for increasing or decreasing the PTR.
Page 120: Minimizing Injection Locking
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Minimizing Injection Locking Injection locking occurs when a signal feeds back into an oscillator through its output path. This can cause the oscillator to become locked to the injected signal rather than to the reference signal for the phase locked loop. Injection locking is possible whenever the buffering at the output of an oscillator is not sufficient to prevent a signal from entering.
Page 121: Figure 79. Peak Tuning Range (Ptr) Required By Injection Locking
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals computer informs you during the measurement if the possibility of accuracy degradation exists.) Locate the required PLL bandwidth in Figure 79 to determine the PTR required for the measurement. (For details on increasing the PTR, refer to Changing the PTR in this section.
Page 122: Inserting A Device
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Inserting a Device An attenuator You may find that some of your measurement setups require an in-line device such as an attenuator in one of the signal source paths. (For example, you may find it necessary to insert an attenuator at the output of a DUT to prevent it from being injection-locked to the reference source.) The primary consideration when inserting an attenuator is that the signal source has sufficient output amplitude to maintain the required signal level at the test...
Page 123: An Amplifier
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals An amplifier If a source is not able to provide a sufficient output level, or if additional isolation is needed at the output, it may be necessary to insert a low phase-noise RF amplifier at the output of the source. Note, however, that the noise of the inserted amplifier is also summed into the measured noise level along with the noise of the source.
Page 124: Evaluating Noise Above The Small Angle Line
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Evaluating Noise Above the Small Angle Line If the average noise level on the input signals exceeds approximately 0.1 radians RMS integrated outside of the Phase Lock Loop (PLL) bandwidth, it can prevent the system from attaining phase lock. The following procedure allows you to evaluate the beatnote created between the two sources being measured.
Page 125: Figure 82. Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth Provided By The Peak Tuning Range
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 100k 10k 100k 1M 10M 100M 1G E5505a_PTR_reqd_inj_lock Peak tuning range (Hz) 25 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 82 Phase lock loop bandwidth provided by the peak tuning range Once the beatnote is displayed; press the press [[RANGE]] press [[AUTO RANGE OFF]] and press [[SINGLE AUTO RANGE]] on the RF analyzer Set the span width on the RF analyzer to approximately 4 x PLL bandwidth.
Page 126: Figure 83. Graph Of Small Angle Line And Spur Limit
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Press the [[DEFINE TRACE]] press the [[and the MATH FUNCTION keys. Using the --> key on the RF analyzer, offset the marker by the PLL bandwidth. Read the offset frequency and noise level indicated at the bottom of the display. (If the noise level falls below the bottom of the display, the marker reading is still correct.) To increase the vertical scale press [[VERT SCALE]]...
Page 127: Figure 84. Requirements For Noise Exceeding Small Angle Limit
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Tuning Range (PTR) necessary to provide a sufficient PLL bandwidth to make the measurement. e5505a_user_peak_tune_range.ai rev2 10/24/03 Figure 84 Requirements for noise exceeding small angle limit Measurement options If the observed level exceeded the small angle line at any point beyond the PLL bandwidth set for the measurement, you need to consider one of the following measurement options.
Page 128 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 129: Absolute Measurement Examples
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator Free-Running RF Oscillator RF Synthesizer Using DCFM RF Synthesizer Using EFC Microwave Source Agilent Technologies...
Page 130: Stable Rf Oscillator
Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator This measurement example will help you measure the phase noise of a stable RF oscillator with frequency drift of <20 ppm over a period of thirty minutes. To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the C A UTI ON signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in...
Page 131: Figure 86. Enter Source Information
Absolute Measurement Examples Click the Open button. The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 16 on page 143 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the Stable RF Source measurement example. Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 16 on page 143 may not be...
Page 132: Selecting A Reference Source
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 14 Tuning characteristics for various sources VCO Source Carrier Tuning Constant Center Voltage Tuning Input Tuning Freq. (Hz/V) Voltage Range (±V) Resistance Calibration (Ω) Method Agilent 8662/3A υ 5 E – 9 x υ 1E + 6 Measure DCFM FM Deviation...
Page 133: Selecting Loop Suppression Verification
Absolute Measurement Examples Agilent-8257 e5505a_user_select_ref_source 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 87 Selecting a reference source When you have completed these operations, click the Close button Selecting Loop Suppression Verification Using Figure 88 on page 134 as a guide, navigate to the Cal tab. In the Cal dialog box, check Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression and Always Show Suppression Graph.
Page 134: Setup Considerations For Stable Rf Oscillator Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 88 Selecting loop suppression verification When you have completed these operations, click the Close button Setup considerations for stable RF oscillator measurement Measurement noise floor The signal amplitude at the test set’s R input (Signal Input) port sets the measurement noise floor level.
Page 135: Figure 89. Noise Floor For The Stable Rf Oscillator Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples L Port level +15dBm -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Expected phase noise floor of system (dBc/Hz) 10kHz n5505a_exp_phase_noise 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 89 Noise floor for the stable RF oscillator measurement e5505a_user_noise_floor_ex 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 90 Noise floor calculation example Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 136: Beginning The Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it is necessary to insert a low-noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set. Refer to “Inserting a Device" on page 122 for details on determining the amplifier noise effect on the measured noise floor.
Page 137: Figure 93. Connect Diagram For The Stable Rf Oscillator Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware pull-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list. E5500_verify_con 23 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 93 Connect diagram for the stable RF oscillator measurement Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time.
Page 138: Table 15. Test Set Signal Input Limits And Characteristics
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 15 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits • Frequency 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 201) Maximum Signal Input Power Sum of the reference and signal input power shall not exceed +23 dBm At Attenuator Output, Operating Level Range:...
Page 139: Checking The Beatnote
Absolute Measurement Examples Checking the beatnote While the connect diagram is still displayed, use an oscilloscope (connected to the Monitor port on the test set) or a counter to check the beatnote being created between the reference source and your DUT. The objective of checking the beatnote is to ensure that the center frequencies of the two sources are close enough in frequency to create a beatnote that is within the capture range of the system.
Page 140: Making The Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples -1V/div E5505a_oscillo_disp_beatnote 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 94 Oscilloscope display of beatnote from test set Monitor port Making the measurement Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears, select View Measured Loop Suppression, View Smoothed Loop Suppression, and View Adjusted Loop Suppression See...
Page 141: Figure 95. Selecting Suppressions
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_suppression.ai rev2 10/21/03 Figure 95 Selecting suppressions Four different curves are available for this graph. (For more information about loop suppression verification, refer to Chapter 15, “Advanced Software Features.) “Measured” loop suppression curve—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system.
Page 142: Figure 96. Typical Phase Noise Curve For A Stable Rf Oscillator
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_typ_noise_curve_RFosc 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 96 Typical phase noise curve for a stable RF oscillator Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 143: Table 16. Parameter Data For The Stable Rf Oscillator Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 16 Parameter data for the stable RF oscillator measurement Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • Measurement Type • Absolute Phase Noise (using a phase locked loop) • Start Frequency • 1 Hz • Stop Frequency •...
Page 144 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 16 Parameter data for the stable RF oscillator measurement (continued) Step Parameters Data Test Set Tab Input Attenuation • Auto checked LNA Low Pass Filter • Auto checked • LNA Gain • Auto Gain Detector Maximum Input Levels •...
Page 145: Free-Running Rf Oscillator
Absolute Measurement Examples Free-Running RF Oscillator This measurement example will help you measure the phase noise of a free-running RF oscillator with frequency drift >20 ppm over a period of thirty minutes. To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the C A UTI ON signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in...
Page 146: Figure 97. Select The Parameters Definition File
Absolute Measurement Examples Figure 97 Select the parameters definition file Click the Open button. The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 16 on page 143 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the Free-Running RF Source measurement example.) Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 16...
Page 147: Figure 98. Enter Source Information
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_enter_source_info 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 98 Enter source information Table 17 Tuning characteristics for various sources VCO Source Carrier Tuning Constant Center Voltage Tuning Input Tuning Freq. (Hz/V) Voltage Range (±V) Resistance Calibration (Ω) Method Agilent 8662/3A υ...
Page 148: Selecting A Reference Source
Absolute Measurement Examples Selecting a reference source Using Figure 99 as a guide, navigate to the Block Diagram tab. From the Reference Source pull-down list, select your source. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button Agilent-8257 e5505a_user_select_ref_source 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 99 Selecting a reference source Selecting Loop Suppression Verification...
Page 149: Setup Considerations For The Free-Running Rf Oscillator Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 100 Selecting loop suppression verification When you have completed these operations, click the Close button Setup considerations for the free-running RF oscillator measurement Measurement noise floor The signal amplitude at the test set’s R input (Signal Input) port sets the measurement noise floor level.
Page 150: Figure 101. Noise Floor For The Free-Running Rf Oscillator Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples L Port level +15dBm -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Expected phase noise floor of system (dBc/Hz) 10kHz n5505a_exp_phase_noise 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 101 Noise floor for the free-running RF oscillator measurement e5505a_user_noise_floor_ex 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 102 Noise floor calculation example Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 151: Beginning The Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it will be necessary to insert a low-noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set. Refer to “Inserting an Device” in Chapter “Absolute Measurement Fundamentals for details on determining the effect the amplifiers noise will have on the measured noise floor.
Page 152: Figure 105. Connect Diagram For The Free-Running Rf Oscillator Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware drop-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list. See Figure 105. TEST SET DOWNCONVERTER N5500A N5502A e5505a_user_connect_free_osc 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 105 Connect diagram for the free-running RF oscillator measurement Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time.
Page 153: Checking The Beatnote
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 18 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits • Frequency 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 201) Maximum Signal Input Power Sum of the reference and signal input power shall not exceed +23 dBm At Attenuator Output, Operating Level Range:...
Page 154: Figure 106. Oscilloscope Display Of Beatnote From Test Set Monitor Port
Absolute Measurement Examples Refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO.) If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within NO T E the capture range, the system will not be able to complete its measurement.
Page 155: Making The Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples Estimate the system’s capture range (using the VCO source parameters entered for this measurement). The estimated VCO tuning constant must be accurate within a factor of 2. A procedure for Estimating the Tuning Constant is located in this chapter. If you are able to locate the beatnote, but it distorts and then disappears as you adjust it NO T E towards 0 Hz, your sources are injection locking to each other.
Page 156: Figure 107. Selecting Suppressions
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_suppression.ai rev2 10/21/03 Figure 107 Selecting suppressions • There are four different curves for this graph. (For more information about loop suppression verification, refer to Chapter 15, “Advanced Software Features.) “Measured” loop suppression curve—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system.
Page 157: Figure 108. Typical Phase Noise Curve For A Free-Running Rf Oscillator
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_typ_noise_free_osc.ai rev2 10/21/03 Figure 108 Typical phase noise curve for a free-running RF oscillator Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 158: Table 19. Parameter Data For The Free-Running Rf Oscillator Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 19 Parameter data for the free-running RF oscillator measurement Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • Measurement Type Absolute Phase Noise (using a phase locked loop) • • Start Frequency 10 Hz • • Stop Frequency 4 E + 6 Hz •...
Page 159 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 19 Parameter data for the free-running RF oscillator measurement (continued) Downconverter Tab Input Frequency • 10.044 E + 9 L.O. Frequency • Auto I.F. Frequency • 444 E +6 Millimeter Frequency • L.O. Power • 20 dBM Maximum AM Detector Level •...
Page 160: Rf Synthesizer Using Dcfm
Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer Using DCFM This measurement example will help you measure the absolute phase noise of an RF synthesizer using DCFM. To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the C A UTI ON signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in...
Page 161: Figure 110. Enter Source Information
Absolute Measurement Examples Click the Open button. The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 25 on page 185 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the RF Synthesizer using DCFM measurement example.
Page 162: Selecting A Reference Source
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 20 Tuning characteristics for various sources VCO Source Carrier Tuning Constant Center Voltage Tuning Input Calibration Freq. (Hz/V) Voltage (V) Range (±V) Resistance (Ω) Method Agilent 8662/3A υ 5 E – 9 x υ 1E + 6 Measure DCFM FM Deviation...
Page 163: Selecting Loop Suppression Verification
Absolute Measurement Examples Selecting Loop Suppression Verification Using Figure 112 as a guide, navigate to the Cal tab. In the Cal dialog box, check Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression and Always Show Suppression Graph. Select If limit is exceeded: Show Loop Suppression Graph. e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 112 Selecting loop suppression verification...
Page 164: Figure 113. Noise Floor For The Rf Synthesizer (Dcfm) Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples L Port level +15dBm -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Expected phase noise floor of system (dBc/Hz) 10kHz n5505a_exp_phase_noise 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 113 Noise floor for the RF synthesizer (DCFM) measurement e5505a_user_noise_floor_ex 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 114 Noise floor calculation example Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 165: Beginning The Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it will be necessary to insert a low noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set input. (Refer to the section “Inserting a Device"...
Page 166: Figure 117. Connect Diagram For The Rf Synthesizer (Dcfm) Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware drop-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list. See Figure 117. N5500A e5505_user_connect_diag_8663a 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 117 Connect diagram for the RF synthesizer (DCFM) measurement Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time.
Page 167: Checking The Beatnote
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 21 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits • Frequency 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 201) Maximum Signal Input Power Sum of the reference and signal input power shall not exceed +23 dBm At Attenuator Output, Operating Level Range:...
Page 168: Figure 118. Oscilloscope Display Of Beatnote From The Test Set Monitor Port
Absolute Measurement Examples Refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO.) If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within NO T E the capture range, the system will not be able to complete its measurement.
Page 169: Making The Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples Making the measurement Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears, select View Measured Loop Suppression, View Smoothed Loop Suppression, and View Adjusted Loop Suppression.
Page 170: Figure 120. Typical Phase Noise Curve For An Rf Synthesizer Using Dcfm
Absolute Measurement Examples changing loop parameters (in the theoretical response) to match the “smoothed” measured curve as closely as possible. When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help with using the results. Figure 120 shows a typical phase noise curve for an RF synthesizer using DCFM.
Page 171: Table 22. Parameter Data For The Rf Synthesizer (Dcfm) Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 22 Parameter Data for the RF Synthesizer (DCFM) Measurement Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • Measurement Type Absolute Phase Noise (using a phase locked loop) • • Start Frequency 10 Hz • • Stop Frequency 4 E + 6 Hz •...
Page 172 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 22 Parameter Data for the RF Synthesizer (DCFM) Measurement (continued) Step Parameters Data • Downconverter Tab The downconverter parameters do not apply to this measurement example. Graph Tab • Title • RF Synthesizer vs Agilent 8663A using DCFM •...
Page 173: Rf Synthesizer Using Efc
Absolute Measurement Examples RF Synthesizer Using EFC This measurement example will help you measure the absolute phase noise of an RF synthesizer using EFC. To prevent damage to the test set’s components, the input signal do not apply the C A UTI ON signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 31.
Page 174: Click The Open Button
Absolute Measurement Examples Click the Open button. • The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 28 on page 199 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the RF Synthesizer using EFC measurement example.) Note that the source parameters in Table 28...
Page 175: E5505A_User_Enter_Source_Info
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_enter_source_info 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 122 Enter Source Information Table 23 Tuning Characteristics for Various Sources VCO Source Carrier Tuning Constant Center Voltage Tuning Input Tuning Freq. (Hz/V) Voltage Range (±V) Resistance Calibration (Ω) Method Agilent 8662/3A υ...
Page 176: Selecting A Reference Source
Absolute Measurement Examples Selecting a reference source Using Figure 123 as a guide, navigate to the Block Diagram tab. From the Reference Source pull-down list, select your source. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button Agilent-8257 e5505a_user_select_ref_source 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 123 Selecting a reference source Selecting Loop Suppression Verification...
Page 177: Setup Considerations For The Rf Synthesizer Using Efc Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 124 Selecting Loop suppression verification Setup considerations for the RF synthesizer using EFC measurement Measurement noise floor The signal amplitude at the test set’s R input (Signal Input) port sets the measurement noise floor level.
Page 178: Figure 125. Noise Floor For The Rf Synthesizer (Efc) Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples L Port level +15dBm -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Expected phase noise floor of system (dBc/Hz) 10kHz n5505a_exp_phase_noise 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 125 Noise floor for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement e5505a_user_noise_floor_ex 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 126 Noise floor calculation example Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 179: Beginning The Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it will be necessary to insert a low noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set input. (Refer to the section “Inserting a Device"...
Page 180: Figure 129. Connect Diagram For The Rf Synthesizer (Efc) Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware drop-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list. See Figure 129. N5500A e5505_user_connect_diag_8663a 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 129 Connect diagram for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time.
Page 181: Checking The Beatnote
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 24 Test set signal Input Limits and Characteristics Limits • Frequency 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 201) Maximum Signal Input Power Sum of the reference and signal input power shall not exceed +23 dBm At Attenuator Output, Operating Level Range:...
Page 182: Making The Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples Refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO.) If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within NO T E the capture range, the system will not be able to complete its measurement.
Page 183: Figure 131. Selecting Suppressions
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_suppression.ai rev2 10/21/03 Figure 131 Selecting suppressions There are four different curves for this graph. (For more information about loop suppression verification, refer to Chapter 15, “Advanced Software Features.”) “Measured” loop suppression curve—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system.
Page 184: Figure 132. Typical Phase Noise Curve For An Rf Synthesizer Using Efc
Absolute Measurement Examples Figure 132 shows a typical phase noise curve for a RF synthesizer using EFC. e5505a_user_typ_noise_curve_EFC 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 132 Typical phase noise curve for an RF synthesizer using EFC Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 185: Table 25. Parameter Data For The Rf Synthesizer (Efc) Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 25 Parameter data for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • Measurement Type Absolute Phase Noise (using a phase locked loop) • • Start Frequency 10 Hz • • Stop Frequency 4 E + 6 Hz •...
Page 186 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 25 Parameter data for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement (continued) Step Parameters Data • Downconverter Tab The downconverter parameters do not apply to this measurement example. Graph Tab • • Title RF Synthesizer vs Agilent 8663A using EFC •...
Page 187: Microwave Source
Absolute Measurement Examples Microwave Source This measurement example will help you measure the absolute phase noise of a microwave source (2.5 to 18 GHz) with frequency drift of ≤10E – 9 X Carrier Frequency over a period of thirty minutes. To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the C A UTI ON signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the...
Page 188 Absolute Measurement Examples Click the Open button. • The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 28 on page 199 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the Microwave Source measurement example.) Note that the source parameters in Table 28 on page 199 may not be appropriate for the...
Page 189: Figure 134. Enter Source Information
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_enter_source_info 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 134 Enter source information Table 26 Tuning characteristics for various sources VCO Source Carrier Tuning Constant Center Voltage Tuning Input Tuning Freq. (Hz/V) Voltage Range (±V) Resistance Calibration (Ω) Method Agilent 8662/3A υ...
Page 190: Selecting A Reference Source
Absolute Measurement Examples Selecting a reference source Using Figure 135 on page 190, navigate to the Block Diagram tab. From the Reference Source pull-down list, select your source. When you have completed these operations, click the Close button Agilent-8257 e5505a_user_select_ref_source 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 135 Selecting a reference source Selecting Loop Suppression Verification...
Page 191: Setup Considerations For The Microwave Source Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 136 Selecting loop suppression verification Setup considerations for the microwave source measurement Measurement noise floor Figure 137 shows a typical noise level for the N5502A/70422A downconverter when used with the 8644B. Use it to help you estimate if the measurement noise floor is below the expected noise level of your DUT.
Page 192: Beginning The Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it will be necessary to insert a low noise amplifier between the DUT and the downconverter input. (Refer to “Inserting a Device"...
Page 193: Figure 140. Connect Diagram For The Microwave Source Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples TEST SET DOWNCONVERTER N5500A N5502A e5505a_user_connect_free_osc 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 140 Connect diagram for the microwave source measurement Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time. Confirm your connections as shown in the connect diagram. •...
Page 194: Checking The Beatnote
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 27 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits • Frequency 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 201) Maximum Signal Input Power Sum of the reference and signal input power shall not exceed +23 dBm At Attenuator Output, Operating Level...
Page 195: Figure 141. Oscilloscope Display Of A Beatnote From The Test Set Monitor Port
Absolute Measurement Examples Refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO.) If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within NO T E the capture range, the system will not be able to complete its measurement.
Page 196: Making The Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples Estimate the system’s capture range (using the VCO source parameters entered for this measurement) using the equation below. The estimated VCO tuning constant must be accurate within a factor of 2. Tuning Constant (Hz/V) Tuning Range Capture Range (Hz/V) Capture...
Page 197: Figure 142. Selecting Suppressions
Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_suppression.ai rev2 10/21/03 Figure 142 Selecting suppressions • There are four different curves for this graph. (For more information about loop suppression verification, refer to Chapter 15, “Advanced Software Features.”) “Measured” loop suppression curve—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system.
Page 198: Figure 143. Typical Phase Noise Curve For A Microwave Source
Absolute Measurement Examples Figure 143 shows a typical phase noise curve for a microwave source. e5505a_user_typ_noise_curve_micro 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 143 Typical phase noise curve for a microwave source Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 199: Table 28. Parameter Data For The Microwave Source Measurement
Absolute Measurement Examples Table 28 Parameter data for the microwave source measurement Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • Measurement Type Absolute Phase Noise (using a phase locked loop) • • Start Frequency 10 Hz • • Stop Frequency 4 E + 6 Hz •...
Page 200 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 28 Parameter data for the microwave source measurement (continued) Step Parameters Data Downconverter Tab Input Frequency • 12 E + 9 L.O. Frequency • Auto I.F. Frequency • (Calculated by software) Millimeter Frequency • L.O. Power •...
Page 201 E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Residual Measurement Fundamentals What is Residual Noise? Assumptions about Residual Phase Noise Measurements Calibrating the Measurement Measurement Difficulties Agilent Technologies...
Page 202: Residual Measurement Fundamentals
Residual Measurement Fundamentals What is Residual Noise? Residual or two-port noise is the noise added to a signal when the signal is processed by a two-port device. Such devices include amplifiers, dividers, filters, mixers, multipliers, phase-locked loop synthesizers or any other two-port electronic networks.
Page 203: Figure 145. Multiplicative Noise Components
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Device under test Source Base band noise mixed around the signal Noiseless source Base band noise E5505a_multi_noise_comp 27 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 145 Multiplicative noise components Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 204: Assumptions About Residual Phase Noise Measurements
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Assumptions about Residual Phase Noise Measurements The following are some basic assumptions regarding Residual Phase Noise measurements. If these assumptions are not valid they will affect the measured results. • The source noise in each of the two phase detector paths is correlated at the phase detector for the frequency offset range of interest.
Page 205: Frequency Translation Devices
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Frequency translation devices If the DUT is a frequency translating device (such as a divider, multiplier, or mixer), then one DUT must be put in each path. The result is the sum of the noise from each DUT. In other words, each DUT is at least as quiet as the measured result.
Page 206: Calibrating The Measurement
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Calibrating the Measurement In the E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System, residual phase noise measurements are made by selecting Residual Phase Noise (without using a phase locked loop). There are five calibration methods available for use when making residual phase noise measurements.
Page 207: Calibration And Measurement Guidelines
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Calibration and measurement guidelines The following general guidelines should be considered when setting up and making a residual two-port phase noise measurement. For residual phase noise measurements, the source noise must be correlated. The phase delay difference in the paths between the power splitter and the phase detector must be kept to a minimum when making residual noise measurements.
Page 208: Calibration Options
Residual Measurement Fundamentals DUT and other phase-sensitive components from mechanically-induced phase noise. The mechanical shock of bumping the test set or kicking the table will often knock a sensitive residual phase noise measurement out of quadrature. When making an extremely sensitive measurement it is essential to use semi-rigid cable between the components.
Page 209: User Entry Of Phase Detector Constant
Residual Measurement Fundamentals User entry of phase detector constant This calibration option requires that you know the phase detector constant for the specific measurement to be made. The phase detector constant can be estimated from the source power levels (or a monitor oscilloscope) or it can be determined using one of the other calibration methods.
Page 210: Figure 149. Measuring Power At Phase Detector Signal Input Port
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Procedure Connect circuit as per Figure 149, and tighten all connections. Test set Power meter Optional line spectrum stretcher analyzer Signal Power input splitter Phase Source detector Ref input E5505a_phase_det_signal 27 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 149 Measuring power at phase detector signal input port Measure the power level that will be applied to the signal input of the test set’s phase detector.
Page 211: Figure 150. Phase Detector Sensitivity
Residual Measurement Fundamentals .035 -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Approximate phase noise floor (dBc/Hz) 10kHz E5505a_phase_det_sensitivity 27 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 150 Phase detector sensitivity Remove the power meter and reconnect the cable from the splitter to the Signal Input port. If you are not certain that the power level at the Reference Input port is within the range shown in the preceding graph, measure the level using the setup shown in...
Page 212: Figure 151. Adjust For Quadrature
Residual Measurement Fundamentals e5505a_user_adjust_quad 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 151 Adjust for quadrature For the system to accept the adjustment to quadrature, the meter must be NO T E within ±2 mV to ±4 mV. Once you have attained quadrature, you are ready to proceed with the measurement.
Page 213: Measured ± Dc Peak Voltage
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Measured ± DC peak voltage Advantages • Easy method for calibrating the measurement system. • This calibration technique can be performed using the baseband analyzer. • Fastest method of calibration. If, for example, the same power levels are always at the phase detector, as in the case of leveled, or limited outputs, the phase detector sensitivity will always be essentially equivalent (within one or two dB).
Page 214: Figure 153. Connection To Optional Oscilloscope For Determining Voltage Peaks
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Test set Optional line stretcher Signal Power input Phase splitter detector Source Low-pass filter Ref input Oscilloscope Connect scope to monitor output E5505a_connect_opt_oscillo 27 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 153 Connection to optional oscilloscope for determining voltage peaks Table 30 Acceptable Amplitude Ranges for the Phase Detectors Phase Detector 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz...
Page 215: Measured Beatnote
Residual Measurement Fundamentals The system software will then calculate the phase detector constant automatically using the following algorithm: The system software will then prompt you to set the phase noise software’s meter to quadrature. The system will now measure the noise data. Measured beatnote This calibration option requires that one of the input frequency sources be tunable such that a beatnote can be acquired from the two sources.
Page 216: Procedure
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Procedure Connect circuit as per Figure 154, and tighten all connections. Optional line stretcher Signal Power input splitter Phase Source detector Power meter or spectrum analyzer Ref input E5505a_pwr_phase_det_ref 27 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 154 Measuring power from splitter Measure the power level that will be applied to the Signal Input port of the test set’s phase detector.
Page 217: Synthesized Residual Measurement Using Beatnote Cal
Residual Measurement Fundamentals optional variable phase shifter or line stretcher. Quadrature is achieved when the meter on the front panel of the phase noise interface is set to zero. For the system to accept the adjustment to quadrature, the meter must be NO T E within ±2 mV to ±4 mV.
Page 218: Procedure
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Procedure Connect circuit as per Figure 156 and tighten all connections. Test set Synthesizer 1 power Ref input splitter Phase Source detector Optional line Synthesizer 2 stretcher Signal input E5505a_syn_residual_measure 27 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 156 Synthesized residual measurement using beatnote cal Offset the carrier frequency of one synthesizer to produce a beatnote for cal.
Page 219: Figure 157. Calibration Setup
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Because the calibration is performed under actual measurement conditions, the NO T E Double-sided Spur Method and the Single-sided Spur Method are the two most accurate calibration methods. Disadvantages • Requires a phase modulator which operates at the desired carrier frequency.
Page 220: Table 34. Acceptable Amplitude Ranges For The Phase Detectors
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Table 34 Acceptable amplitude ranges for the phase detectors Phase Detector 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz 1.2 to 26.5 GHz Ref Input (L Port) Signal Input (R Port) Ref Input (L Port) Signal Input (R Port) 15 dBm 0 dBm 7 dBm 0 dBm...
Page 221: Single-Sided Spur
Residual Measurement Fundamentals actual performance. The modulation level is set by the port-to-port isolation of the power splitter and the isolation of the phase modulator. This isolation can be improved at the expense of signal level by adding an attenuator between the phase modulator and the power splitter. Connect the phase detector.
Page 222: Figure 159. Calibration Setup For Single-Sided Spur
Residual Measurement Fundamentals The Single-sided Spur Method and the Double-sided Spur Method (Option 4) are the two NO T E most accurate methods. Broadband couplers with good directivity are available, at reasonable cost, to couple in the calibration spur. Disadvantages Requires a second RF sources that can be set between 10 Hz and up to 50 MHz (depending on the baseband analyzer used) from the carrier source frequency.
Page 223: Table 35. Acceptable Amplitude Ranges For The Phase Detectors
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Table 35 Acceptable Amplitude Ranges for the Phase Detectors Phase Detector 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz 1.2 to 26.5 GHz Ref Input (L Port) Signal Input (R Port) Ref Input (L Port) Signal Input (R Port) 15 dBm 0 dBm 7 dBm 0 dBm...
Page 224: Figure 161. Carrier-To-Spur Ratio Of Non-Modulated Signal
Residual Measurement Fundamentals <- 60 dBc Test set Optional line RF spectrum stretcher analyzer Signal Power input splitter Phase Source detector -20 dB coupler output input Ref input -10 dB Calibration attenuator source Coupler port E5505a_carrier_spur_ratio_non_mod 01 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 161 Carrier-to-spur ratio of non-modulated signal Connect the phase detector.
Page 225: Measurement Difficulties
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Measurement Difficulties Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” contains troubleshooting information to be used after the measurement has been made, and a plot has been obtained. When making phase noise measurements it is important to keep your equipment connected until the measurements have been made, all problems corrected, and the results have been evaluated to make sure that the measurement is valid.
Page 226 Residual Measurement Fundamentals Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 227: Residual Measurement Examples
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example Agilent Technologies...
Page 228: Amplifier Measurement Example
Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example This example contains information about measuring the residual noise of two-port devices. It demonstrates a residual phase noise measurement for an RF Amplifier. Refer to Chapter 7, “Residual Measurement Fundamentals for more information about residual phase noise measurements. To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the C A UTI ON signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the...
Page 229: Defining The Measurement
Residual Measurement Examples Test set Signal Power input Phase splitter detector Source Optional line stretcher Low-pass filter Ref input Oscilloscope Connect scope to monitor port E5505a_user_connect_osc_vol_peak 16 Mar 04 rev 3 Figure 162 Setup for residual phase noise measurement Defining the measurement From the File menu, choose Open.
Page 230: Figure 164. Navigate To Residual Phase Noise
Residual Measurement Examples The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 38 on page 241 lists the parameter data that has been entered for this residual phase noise measurement example. From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window.
Page 231: Figure 165. Enter Frequencies Into Source Tab
Residual Measurement Examples e5505a_enter_freq 27 jun 04 rev 3 Figure 165 Enter frequencies into source tab Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window. Select Derive detector constant from measured ± DC peak voltage as the calibration method. See Figure 166.
Page 232: Figure 167. Select Parameters In The Block Diagram Tab
Residual Measurement Examples Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. Refer Figure 167. From the Phase Shifter pull-down, select Manual. From the Phase Detector pull-down, select Automatic Detector Selection. e5505a_user_select_param_blk_dia_tab 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 167 Select parameters in the block diagram tab Choose the Graph tab from the Define Measurement window.
Page 233: Setup Considerations For Amplifier Measurement
Residual Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_graph_desc_tab 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 168 Select graph description on graph tab When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. Setup considerations for amplifier measurement Connecting cables The best results will be obtained if semi-rigid coaxial cables are used to connect the components used in the measurement;...
Page 234: Beginning The Measurement
Residual Measurement Examples Beginning the measurement From the View menu, choose Meter to select the quadrature meter. See Figure 169. e5505a_user_select_meter_view_menu 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 169 Select meter from view menu From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement. See Figure 170.
Page 235: Figure 171. Confirm New Measurement
Residual Measurement Examples When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes. E5500_new_cali_meas 04 A Figure 171 Confirm new measurement When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the pull-down list.
Page 236: Table 36. Test Set Signal Input Limits And Characteristics
Residual Measurement Examples The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics contained in C A UTI ON Table To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input signal to the test set’s signal input connector until the input attenuator (Option 001) has been set by the phase noise software, which occurs at the connection diagram.
Page 237: Making The Measurement
Residual Measurement Examples Making the measurement Calibrate the measurement using measured ± DC peak voltage Refer to Chapter 7, “Residual Measurement Fundamentals for more information about residual phase noise measurements calibration types. Procedure Using Figure 173 Figure 174 on page 238 as guides, connect the circuit and tighten all connections.
Page 238: Figure 173. Residual Connect Diagram Example
Residual Measurement Examples Phase Power shifter splitter Calibration source Delay line To test set rear panel Test set CHIRP input N5500A Test Set GPIB STATUS INPUT REF INPUT SIGNAL INPUT SIGNAL NOISE 50 kHz -1600 MHz MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz MAXIMUM POWER +23 dBm 50 kHz -1600 MHz...
Page 239: Figure 175. Adjust Phase Difference At Phase Detector
Residual Measurement Examples Press the Continue button when ready to calibrate the measurement. Adjust the phase difference at the phase detector as prompted by the phase noise software. See Figure 175. e5505a_user_adjust_dif_phase 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 175 Adjust phase difference at phase detector The system will measure the positive and negative peak voltage of the phase detector using an internal voltmeter.
Page 240: When The Measurement Is Complete
Residual Measurement Examples e5505a_user_adjust_phase_shift 25 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 176 Adjust phase shifter until meter indicates 0 volts The system will now measure the noise data. The system can now run the measurement. The segment data will be displayed on the computer screen as the data is taken until all segments have been taken over the entire range you specified in the Measurement definition’s Type and Range.
Page 241: Figure 177. Typical Phase Noise Curve For A Residual Measurement
Residual Measurement Examples e5505a_user_adjust_dif_phase 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 177 Typical phase noise curve for a residual measurement Table 38 Parameter data for the amplifier measurement example Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • Measurement Type Residual Phase Noise (without using a phase locked loop) •...
Page 242 Residual Measurement Examples Table 38 Parameter data for the amplifier measurement example (continued) Step Parameters Data Cal Tab • • Phase Detector Constant Derive detector constant from measured ± DC peak • 410.8 E-3 • Current Phase Detector Constant • Know Spur Parameters •...
Page 243: Fm Discriminator Fundamentals
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide FM Discriminator Fundamentals The Frequency Discriminator Method Agilent Technologies...
Page 244: The Frequency Discriminator Method
FM Discriminator Fundamentals The Frequency Discriminator Method Unlike the phase detector method, the frequency discriminator method does not require a second reference source phase locked to the source under test. Figure 178. e5505a_user_basic_delay_line.ai rev2 10/23/03 Figure 178 Basic delay line/mixer frequency discriminator method This makes the frequency discriminator method extremely useful for measuring sources that are difficult to phase lock, including sources that are microphonic or drift quickly.
Page 245: The Discriminator Transfer Response
FM Discriminator Fundamentals The double-balanced mixer, acting as a phase detector, transforms the ∆φ → ∆V instantaneous phase fluctuations into voltage fluctuations ( ). With the two input signals 90° out of phase (phase quadrature), the voltage out is proportional to the input phase fluctuations. The voltage fluctuations can then be measured by the baseband analyzer and converted to phase noise units.
Page 246: Figure 179. Nulls In Sensitivity Of Delay Line Discriminator
FM Discriminator Fundamentals e5505a_user_nulls_delay_line.ai rev2 10/23/03 Figure 179 Nulls in sensitivity of delay line discriminator To avoid having to compensate for sin (x)/x response, measurements are ⁄ typically made at offset frequencies ( ) much less . It is possible to 1 2τd measure at offset frequencies out to and beyond the null by scaling the measured results using the transfer equation.
Page 247 FM Discriminator Fundamentals Optimum sensitivity If measurements are made such that the offset frequency of interest ( ) is πτ d <1/2 the sin(x)/x term can be ignored and the transfer response can be ∆V f m K d ∆f f m K φ...
Page 248: Table 39. Choosing A Delay Line
FM Discriminator Fundamentals Table 39 Choosing a delay line Parameters Source signal level +7dBm Mixer compression point +3 dBm Delay line attenuation at source carrier frequency 30 dB per 100 ns of Delay Highest offset frequency of interest 5 MHz To avoid having to correct for the sin(x)/x response choose the delay such that: - - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -- - -...
Page 249: Fm Discriminator Measurement Examples
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Introduction FM Discriminator Measurement using Double-Sided Spur Calibration Discriminator Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration Agilent Technologies...
Page 250: Introduction
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Introduction These two measurement examples demonstrates the FM Discriminator measurement technique for measuring the phase noise of a signal source using two different calibration methods. These measurement techniques work well for measuring free-running oscillators that drift over a range that exceeds the tuning range limits of the phase-locked-loop measurement technique.
Page 251: Fm Discriminator Measurement Using Double-Sided Spur Calibration
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples FM Discriminator Measurement using Double-Sided Spur Calibration To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the C A UTI ON signal input connector until the input attenuator (N5500A Option 001) has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 41.
Page 252: Defining The Measurement
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples -100 -120 -140 -160 -180 100K 10M 100M ( f ) = -[dBc/Hz] vs. f [Hz] E5505a_disc_noise_floor 01 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 181 Discriminator noise floor as a function of delay time Defining the measurement From the File menu, choose Open.
Page 253: Figure 183. Select Measurement Type
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 42 on page 265 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the FM discriminator measurement example. From the Define menu, navigate to the Measurement window. Using Figure 183 as a guide: Choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window.
Page 254: Figure 184. Enter Frequencies In Source Tab
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Choose the Sources tab from the Define Measurement window. Enter the carrier (center) frequency of your DUT (5 MHz to 1.6 Gaze). Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency. Figure 184. e5505a_user_enter_source_tab 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 184 Enter frequencies in source tab Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window.
Page 255: Figure 185. Enter Parameters Into The Call Tab
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples e5505a_user_enter_param_call_tab 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 185 Enter parameters into the call tab Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. From the Reference Source pull-down, select Manual. From the Phase Detector pull-down, select Automatic Detector Selection.
Page 256: Figure 186. Select Parameters In The Block Diagram Tab
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_param_blk_diag_tab2 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 186 Select parameters in the block diagram tab Choose the Graph tab from the Define Measurement window. Enter a graph description of your choice. See Figure 187. e5505a_user_select_graph_desc_graph_tab 25 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 187 Select Graph Description on Graph Tab Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 257: Setup Considerations
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. Setup considerations Connecting cables The best results will be obtained if semi-rigid coaxial cables are used to connect the components used in the measurement; however, BNC cables have been specified because they are more widely available.
Page 258: Beginning The Measurement
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Beginning the measurement From the View menu, choose Meter to select the quadrature meter. See Figure 188. e5505a_user_select_meter_view_menu2 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 188 Select meter from view menu From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement. See Figure 189.
Page 259: Figure 190. Confirm New Measurement
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes. E5500_new_cali_meas 04 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 190 Confirm new measurement When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware pull-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list.
Page 260: Table 41. Test Set Signal Input Limits And Characteristics
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics contained in C A UTI ON Table To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input signal to the test set’s signal input connector until the input attenuator (Option 001) has been set by the phase noise software, which occurs at the connection diagram.
Page 261: Figure 192. Connect Diagram Example
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Phase Power shifter splitter Calibration source Delay line To test set rear panel Test set CHIRP input N5500A Test Set GPIB STATUS INPUT REF INPUT SIGNAL INPUT SIGNAL NOISE 50 kHz -1600 MHz MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz MAXIMUM POWER +23 dBm 50 kHz -1600 MHz...
Page 262 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Establish quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter until the meter indicates 0 volts, then press Continue. 35505a_cal_measure1 21 jun 04 rev1 Figure 193 Calibration measurement (1 of 5) e5505a_user cal_measure2 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 194 Calibration measurement (2 of 5) Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 263 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Apply modulation to the carrier signal, then press Continue. e5505a_user cal_measure3 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 195 Calibration measurement (3 of 5) Remove the modulation from the carrier and connect your DUT. e5505a_cal_measure4 21 jun 04 rev1 Figure 196 Calibration measurement (4 of 5) The system can now run the measurement.
Page 264: When The Measurement Is Complete
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples When the measurement is complete When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results for help in evaluating your measurement results. (If the test system has problems completing the measurement, it will inform you by placing a message on the computer display.
Page 265: Table 42. Parameter Data For The Double-Sided Spur Calibration Example
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Table 42 Parameter data for the double-sided spur calibration example Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • Measurement Type Absolute Phase Noise (using an FM Discriminator) • • Start Frequency 10 Hz • • Stop Frequency 100 E + 6 Hz •...
Page 266 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Table 42 Parameter data for the double-sided spur calibration example (continued) Step Parameters Data Downconverter Tab The downconverter parameters do not apply to this measurement example. Graph Tab • Title • FM Discrim – 50 ns dly – 1.027GHz, +19 dBm out, •...
Page 267: Discriminator Measurement Using Fm Rate And Deviation Calibration
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Discriminator Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the C A UTI ON signal input connector until the input attenuator (N5500A Option 001) has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as show in Table 44 on page 276.
Page 268: Determining The Discriminator (Delay Line) Length
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Determining the discriminator (delay line) length Perform the following steps to determine the minimum delay line length (τ) Possible to provide an adequate noise to measure the source. Determine the delay necessary to provide a discriminator noise floor that is below the expected noise level of the DUT.
Page 269: Figure 200. Select The Parameters Definition File
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples e5505a_user select_param_def_file_vco_rd 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 200 Select the parameters definition file Click the Open button. • The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 45 on page 281 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the FM discriminator measurement example.
Page 270: Figure 202. Enter Frequencies In Source Tab
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Choose the Sources tab from the Define Measurement window. Enter the carrier (center) frequency of your DUT (5 MHz to 1.6 GHz). Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency. See Figure 202. e5505a_user_enter_source_tab 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 202 Enter frequencies in Source tab Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window.
Page 271: Figure 203. Enter Parameters Into The Cal Tab
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples e5505a_user _enter_param_cal_tab8272e 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 203 Enter parameters into the Cal tab Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. See Figure 204 on page 272. From the Reference Source pull-down, select Manual. From the Phase Detector pull-down, select Automatic Detector Selection.
Page 272: Figure 204. Enter Parameters In The Block Diagram Tab
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples e5505a_user _enter_param_diag_tab 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 204 Enter parameters in the Block Diagram tab Choose the Graph tab from the Define Measurement window. Enter a graph description of your choice. See Figure 205 on page 273. Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 273: Figure 205. Select Graph Description On Graph Tab
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_graph_desc_graph_tab 25 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 205 Select graph description on Graph tab When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. Setup considerations Connecting cables The best results will be obtained if semi-rigid coaxial cables are used to connect the components used in the measurement;...
Page 274: Beginning The Measurement
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Beginning the measurement From the View menu, choose Meter to select the quadrature meter. See Figure 206. e5505a_user_select_meter_view_menu2 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 206 Select meter from the View menu From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement. See Figure 207.
Page 275: Figure 208. Confirm New Measurement
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes. E5500_new_cali_meas 04 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 208 Confirm new measurement When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware pull-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list.
Page 276: Table 44. Test Set Signal Input Limits And Characteristics
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics contained in C A UTI ON Table 44 on page 276. To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input signal to the test set’s signal input connector until the input attenuator (Option 001) has been set by the phase noise software, which occurs at the connection diagram.
Page 277: Making The Measurement
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Phase Power shifter splitter Calibration source Delay line To test set rear panel Test set CHIRP input N5500A Test Set GPIB STATUS INPUT REF INPUT SIGNAL NOISE 50 kHz -1600 MHz SIGNAL INPUT MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz +23 dBm...
Page 278 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Establish quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter until the meter indicates 0 volts, then press Continue. 35505a_cal_measure1 21 jun 04 rev1 Figure 211 Calibration measurement (1 of 5) e5505a_user cal_measure2 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 212 Calibration measurement (2 of 5) Apply modulation to the carrier signal then press Continue.
Page 279 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples e5505a_user cal_measure3 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 213 Calibration measurement (3 of 5) Remove the modulation from the carrier and connect your DUT. e5505a_cal_measure4 21 jun 04 rev1 Figure 214 Calibration measurement (4 of 5) The system can now run the measurement.
Page 280: When The Measurement Is Complete
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples When the measurement is complete When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results for help in evaluating your measurement results. (If the test system has problems completing the measurement, it will inform you by placing a message on the computer display.
Page 281: Table 45. Parameter Data For The Rate And Deviation Calibration Example
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Table 45 Parameter data for the rate and deviation calibration example Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • Measurement Type Absolute Phase Noise (using an FM Discriminator) • • Start Frequency 10 Hz • • Stop Frequency 100 E + 6 Hz •...
Page 282 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Table 45 Parameter data for the rate and deviation calibration example (continued) Step Parameters Data • Graph Tab • • Title FM Discrim – 50 ns dly – 1.027GHz, +19 ICBM out, VCO,R&D • Graph Type •...
Page 283 E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals AM-Noise Measurement Theory of Operation Amplitude Noise Measurement Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines Method 1: User Entry of Phase Detector Constant Method 2: Double-Sided Spur Method 3: Single-Sided Spur Agilent Technologies...
Page 284: Am Noise Measurement Fundamentals
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals AM-Noise Measurement Theory of Operation Basic noise measurement The E5500A phase noise measurement software uses the following process to measure carrier noise by: • Calibrating the noise detector sensitivity. • Measuring the recovered baseband noise out of the detector. •...
Page 285: Amplitude Noise Measurement
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Amplitude Noise Measurement The level of amplitude modulation sidebands is also constant with increasing modulation frequency. The AM detector gain can thus be measured at a single offset frequency and the same constant will apply at all offset frequencies. Replacing the phase detector with an AM detector, the AM noise measurement can be calibrated in the same way as PM noise measurement, except the phase modulation must be replaced with amplitude modulation.
Page 286: Am Detector
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Test set AM detector Option K21 Noise input E5505a_noise_sys_block_n5509a 01 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 219 AM Noise system with 70429A Opt K21 AM detector Microwave downconverter Test set AM noise Signal input output Noise input E5505a_noise_sys_block_n5507a 01 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 220 AM noise system with N5507A downconverter...
Page 287: Table 46. Maximum Carrier Offset Frequency
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals AM detector specifications Detector type low barrier Schottky diode Carrier frequency range 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz Maximum input power +23 dBm Minimum input power 0 dBm Output bandwidth 1 Hz to 40 MHz AM detector considerations •...
Page 288 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals • The phase noise test set must be DC blocked when using its Noise Input or internal AM detector. The test set will not tolerate more than ± 2 mV DC Input without overloading the LNA. A DC block must be connected in series after the AM Detector to remove the DC component.
Page 289: Calibration And Measurement General Guidelines
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines Read This The following general guidelines should be considered when setting up and NO T E making an AM-noise measurement • The AM detector must be well shielded from external noise especially 60 Hz noise.
Page 290: Method 1: User Entry Of Phase Detector Constant
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Method 1: User Entry of Phase Detector Constant Method 1, example 1 Advantages • Easy method of calibrating the measurement system • Will measure DUT without modulation capability. • Requires only an RF power meter to measure drive levels into the AM detector.
Page 291: Figure 223. Am Noise Calibration Setup
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Power meter or spectrum analyzer E5505a_am_noise_cal_setup 01 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 223 AM noise calibration setup Locate the drive level on the AM sensitivity graph (Figure 224), and enter the data. Measure the noise data and interpret the results. The measured data will be plotted as single-sideband AM noise in dBc/Hz.
Page 292: Method 1, Example 2
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Method 1, example 2 Advantages • Easy method of calibrating the measurement system. • Will measure DUT without modulation capability. • Requires little additional equipment: only a voltmeter or an oscilloscope. • Fastest method of calibration. If the same power levels are always at the AM detector, as in the case of leveled outputs, the AM detector sensitivity will always be essentially the same.
Page 293: Figure 226. Modulation Sideband Calibration Setup
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Test set AM detector Noise input Diode voltage monitor output DVM or oscilloscope E5505a_mod_sideband_cal 02 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 226 Modulation sideband calibration setup Measure the monitor output voltage on the AM detector with an oscilloscope or voltmeter.
Page 294: Method 2: Double-Sided Spur
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Method 2: Double-Sided Spur Method 2, example 1 Advantages • Requires only one RF source (DUT) • Calibration is done under actual measurement conditions so all non-linearities and harmonics of the AM detector are calibrated out. The double-sided spur method and the single-sided-spur method are the two most accurate methods for this reason.
Page 295: Figure 228. Measuring The Carrier-To-Sideband Ratio
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals The carrier-to-sideband ratio for AM is: - -- - - NO T E   percentAM ---------------------------- - -----   Modulation analyzer Source E5505a_meas_car_side_ratio 02 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 228 Measuring the carrier-to-sideband ratio Reconnect the AM detector and enter the carrier-to-sideband ratio and modulation frequency.
Page 296: Method 2, Example 2
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Method 2, example 2 Advantages • Will measure source without modulation capability • Calibration is done under actual measurement conditions so all non-linearities and harmonics of the AM detector are calibrated out. The double-sided spur method and the single-sided-spur method are the two most accurate methods for this reason.
Page 297: Figure 232. Measuring Carrier-To-Sideband Ratio
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Using a source with AM, set its output power equal to the power measured in step 2. The source should be adjusted such that the sidebands are between –30 and –60 dB below the carrier with a modulation rate between 10 Hz and 20 MHz.
Page 298 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM NO T E detector’s output. Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 299: Method 3: Single-Sided Spur
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Method 3: Single-Sided Spur Advantages • Will measure source without modulation capability. • Calibration is done under actual measurement conditions so all non-linearities and harmonics of the AM detector are calibrated out. The double-sided spur method and the single-sided-spur method are the two most accurate methods for this reason.
Page 300: Figure 235. Measuring Relative Spur Level
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals page 300. The spur should be adjusted such that it is between –30 and –60 dBc, with a carrier offset of 10 Hz to 20 MHz. -20 dB coupler RF spectrum analyzer -10 dB atten Calibration E5505a_meas_relative_spur source 02 Mar 04 rev 1...
Page 301: Am Noise Measurement Examples
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide AM Noise Measurement Examples AM Noise with N5500A Option 001 Agilent Technologies...
Page 302: Am Noise With N5500A Option 001
AM Noise Measurement Examples AM Noise with N5500A Option 001 This example demonstrates the AM noise measurement of an 8662A signal generator using the AM detector in the N5500A Option 001 phase noise test set. For more information about various calibration techniques, refer to Chapter 11, “AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals.
Page 303: Defining The Measurement
AM Noise Measurement Examples Defining the measurement From the File menu, choose Open. If necessary, choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored. In the File Name box, choose “AM_noise_1ghz_8644b.pnm.” See Figure 238. e5505a_user_select_param_def_file_AM 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 238 Select the parameters definition file Click the Open button.
Page 304: Figure 239. Navigate To Am Noise
AM Noise Measurement Examples e5505a_user_nav_AM_noise 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 239 Navigate to AM noise Choose the Sources tab from the Define Measurement window. Enter the carrier (center) frequency of your DUT. Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency. See Figure 240 on page 304.
Page 305: Figure 241. Enter Parameters Into The Cal Tab
AM Noise Measurement Examples Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window. Select Use automatic internal self-calibration as the calibration method. Figure 241. For more information about various calibration techniques, refer to Chapter 11, “AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals. e5505a_user_enter_param_cal_tab60.07e 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 241 Enter parameters into the cal tab Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window.
Page 306: Figure 243. Select Graph Description On Graph Tab
AM Noise Measurement Examples Choose the Graph tab from the Define Measurement window. Enter a graph description of your choice. See Figure 243. e5505a_user_select_graph_desc_graph_AM 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 243 Select graph description on graph tab When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 307: Beginning The Measurement
AM Noise Measurement Examples Beginning the measurement From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement See Figure 244 E5500_new_measurement 04 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 244 Selecting a new measurement When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes.
Page 308: Figure 246. Connect Diagram For The Am Noise Measurement
AM Noise Measurement Examples e5505a_user_connect_diag_AM_noise 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 246 Connect diagram for the AM noise measurement Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time. Confirm your connections as shown in the connect diagram. •...
Page 309: Table 47. Test Set Signal Input Limits And Characteristics
AM Noise Measurement Examples Table 47 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits • Frequency 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std.) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 201) Maximum Signal Input Power Sum of the reference and signal input power shall not exceed +23 dBm •...
Page 310: Making The Measurement
AM Noise Measurement Examples Making the measurement Press the Continue button when you are ready to make the measurement. • The system is now ready to make the measurement. The measurement results are updated on the computer screen after each frequency segment has been measured.
Page 311: Table 48. Parameter Data For The Am Noise Using An N5500A Option 001
AM Noise Measurement Examples Table 48 Parameter data for the AM noise using an N5500A Option 001 Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • • Measurement Type AM Noise • • Start Frequency 10 Hz • • Stop Frequency 100 E + 6 Hz •...
Page 312 AM Noise Measurement Examples Table 48 Parameter data for the AM noise using an N5500A Option 001 (continued) Step Parameters Data Graph Tab • Title • AM Noise Measurement of an RF Signal • Graph Type • AM Noise (dBc/Hz) •...
Page 313: Baseband Noise Measurement Examples
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Baseband Noise with Test Set Measurement Example Baseband Noise without Test Set Measurement Example Agilent Technologies...
Page 314: Baseband Noise With Test Set Measurement Example
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Baseband Noise with Test Set Measurement Example This measurement example will help you measure the noise voltage of a source. To ensure accurate measurements allow the DUT and measurement equipment to warm up NO T E at least 30 minutes before making the noise measurement.
Page 315: Beginning The Measurement
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Beginning the measurement From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement See Figure 250 E5500_new_measurement 04 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 250 Selecting a new measurement When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes.
Page 316: Making The Measurement
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples e5505a_conn_diag_dialog rev 1 23 jun 04 Figure 252 Connect diagram dialog box Making the measurement Press Continue. • Figure 253 shows a typical phase noise curve for a baseband noise measurement using a test set. e5505a_user_typ_noise_curve_baseband 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 253 Typical phase noise curve for a baseband using a test set measurement.
Page 317: Table 49. Parameter Data For The Baseband Using A Test Set Measurement
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Table 49 lists the parameter data used for this measurement example. Table 49 Parameter data for the baseband using a test set measurement Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab • • Measurement Type Baseband Noise (using a test set) •...
Page 318: Baseband Noise Without Test Set Measurement Example
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Baseband Noise without Test Set Measurement Example This measurement example will help you measure the noise voltage of a source. To ensure accurate measurements allow the DUT and measurement equipment to warm up NO T E at least 30 minutes before making the noise measurement.
Page 319: Beginning The Measurement
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Beginning the measurement From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement See Figure 255 E5500_new_measurement 04 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 255 Selecting a new measurement When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes.
Page 320: Making The Measurement
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples e5505a_user_connect_diag_baseband_noTS.ai rev3 23 jun 04 Figure 257 Connect diagram for baseband without test set measurement e5505a_conn_diag_dialog rev 1 23 jun 04 Figure 258 Instrument connection dialog box Making the measurement Press the Continue button. (There is no need to select a connection diagram from the drop-down list.
Page 321: Figure 259. Typical Curve For A Baseband Without Test Set Measurement
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples e5505a_user_typ_noise_curve_baseband_noTS 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 259 Typical curve for a baseband without test set measurement. Table 50 Parameter data for the baseband without using a test set measurement Step Parameters Data Type and Range Tab •...
Page 322 Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 323: Evaluating Your Measurement Results
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Evaluating Your Measurement Results Evaluating the Results Gathering More Data Outputting the Results Graph of Results Omit Spurs Problem Solving Agilent Technologies...
Page 324: Evaluating The Results
Evaluating Your Measurement Results Evaluating the Results This chapter contains information to help you evaluate and output the results of your noise measurements. The purpose of the evaluation is to verify that the noise graph accurately represents the noise characteristics of your DUT. To use the information in this chapter, you should have completed your noise measurement, and the computer should be displaying a graph of its measurement results.
Page 325: Comparing Against Expected Data
Evaluating Your Measurement Results High small angle noise Spurs High noise level -100 Breaks -120 -140 -160 100K 10M 40M ( f ) = -[dBc/Hz] vs. f [Hz] E5505a_noise_curve_problems 02 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 260 Noise plot showing obvious problems Comparing against expected data If none of the problems listed appears on your graph, there still may be problems or uncertainties that are not obvious at first glance.
Page 326: Figure 261. Compensation For Added Reference Source Noise
Evaluating Your Measurement Results The reference source It is important that you know the noise and spur characteristics of your reference source when you are making phase noise measurements. (The noise measurement results provided when using this technique reflect the sum of all contributing noise sources in the system.) The best way to determine the noise characteristics of the reference source is to measure them.
Page 327: Figure 262. Measurement Results And Reference Source Noise
Evaluating Your Measurement Results 7 dB difference Measured reference at 10 kHz source noise -100 Measurement -120 results -140 -160 100K ( f ) = -[dBc/Hz] vs. f [Hz] E5505a_meas_results_ref_source 02 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 262 Measurement results and reference source noise Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 328: Gathering More Data
Evaluating Your Measurement Results Gathering More Data Repeating the measurement Making phase noise measurements is often an iterative process. The information derived from the first measurement will sometimes indicate that changes to the measurement setup are necessary for measuring a particular device.
Page 329: Outputting The Results
Evaluating Your Measurement Results Outputting the Results To generate a printed hardcopy of your test results, you must have a printer connected to the computer. Using a printer To print the phase noise graph along with the parameter summary data, select File/Print on the menu.
Page 330: Graph Of Results
Evaluating Your Measurement Results Graph of Results Use the Graph of Results to display and evaluate your measurement results. The Graph of Results screen is automatically displayed as a measurement is being made. However, you can also access the Graph of Results functions from the main graph menu.
Page 331: Figure 265. Add And Delete Markers
Evaluating Your Measurement Results e5505a_user_add_delete_markers 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 265 Add and delete markers Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 332: Omit Spurs
Evaluating Your Measurement Results Omit Spurs Omit Spurs plots the currently loaded results without displaying any spurs that may be present. On the View menu, click Display Preferences. See Figure 266. e5505a_user_nav_display_pref 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 266 Select display preferences In the Display Preferences dialog box, uncheck Spurs.
Page 333: Parameter Summary
Evaluating Your Measurement Results e5505a_user_graph_without_spurs2 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 268 Graph without spurs Parameter summary The Parameter Summary function allows you to quickly review the measurement parameter entries that were used for this measurement. The parameter summary data is included when you print the graph. On the View menu, click Parameter Summary (Figure 269).
Page 334: Figure 270. Parameter Summary Notepad
Evaluating Your Measurement Results The Parameter Summary Notepad dialog box appears (Figure 270). The data can be printed or changed using standard Notepad functionality. e5505a_user_param_sum_note 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 270 Parameter summary notepad Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 335: Problem Solving
Evaluating Your Measurement Results Problem Solving Table 51 List of topics that discuss problem solving in this chapter If you need to know: Refer to: What to do about breaks in the noise graph Discontinuity in the Graph How to verify a noise level that is higher than expected High Noise Level How to verify unexpected spurs on the graph Spurs on the Graph...
Page 336: Higher Noise Level
Evaluating Your Measurement Results Table 52 Potential causes of discontinuity in the graph (continued) (continued) Circumstance Description Recommended Action Break at the upper edge of the Accuracy degradation of more than Check the Parameter Summary list provided segment below PLL Bandwidth ³ 4. 1 or 2 dB can result in a break in the for your results graph to see if any accuracy graph at the internal changeover...
Page 337: Table 53. Spurs On The Graph
Evaluating Your Measurement Results Table 53 Spurs on the graph Offset Frequency Number of Averages Upward Change for Marking Spurs (dB) < ≥ < 100 kHz ≥ ≥ > 100 kHz To list the marked spurs A list of spurs can be displayed by accessing the Spurs List function in the View menu.
Page 338: Small Angle Line
Evaluating Your Measurement Results Table 54 Actions to eliminate spurs (continued) Spur Sources Description Recommended Action Electrical Electrically generated spurs can be caused by The frequency of the spur and patterns of multiple spurs electrical oscillation, either internal or external are the most useful parameters for determining the to the measurement system.
Page 339 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Small angle phase noise limit -100 -120 -140 -160 100K 10M 40M ( f ) = - - [dBc/Hz] vs. f [Hz] E5505a_valid_noise_levels 02 Mar 04 rev 1 L(f) Figure 271 Is only valid for noise levels below the small angle line Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 340 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 341: Advanced Software Features
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Advanced Software Features Introduction Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression Ignore-Out-Of-Lock Mode PLL Suppression Verification Process Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Graph Agilent Technologies...
Page 342: Introduction
Advanced Software Features Introduction The E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System software feature Advanced Functions allows you to manipulate the test system or to customize a measurement using the extended capabilities of the E5500 software. This chapter describes each of these advanced functions. Agilent recommends that only users who understand how the measurement and the test system are affected by each function use the Advanced Functions feature.
Page 343: Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression
Advanced Software Features Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression Selecting “PLL Suppression Graph” on the View menu causes the software to display the PLL Suppression Curve plot, as shown in Figure 272, when it is verified during measurement calibration. The plot appears whether or not an accuracy degradation occurs.
Page 344 Advanced Software Features Max error This is the measured error that still exists between the measured Loop Suppression and the Adjusted Theoretical Loop Suppression. The four points on the Loop Suppression graph marked with arrows (ranging from the peak down to approximately ––8 dB) are the points over which the Maximum Error is determined.
Page 345 Advanced Software Features Detector constant This is the phase Detector Constant (sensitivity of the phase detector) used for the measurement. The accuracy of the Phase Detector Constant is verified if the PLL suppression is verified. The accuracy of the phase Detector Constant determines the accuracy of the noise measurement.
Page 346: Ignore-Out-Of-Lock Mode
Advanced Software Features Ignore-Out-Of-Lock Mode The Ignore Out Of Lock test mode enables all of the troubleshooting mode functions, plus it causes the software to not check for an out-of-lock condition before or during a measurement. This allows you to measure sources with high close-in noise that normally would cause an out-of-lock condition and stop the measurement.
Page 347: Pll Suppression Verification Process
Advanced Software Features PLL Suppression Verification Process When “Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression” is selected, it is recommended that “Always Show Suppression Graph” also be selected. Verifying phase locked loop suppression is a function which is very useful in detecting errors in the phase detector constant or tune constant, the tune constant linearity, limited VCO tune port bandwidth conditions, and injection locking conditions.
Page 348: Figure 274. Measured Loop Suppression Curve
Advanced Software Features There are four different curves available for this graph: “Measured” loop suppression curve (Figure 274 on page 348)—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system. “Smoothed” measured suppression curve (Figure 275 on page 349)—this is a curve-fit representation of the measured results, it is used to compare with the “theoretical”...
Page 349: Figure 275. Smoothed Loop Suppression Curve
Advanced Software Features e5505a_user_smoothed_loop_sup.ai rev2 10/24/03 Figure 275 Smoothed loop suppression curve e5505a_user_theo_loop_sup.ai rev2 10/24/03 Figure 276 Theoretical loop suppression curve Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 350: Figure 277. Smoothed Vs. Theoretical Loop Suppression Curve
Advanced Software Features e5505a_user_theo_vs_smoothe_loop_sup.ai rev2 10/24/03 Figure 277 Smoothed vs. theoretical loop suppression curve e5505a_user_smooth_vs_adj_theo.ai rev2 10/24/03 Figure 278 Smoothed vs. Adjusted theoretical loop suppression curve Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 351: Figure 279. Adjusted Theoretical Vs. Theoretical Loop Suppression Curve
Advanced Software Features e5505a_user_adj_theo_vs_theo.ai rev2 10/24/03 Figure 279 Adjusted theoretical vs. theoretical loop suppression curve Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 352: Pll Gain Change
Advanced Software Features PLL gain change PLL gain change is the amount in dB by which the theoretical gain of the PLL must be adjusted to best match the smoothed measured loop suppression. The parameters of the theoretical loop suppression that are modified are Peak Tune Range (basically open loop gain) and Assumed Pole (for example a pole on the VCO tune port that may cause peaking).
Page 353: Blanking Frequency And Amplitude Information On The Phase Noise Graph
Advanced Software Features Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Graph Implementing either of the “secured” levels described in this section is not C A UTI ON reversible. Once the frequency or frequency/amplitude data has been blanked, it can not be recovered.
Page 354: Figure 281. Choosing Levels Of Security
Advanced Software Features Unsecured: all data is viewable When “Unsecured all data is viewable” is selected, all frequency and amplitude information is displayed on the phase noise graph. See Figure 281 Figure 282. e5505a_user_choose_security 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 281 Choosing levels of security e5505a_user_unsecured_all 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 282 Unsecured: all data is viewable...
Page 355: Figure 283. Choosing Levels Of Security
Advanced Software Features Secured: Frequencies Cannot be Viewed When “Secured: Frequencies cannot be viewed” is selected, all frequency information is blanked on the phase noise graph. See Figure 283 through Figure 285. e5505a_user_choose_security2 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 283 Choosing levels of security e5505a_user_secured_not_found 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 284 Secured: frequencies cannot be found-1...
Page 356: Figure 285. Secured: Frequencies Cannot Be Found-2
Advanced Software Features e5505a_user_secured_not_found2 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 285 Secured: frequencies cannot be found-2 Secured: Frequencies and Amplitudes cannot be viewed When “Secured: Frequencies and Amplitudes cannot be viewed” is selected, all frequency and amplitude information is blanked on the phase noise graph. See Figure 286 Figure 287.
Page 357: Figure 287. Secured: Frequencies And Amplitudes Cannot Be Viewed
Advanced Software Features e5505a_user_secured_freq_amp_not_viewed 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 287 Secured: frequencies and amplitudes cannot be viewed Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 358 Advanced Software Features Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 359: Reference Graphs And Tables
Tune Range of VCO for Center Voltage Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth vs. Peak Tuning Range Noise Floor Limits Due to Peak Tuning Range 8643A Frequency Limits 8644B Frequency Limits 8664A Frequency Limits 8665A Frequency Limits 8665B Frequency Limits Agilent Technologies...
Page 360: Approximate System Noise Floor Vs. R Port Signal Level
Reference Graphs and Tables Approximate System Noise Floor vs. R Port Signal Level The sensitivity of the phase noise measurement system can be improved by increasing the signal power at the R input port (Signal Input) of the phase detector in the test set. Figure 288 illustrates the approximate noise floor of the N5500A test set for a range of R input port signal levels from –15 dBm to...
Page 361: Phase Noise Floor And Region Of Validity
Reference Graphs and Tables Phase Noise Floor and Region of Validity L(f) Caution must be exercised when is calculated from the spectral density of the phase fluctuations, because of the small angle criterion. The φ –10 dB/decade line is drawn on the plot for an instantaneous phase deviation of 0.2 radians integrated over any one decade of offset frequency.
Page 362: Phase Noise Level Of Various Agilent Sources
Reference Graphs and Tables Phase Noise Level of Various Agilent Sources The graph in Figure 290 indicates the level of phase noise that has been measured for several potential reference sources at specific frequencies. Depending on the sensitivity that is required at the offset to be measured, a single reference source may suffice or several different references may be needed to achieve the necessary sensitivity at different offsets.
Page 363: Increase In Measured Noise As Ref Source Approaches Dut Noise
Reference Graphs and Tables Increase in Measured Noise as Ref Source Approaches DUT Noise The graph shown in Figure 291 demonstrates that as the noise level of the reference source approaches the noise level of the DUT, the level measured by the software (which is the sum of all sources affecting the test system) is increased above the actual noise level of the DUT.
Page 364: Approximate Sensitivity Of Delay Line Discriminator
Reference Graphs and Tables Approximate Sensitivity of Delay Line Discriminator The dependence of a frequency discriminator's sensitivity on the offset frequency is obvious in the graph in Figure 292. By comparing the sensitivity specified for the phase detector to the delay line sensitivity, it is apparent the delay line sensitivity is “tipped up”...
Page 365: Am Calibration
Reference Graphs and Tables AM Calibration The AM detector sensitivity graph in Figure 293 is used to determine the equivalent phase Detector Constant from the measured AM Detector input level or from the diode detector's DC voltage. The equivalent phase detector constant (phase slope) is read from the left side of the graph while the approximate detector input power is read from the right side of the graph.
Page 366: Voltage Controlled Source Tuning Requirements
Reference Graphs and Tables Voltage Controlled Source Tuning Requirements Peak Tuning Range (PTR) ≈ Tune Range of VCO x VCO Tune Constant. Min. PTR = 0.1 Hz Max. PTR = Up to 200 MHz, depending on analyzer and phase detector LPF. Drift Tracking Range = Allowable Drift During Measurement The tuning range that the software actually uses to maintain quadrature is limited to a fraction of the peak tuning range (PTR) to ensure that the tuning...
Page 367: Tune Range Of Vco For Center Voltage
Reference Graphs and Tables Tune Range of VCO for Center Voltage The graph in Figure 295 outlines the minimum to maximum Tune Range of VCO that the software provides for a given center voltage. The Tune range of VCO decreases as the absolute value of the center voltage increases due to hardware limitations of the test system.
Page 368: Peak Tuning Range Required By Noise Level
Reference Graphs and Tables Peak Tuning Range Required by Noise Level The graph in Figure 296 provides a comparison between the typical phase noise level of a variety of sources and the minimum tuning range that is necessary for the test system to create a phase lock loop of sufficient bandwidth to make the measurement.
Page 369: Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth Vs. Peak Tuning Range
Reference Graphs and Tables Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth vs. Peak Tuning Range The graph in Figure 297 illustrates the closed Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth (PLL BW) chosen by the test system as a function of the Peak Tuning Range of the source.
Page 370: Noise Floor Limits Due To Peak Tuning Range
Reference Graphs and Tables Noise Floor Limits Due to Peak Tuning Range The graph in Figure 298 illustrates the equivalent phase noise at the Peak Tuning Range entered for the source due to the inherent noise at the test set Tune Voltage Output port.
Page 371: Tuning Characteristics Of Various Vco Source Options
Reference Graphs and Tables Tuning Characteristics of Various VCO Source Options Table 55 Tuning parameters for several VCO options VCO Source Carrier Tuning Constant Center Voltage Tuning Input Tuning ± Freq. (Hz/V) Voltage (V) Range ( Resistance Calibration Ω) Method Agilent 8662/3A υ...
Page 372: 8643A Frequency Limits
Reference Graphs and Tables 8643A Frequency Limits Table 56 8643A frequency limits Note: Special Function 120 must be enabled for DCFM Minimum Recommended PTR (Peak Tune Range) PTR =FM Deviation x VTR Model Option Band Minimum Band Maximum (MHz) Mode 2 Mode 1 Number (MHz)
Page 373: How To Access Special Functions
Reference Graphs and Tables Table 57 Operating characteristics for 8643A modes 1, 2, and 3 Characteristic Synthesis Mode Mode 1 Mode 2 RF Frequency Switching Time 90 ms 200 ms FM Deviation at 1 GHz 10 MHz 1 MHz Phase Noise (20 kHz offset at 1 GHz) –120 dBc –130 dBc How to access special functions...
Page 374 Reference Graphs and Tables 125: Wide FM deviation (8643A only) Mode 1 operation can be selected using this special function, which allows you to turn on wide FM deviation. The 8643 defaults to Mode 2 operation. Wide FM deviation provides the maximum FM deviation and minimum RF output switching time.
Page 375: 8644B Frequency Limits
Reference Graphs and Tables 8644B Frequency Limits Table 58 8644B frequency limits Note: Special Function 120 must be enabled for DCFM Minimum Recommended PTR (Peak Tune Range) PTR =FM Deviation x VTR Model Option Band Minimum Band Maximum Mode 3 Mode 2 Mode 1 Number...
Page 376: How To Access Special Functions
Reference Graphs and Tables Table 59 Operating characteristics for 8644B modes 1, 2, and 3 Characteristic Synthesis Mode Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode 3 RF Frequency Switching Time 90 ms 200 ms 350 ms FM Deviation at 1 GHz 10 MHz 1 MHz 100 kHz Phase Noise (20 kHz offset at 1 GHz)
Page 377: Description Of Special Function 120
Reference Graphs and Tables Description of special function 120 120: FM synthesis This special function allows you to have the instrument synthesize the FM signal in a digitized or linear manner. Digitized FM is best for signal-tone modulation and provides very accurate center frequency at low deviation rates.
Page 378: 8664A Frequency Limits
Reference Graphs and Tables 8664A Frequency Limits Table 60 8664A frequency limits Note: Special Function 120 must be enabled for the Minimum Recommended PTR (Peak Tune Range) DCFM PTR =FM Deviation x VTR Model Option Band Minimum Band Maximum Mode 3 Mode 2 Number (MHz)
Page 379: How To Access Special Functions
Reference Graphs and Tables How to access special functions Press the Special key and enter the special function number of your choice. Access the special function key by pressing the Enter key. Press the [ON] (ENTER) key to terminate data entries that do not require specific units (kHz, mV, rad, for example) Example: [Special], [1], [2], [0], [ON] (Enter)
Page 380: 8665A Frequency Limits
Reference Graphs and Tables 8665A Frequency Limits Table 62 8665A frequency limits Note: Special Function 120 must be enabled for DCFM Minimum Recommended PTR (Peak Tune Range) PTR =FM Deviation x VTR Model Option Band Minimum Band Maximum (MHz) Mode 3 Mode 2 Number (MHz)
Page 381: How To Access Special Functions
Reference Graphs and Tables Table 63 Operating characteristics for 8665A modes 2 and 3 Characteristic Synthesis Mode Mode 2 Mode 3 RF Frequency Switching Time 200 ms 350 ms FM Deviation at 1 GHz 1 MHz 100 kHz Phase Noise (20 kHz offset at 1 GHz) -130 dBc -136 dBc How to access special functions...
Page 382 Reference Graphs and Tables 124: FM Dly equalizer This special function allows you to turn off FM delay equalizer circuitry. When [ON] (The preset condition), 30 µsec of group delay is added to the FM modulated signal to get better FM frequency response. You may want to turn [OFF] the FM Delay Equalizer circuitry when the signal generator is used as the VCO in a phase-locked loop application to reduce phase shift, of when you want to extend the FM bandwidth to...
Page 383: 8665B Frequency Limits
Reference Graphs and Tables 8665B Frequency Limits Table 64 8665B frequency limits Note: Special Function 120 must be enabled for DCFM Minimum Recommended PTR (Peak Tune Range) PTR =FM Deviation x VTR Model Option Band Minimum Band Maximum (MHz) Mode 3 Mode 2 Number (MHz)
Page 384: How To Access Special Functions
Reference Graphs and Tables Table 65 Operating characteristics for 8665B modes 2 and 3 Characteristic Synthesis Mode Mode 2 Mode 3 RF Frequency Switching Time 200 ms 350 ms FM Deviation at 1 GHz 1 MHz 100 kHz Phase Noise (20 kHz offset at 1 GHz) -130 dBc -136 dBc How to access special functions...
Page 385: Description Of Special Functions 120 And 124
Reference Graphs and Tables Description of special functions 120 and 124 120: FM synthesis This special function allows you to have the instrument synthesize the FM signal in a digitized or linear manner. Digitized FM is best for signal-tone modulation and provides very accurate center frequency at low deviation rates.
Page 386 Reference Graphs and Tables Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 387: System Specifications
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide System Specifications Specifications Power Requirements Agilent Technologies...
Page 388: Specifications
System Specifications Specifications This section contains mechanical and environmental specifications, operating characteristics, power requirements, and PC requirements for the system. It also provides specifications for accuracy, measurement qualifications, and tuning. Table 66 contains the mechanical and environmental specifications for a system.
Page 389: Reliable Accuracy
System Specifications Table 67 Operating characteristics (continued) Phase detector input power (<1.6 GHz carrier frequency) R input = 0 to +23 dBm L input = +15 to +23 dBm Downconverter input range 1 GHz to 6 GHz 1 GHz to 18 GHz 1.5 GHz to 26.5 GHz External noise input port 0.01 Hz to 100 MHz...
Page 390: Tuning
System Specifications Tuning The tuning range of the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) source must be commensurate with the frequency stability of the sources being used. If the tuning range is too narrow, the system will not properly phase lock, resulting in an aborted measurement.
Page 391: Power Requirements
System Specifications Power Requirements The flexibility of the E5505A system configuration results in a significant range of power requirements, depending on the type and number of instruments in a system. Table 70 provides the maximum requirements for individual instruments so that you can determine the requirements of your specific system.
Page 392 System Specifications Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 393 E5505A system connections with standard test set E5505A system connections with test set option 001 E5505A system connections with test set option 201 This chapter contains information and diagrams for connecting the instruments in a racked or benchtop E5505A system. Agilent Technologies...
Page 394: Making Connections
System Interconnections Making Connections Use the information in this section to connect your system hardware. It contains cable and connector tables, connection diagrams, and guidelines for making connections. Make all system hardware connections without AC power applied. Failure to do so may C A UTI ON result in damage to the hardware.
Page 395: System Connectors
System Interconnections Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 396: System Cables
System Interconnections Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 397: System Interconnections
System Interconnections Connecting Instruments This section provides guidelines for connecting your phase noise system instruments. When reconnecting all system instruments, first connect the PC, test set, and downconverter(s). Then connect the spectrum analyzer and remaining system instruments. Add any additional asset next. Lastly, connect power cords and apply power.
Page 398: Figure 305. Pc To Test Set Connection, Standard Model
System Interconnections Test set rear panel connection Spectrum analyzer GPIB MULTIPLEXER TRACK GEN CHIRP SOURCE TUNE VOLTAGE SEE USERS MANUAL ICES/NMB-001 N10149 SERIAL NUMBER ISM GRP.1 CLASS A LABEL 154258 LINE 115 V/3 A FUSE: T 3.15 A 250 V 230 V/2 A 50/60 Hz Standard test set...
Page 399: Figure 306. Pc To Test Set (Options 001 And 201) And Downconverter Connection
System Interconnections Test set rear panel connection Spectrum analyzer GPIB MULTIPLEXER TRACK GEN CHIRP SOURCE TUNE VOLTAGE SEE USERS MANUAL SERIAL NUMBER ICES/NMB-001 N10149 ISM GRP.1 CLASS A LABEL GPIB 154258 LINE 115 V/3 A 230 V/2 A FUSE: T 3.15 A 250 V 50/60 Hz Test set (all options)
Page 400 System Interconnections Connect cables to other instruments with the appropriate connectors and adapters, using the tables and diagrams in this section. (Refer to Figure 307 on page 401 through Figure 309 on page 403.) • Install a GPIB extension on these system instruments before connecting the GPIB cable: N5500A/01A/02A/07A/08A.
Page 401: Figure 307. E5505A System Connections With Standard Test Set
System Interconnections Oscilloscope (recommended) Optional frequency counter GPIB Standard test set NOTE: N5500A Test Set Indicates optional cable GPIB STATUS INPUT REF INPUT SIGNAL INPUT SIGNAL NOISE 50 kHz -1600 MHz MAXIMUM POWER MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz +23 dBm 50 kHz -1600 MHz +23 dBm 1 V Pk...
Page 402: Figure 308. E5505A System Connections With Test Set Option 001
System Interconnections Oscilloscope (recommended) Optional frequency counter GPIB Test set Opt. 001 Downconverter NOTE: N5500A Opt 001 N5502A Indicates optional cable Test Set Downconverter GPIB STATUS GPIB STATUS RMT LSN TLK SRQ INPUT REF INPUT INPUT OUTPUT SIGNAL INPUT SIGNAL NOISE 50 kHz - 1600 MHz 1.2 - 26.5 GHz...
Page 403: Figure 309. E5505A System Connections With Test Set Option 201
System Interconnections Oscilloscope (recommended) Optional frequency counter GPIB Test set Opt. 201 Downconverter NOTE: N5500A Opt 201 N5507A 5 MHz-26.5 GHz Test Set Microwave Downconverter GPIB STATUS GPIB STATUS Indicates optional cable RMT LSN TLK SRQ INPUT REF INPUT INPUT OUTPUT SIGNAL NOISE...
Page 404 System Interconnections Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 405: Pc Components Installation
Measurement Software Installation Asset Configuration License Key for the Phase Noise Test Set This chapter contains information and procedures for installing or re-installing the necessary phase noise hardware and software in an E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System PC. Agilent Technologies...
Page 406: Overview
If you’re re-installing any of the phase noise hardware and software components in the list, NO T E be sure to uninstall all components, then reinstall them in the order shown above. If you encounter any problems with the installation, contact your Agilent Technologies NO T E Service Center. Contact information is in Appendix A, “Service, Support, and Safety...
Page 407: Pc Digitizer Software: Phase 1
PC Components Installation PC Digitizer Software: Phase 1 ® ® Install Windows XP Professional operating system, and all necessary PC-specific NO T E software and drivers, before beginning the procedures in this section. See the PC and software manufacturers’ documentation for their installation requirements and procedures. This procedure applies specifically to the PC digitizer card supplied with the N5505A system.
Page 408: Hardware Installation
PC Components Installation Hardware Installation Disconnect all power before removing the cover to your PC. Failure to disconnect WA RN IN G power could result in serious injury. Refer to your computer’s documentation for installation safety instructions and C A UTI ON specific instructions for opening your computer.
Page 409: Figure 311. Slide Cover Off
PC Components Installation Carefully slide the cover away from the front of the unit then lift it off. Figure 311 Slide cover off Uninstall the internal hold-down bar by removing the two screws that attach it and lift the bar out of the unit. Figure 312 Remove hold-down bar Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 410: Accessing Pc Expansion Slots
PC Components Installation Accessing PC expansion slots Figure 313 shows a view of the expansion slots vertically mounted; your computer’s expansion slots may be horizontally mounted, but the process is the same. Look for suitable expansion slots for both the PC digitizer card and the GPIB interface card.
Page 411: Installing The Pc Digitizer Card
PC Components Installation Installing the PC digitizer card Perform this installation with the system PC disconnected from AC power. Figure 314 shows a PC digitizer card. Figure 314 PC digitizer card Insert the PC digitizer card edge connector into the PCI connector. Gently rock the card into place;...
Page 412: Figure 316. Secure Card With Screw
PC Components Installation Screw the mounting bracket to the PC back-rail panel to secure the card. Figure 316 Secure card with screw Connect the digitizer adapter to the back of the PC digitizer card, as shown Figure 317. Figure 317 Connect adapter to PC digitizer card While you have access to the expansion slots, also install the second piece of phase noise system hardware—the GPIB interface card.
Page 413: Installing The Gpib Interface Card
PC Components Installation Installing the GPIB interface card Perform this installation with the PC disconnected from AC power. Figure 318 shows a GPIB interface card. Figure 318 GPIB interface card Insert the GPIB card in the PCI connector. Gently rock the card into place; do not force it.
Page 414: Figure 320. Secure Card With Screw
PC Components Installation You may need a GPIB connector extender to provide adequate clearance between the GPIB NO T E cable and the computer chassis. Screw the mounting bracket to the PC back-rail panel to secure the card. Figure 320 Secure card with screw Replace the PC cover as described in the manufacturer’s documentation.
Page 415: System Interconnections
PC Components Installation System Interconnections Use the information in this section to make connections between the system PC and the N5500A test set. Connectors Table 73 contains the connectors on the main N5505A system instruments. Table 73 E5505A connectors and adapters Part Description N5500A...
Page 416: Figure 322. Test Set Connection, Standard Model
PC Components Installation • SMA (male) to BNC (male) cable between the PC digitizer card adapter’s OUT connector and the test set’s rear-panel connector CHIRP SOURCE IN. Refer to Figure 322 below and Figure 323 on page 417 for examples of system interconnections.
Page 417: Figure 323. Test Set (Options 001 And 201) And Downconverter Connection
PC Components Installation Test set rear panel connection Spectrum analyzer GPIB MULTIPLEXER TRACK GEN CHIRP SOURCE TUNE VOLTAGE SEE USERS MANUAL SERIAL NUMBER ICES/NMB-001 N10149 GPIB ISM GRP.1 CLASS A LABEL 154258 LINE 115 V/3 A 230 V/2 A FUSE: T 3.15 A 250 V 50/60 Hz Test set (all options)
Page 418: Pc Digitizer Software: Phase 2
PC Components Installation PC Digitizer Software: Phase 2 When you power on the PC again, the installation wizard leads you through a few last steps of installing the PC digitizer software. Then proceed with installing the Agilent I/O libraries. To finish the PC digitizer software installation: Reconnect the power cord to the PC and the AC power supply.
Page 419: Agilent I/O Libraries
PC Components Installation Agilent I/O Libraries The Agilent I/O libraries are on the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement software CD-ROM. Use this procedure to install them on the PC. If you re-install or upgrade the Agilent I/O Libraries at a later date, you must also re-install NO T E the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement Software after the I/O Library installation.
Page 420 PC Components Installation To install the Agilent I/O libraries (continued) Step Notes 4 Double-click on wnm0101.exe E5500_win0101_icon 05 Apr 04 rev 1 • 5 Select Full Installation and follow the Accept the default settings. instructions in the Setup.exe wizard. E5500_install_opt 22 Mar 04 rev 1 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 421 PC Components Installation To install the Agilent I/O libraries (continued) Step Notes 6 When the installation is complete, select Run IO Config then click Finish. E5500_IO_lib_installed 04 Apr 04 rev 1 • 7 Click *Auto Config. Auto Config adds all configured PC interfaces to the right pane.
Page 422 PC Components Installation To install the Agilent I/O libraries (continued) Step Notes • 8 When Auto Config completes, select GPIB0 When you press Edit, the GPIB Card in the Configured Interfaces field (right Configuration dialog appears. pane). Then click on Edit. Edit...
Page 423 PC Components Installation To install the Agilent I/O libraries (continued) Step Notes 10 In the Show Devices dialog box, click Auto Add devices. Also deselect Identify devices at run-time. e5500_install_show_dev rev2 10/9/03 11 Click OK on each dialog box until you have exited the I/O Config program.
Page 424: Measurement Software Installation
PC Components Installation Measurement Software Installation Use this procedure to re-install the E5500 software on your system PC. To install the E5500 software Step Note 1 Make sure your PC and display are on and the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System software CD-ROM is in the PC’s CD-ROM drive.
Page 425 PC Components Installation To install the E5500 software (continued) Step Note • 5 When finished, double-click the E5500 Phase The software places the E5500 Phase Noise Noise folder now on the PC desktop to open it. folder on the desktop as part of the installation process.
Page 426: Asset Configuration
PC Components Installation Asset Configuration An asset is any piece of hardware that you want to configure for system use (N5500A, for example). An asset role is the general category of the hardware (test sets, downconverters, counters, and so on.) In the E5505A phase noise system, the Asset Manager serves to configure the system instruments.
Page 427 PC Components Installation To set up Asset Manager (continued) Step Note E5500_asset_manager 23 Mar 04 rev 1 • 2 From the menu, select Options and deselect If the Asset Manager is in Demo Mode, the Demo Mode. left pane shows a graphic with the word DEMO.
Page 428: Configuring The Phase Noise Test Set
PC Components Installation Configuring the Phase Noise Test Set Now that you have taken the Asset Manager out of Demo Mode, use it to configure an instrument. This procedure shows you how to configure the phase noise test set. • 1 Double-click on the E5500 Phase Noise desktop This invokes the E5500 software and the shortcut.
Page 429 PC Components Installation • 5 Confirm that Agilent/HP 70420A/N5500A In the Choose Supporting ACM box appears in the pane, then click Next. E5500_support_acm 22 Mar 04 rev 1 • 6 In the Interface field, select GPIBO from the In the Select Interface and Address box pull-down list.
Page 430 PC Components Installation • 10 Type the serial number in the Serial Number field The serial number of the N550A test set and click Next. is found on the rear panel. On the 70420A it is found below the front panel. •...
Page 431 PC Components Installation • 13 View the test set information in the Asset The left pane shows the list of asset roles Manager window and confirm that it is correct. and assets. The right pane shows the asset information. The right pane is information only.
Page 432: Configuring The Pc Digitizer
PC Components Installation Configuring the PC Digitizer This procedure shows how to configure the PC Digitizer using Asset Manager Wizard from within the Asset Manager. This is the most common way to add assets. From Asset Manager click Asset, then click Add. See Figure 324.
Page 433: Figure 325. Choose Asset Type
PC Components Installation E5500_choose_asset_role 23 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 325 Choose asset type In the Choose Supporting ACM dialog, click on II PCI20428W-1, then click the Next button. See Figure 326. E5500_choose_supp_acm 04 Apr 04 rev 1 Figure 326 Select supporting ACM Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 434: Figure 327. Choose The Interface And Address For The Pc Digitizer
PC Components Installation In the Select Interface and Address dialog: Select PCI From the Interface pull-down list. Type 320, the default address for the II20428 PC Digitizer, in the Address box. Table 74 on page 435 shows the default device addresses. The Library pull-down list does not apply to this example.
Page 435: Table 74. Default Gpib Addresses
Counter Agilent E1430 VXI digitizer Agilent E1437 VXI digitizer Agilent E1420B VXI counter Agilent E1441 VXI ARB 1 The E5500 software supports this instrument although it is not part of the standard E5505A system. If an address is a single digit address, for example (3), do not add a leading zero (03) C A UTI ON to the address.
Page 436: Figure 328. Choose Model And Serial Number
PC Components Installation E5500_NI_model_serial 23 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 328 Choose model and serial number From the Baseband Source pull-down list in the Select FFT Analyzer Options box, select (internal). See Figure 329. This designates the noise source on the PC Digitizer board as the noise source to be used for loopsuppression verification suppression verification.
Page 437: Figure 330. Enter A Comment About The Configured Asset
PC Components Installation You can type a comment in the Enter a Comment box (Figure 330). The comment associates itself with the asset you have just configured. E5500_enter_comment 23 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 330 Enter a comment about the configured asset Click the Finish button.
Page 438: Configuring The Agilent E4411A/B (Esa-L1500A) Swept Analyzer
PC Components Installation You have just used the Asset Manager to configure the PC digitizer. The process for configuring the test set and PC digitizer is the same process you use to add software-controlled assets to the phase noise measurement system. Configuring the Agilent E4411A/B (ESA-L1500A) Swept Analyzer To configure the E4411A/B Swept Analyzer, follow the same steps you used to configure the test set.
Page 439: License Key For The Phase Noise Test Set
License Key for the Phase Noise Test Set Use this procedure to enter the keyword for your phase noise test set. If you have ordered a preconfigured phase noise system from Agilent Technologies, skip NO T E this step and proceed to “Powering the System On"...
Page 440: Figure 333. Navigate To License Keys
PC Components Installation E5500_license_keys 23 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 333 Navigate to license keys The license key for your system is unique and may only be used with a specific N5500A test NO T E set serial number. The license key may be found both on your license-key document and in the file “license_key.txt”...
Page 441: Figure 334. License_Key.txt
PC Components Installation n5500a_install_license_key.ai rev 2 10/17/03 Figure 334 License_key.txt Highlight the keyword in the License_key.txt file and copy it to the dialog box as shown in Figure 335. E5500_licensing1 23 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 335 Copy keyword into license key field Click the Set button.
Page 442: Figure 336. Licensing Confirmation
PC Components Installation E5500_licensing2 23 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 336 Licensing confirmation E5500_licensing_unable_verify 23 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 337 Licensing error Perform the PC Digitizer Performance Verification procedure in Chapter 20 to ensure that the digitizer and adapter are functioning properly. Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 443: Pc Digitizer Performance Verification
PC Digitizer Performance Verification Verifying PC Digitizer Card Output Performance PC Digitizer Card Input Performance Verification This chapter contains information and procedures for verifying the performance of the NI-DAQ PC digitizer card (PCI-6111) and PC digitizer card adapter. Agilent Technologies...
Page 444: Verifying Pc Digitizer Card Output Performance
PC Digitizer Performance Verification Verifying PC Digitizer Card Output Performance This procedure verifies the output performance of the PC digitizer card and adapter. Perform this procedure periodically to ensure the proper functioning of these two components, which affect measurement accuracy. Required equipment •...
Page 445 PC Digitizer Performance Verification To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) Step Notes • 3 Open the NI-DAQ Measurement and Path: Start\Programs\National Automation Explorer application. Instruments\Measurement & Automation E5505a_ni_daq1 11 Jun 04 rev 1 4 Double-click Devices and Interfaces in the Configuration content frame.
Page 446 PC Digitizer Performance Verification To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) Step Notes 5 Double-click on Traditional NI-DAQ Devices, then select PCI-6111. e5505a_digop3a rev 1 24 jun 04 6 Click the Test Panels... button. e5505a_digop3b rev 1 24 jun 04 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 447 PC Digitizer Performance Verification To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) Step Notes 7 Select the Analog Output Tab. e5505a_digop4a rev 1 24 jun 04 8 Select DC Voltage output mode. e5505a_digop5a rev 1 24 jun 04 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 448 PC Digitizer Performance Verification To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) Step Notes 9 Enter +10 V in the DC Voltage window. e5505a_digop6a rev 1 24 jun 04 10 Click the Update Channel button. • 11 Confirm that the multimeter or oscilloscope PC digitizer adapter output specification is reads +5 V (±10%).
Page 449: Pc Digitizer Card Input Performance Verification
PC Digitizer Performance Verification PC Digitizer Card Input Performance Verification This procedure verifies the Input performance of the PC digitizer card and adapter. Perform this procedure periodically to ensure the proper functioning of these two components, which affect measurement accuracy. Required equipment Function generator •...
Page 450 PC Digitizer Performance Verification To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) (continued) Step Action • 2 Open the E5505A phase noise Path: Start\Programs\Agilent Subsystems\E5500 software. Phase Noise System\E5500 User Interface E5500_user_interface 04 Apr 04 rev 1 • 3 Click FFT Analyzer Check I/O button Path: System\Server Hardware Connections in Server Hardware Connections to •...
Page 451 PC Digitizer Performance Verification To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) (continued) Step Action • 5 Select the FFT Analyzer Asset Control Path: System\Asset Control Panels\FFT Analyzer Panel. e5505a_fft_control_panel 30 jun 04 rev 1 • 6 Configure the FFT Analyzer’s Asset Span: 0 to 2 MHz Control Panel.
Page 452 PC Digitizer Performance Verification Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 453: Preventive Maintenance
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Preventive Maintenance Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors General Procedures and Techniques Agilent Technologies...
Page 454: Using, Inspecting, And Cleaning Rf Connectors
Preventive Maintenance Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors Taking proper care of cables and connectors will protect your system’s ability to make accurate measurements. One of the main sources of measurement inaccuracy can be caused by improperly made connections or by dirty or damaged connectors.
Page 455: Proper Connector Torque
Preventive Maintenance • Inspect the connectors before connection; look for dirt, nicks, and other signs of damage or wear. A bad connector can ruin the good connector instantly. • Clean dirty connectors. Dirt and foreign matter can cause poor electrical connections and may damage the connector.
Page 456: Sma Connector Precautions
Preventive Maintenance SMA Connector Precautions Use caution when mating SMA connectors to any precision 3.5 mm RF connector. SMA connectors are not precision devices and are often out of mechanical tolerances, even when new. An out-of-tolerance SMA connector can ruin a 3.5 mm connector on the first mating. If in doubt, gauge the SMA connector before connecting it.
Page 457: Table 76. Cleaning Supplies Available From Agilent
Preventive Maintenance Table 76 Cleaning Supplies Available from Agilent Product Part Number Aero-Duster 8500-6460 Isopropyl alcohol 8500-5344 Lint-Free cloths 9310-0039 Small polyurethane swabs 9301-1243 Cleaning connectors with alcohol should only be performed with the WA RN IN G instruments’ mains power cord disconnected, in a well ventilated area. Connector cleaning should be accomplished with the minimum amount of alcohol.
Page 458: General Procedures And Techniques
Preventive Maintenance General Procedures and Techniques This section introduces you to the various cable and connector types used in the system. Read this section before attempting to remove or install an instrument! Each connector type may have unique considerations. Always use care when working with system cables and instruments. GPIB Type Connector Figure 338 GPIB, 3.5 mm, Type-N, power sensor, and BNC connectors Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 459: Connector Removal
Preventive Maintenance Connector Removal GPIB Connectors These are removed by two captured screw, one on each end of the connector; these usually can be turned by hand. Use a flathead screwdriver if necessary. GPIB connectors often are stacked two or three deep. When you are removing multiple GPIB connectors, disconnect each connector one at a time.
Page 460 Preventive Maintenance When reconnecting this type of cable: • Carefully insert the male connector center pin into the female connector. (Make sure the cable is aligned with the instrument connector properly before joining them.) • Turn the silver nut clockwise by hand until it is snug, then tighten with an 8 inch-lb torque wrench (part number 8720-1765).
Page 461: Instrument Removal
Preventive Maintenance Instrument Removal To remove an instrument from the system, use one of the following procedures. Required tools • #2 Phillips screwdriver • #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver Standard instrument To remove an instrument from a rack Step Notes • 1 Turn off system power, but leave the system If you do plan to turn computer power off computer turned on.
Page 462: Half-Rack-Width Instrument
Preventive Maintenance Half-Rack-Width Instrument To remove a half-width instrument from a system rack • 1 Power off the system. For details see the system installation guide. 2 Remove the selected instrument’s power cord from the power strip in the rack. •...
Page 463: Benchtop Instrument
Preventive Maintenance Front links Rear links Inst_lock_links 24 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 339 Instrument lock links, front and rear Benchtop Instrument To remove an instrument from a benchtop system • 1 Power off each instrument in the system. For details, see “Powering the System Off"...
Page 464: Instrument Installation
Preventive Maintenance Instrument Installation To install or re-install an instrument in a system, use one of the following procedures. Required tools • #2 Phillips screwdriver • #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver • system installation guide Standard rack instrument To install an instrument Step Notes 1 Slide the instrument gently into the rack.
Page 465: Half-Rack-Width Instrument
Preventive Maintenance Half-Rack-Width instrument To install the instrument in a rack Step Note • 1 Make sure the system is powered off. For details, see “Powering the System Off" on page 45. • 2 Re-attach the lock link that secures the front Use a #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver.
Page 466 Preventive Maintenance Agilent E5505A User’s Guide...
Page 467 Agilent-supplied instruments in the system, and the system as a whole. It also contains information on servicing and obtaining support for an Agilent system or instrument, including procedures for removing an instrument from a system, returning it to Agilent, and re-installing it. Agilent Technologies...
Page 468: A Service, Support, And Safety Information
Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of this instrument or system. Agilent Technologies, Inc. assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements. General This product has been designed and tested in accordance with the standards listed on the Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity, and has been supplied...
Page 469: Environmental Conditions
Service, Support, and Safety Information DO NOT REMOVE AN INSTRUMENT COVER. WA RN IN G Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component replacement and internal adjustments must be made only by qualified service personnel. Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured against unintended operation until they can be repaired by qualified service personnel.
Page 470: Ground The Instrument Or System
Service, Support, and Safety Information Ground the instrument or system To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cover must be connected WA RN IN G to an electrical protective earth ground. The instrument and/or system must be connected to the AC power mains through a grounded power cable, with the ground wire firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the power outlet.
Page 471: Maintenance
Service, Support, and Safety Information Agilent system cabinet power strips are equipped with a thermal circuit breaker for each power phase. If one phase shorts or overloads, one or both of the circuit breakers in the power strip trip. Unplug the power strip before trying to locate and correct the electrical problem, then reset both circuit breakers on the power strip to restore power to the cabinet.
Page 472 Service, Support, and Safety Information Table 77 Safety symbols and instrument markings (continued) Safety symbols Definition Terminal is at earth potential. Used for measurement and control circuits designed to be operated with one terminal at earth potential. Terminal for neutral conductor on permanently installed equipment.
Page 473: Declaration Of Conformity
Service, Support, and Safety Information Declaration of Conformity This product complies with CSA 1010. You may obtain a copy of the Declaration of Conformity through your local Agilent Technologies Service Center. For contact information visit http://www.agilent.com. Compliance with German noise requirements...
Page 474: Service And Support
Service, Support, and Safety Information Service and Support Any adjustment, maintenance, or repair of this product must be performed by qualified personnel. Contact your Agilent Technologies Service Center for assistance. There are no user serviceable parts inside the system. Any servicing instructions WA RN IN G are for use by qualified personnel only.
Page 475: Return Procedure
Determining your instrument’s serial number When Agilent Technologies manufactures an instrument, it is given a unique serial number. This serial number appears on a label on the rear panel of the instrument (see Figure 340).
Page 476: Shipping The Instrument
Service, Support, and Safety Information Shipping the instrument Use the following procedure to package and ship your instrument for service. For instructions on removing an instrument from the system and re-installing it, refer to the system user’s guide. To package the instrument for shipping Step Notes •...

Agilent Technologies e1420b User Manual

Getting Started

Introduction and Measurement

Expanding Your Measurement Experience

Absolute Measurement Fundamentals

Absolute Measurement Examples

Residual Measurement Fundamentals

Residual Measurement Examples

FM Discriminator Fundamentals

FM Discriminator Measurement Examples

Quick Links

Measurement System

Related Manuals for Agilent Technologies e1420b

Summary of Contents for Agilent Technologies e1420b