Keysight Technologies N5511A User Manual
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Keysight Technologies N5511A User Manual

Phase noise test system
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Keysight N5511A
Phase Noise Test System
User's
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  • Page 1 Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 2 THESE TERMS, THE WARRANTY beyond those set forth in the TERMS IN THE SEPARATE EULA shall apply, except to the © Keysight Technologies, Inc. 2019 AGREEMENT WILL CONTROL. extent that those terms, rights, or No part of this manual may be...
  • Page 3 Documentation is updated periodically. For the latest information about these products, including instrument software upgrades, application information, and product information, browse to one of the following URLs, according to the name of your product: http://www.keysight.com/find/n5511a To receive the latest updates by email, subscribe to Keysight Email Updates at the following URL: http://www.keysight.com/find/MyKeysight Information on preventing instrument damage can be found at: www.keysight.com/find/PreventingInstrumentRepair...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    N5511A Operation: A Guided Tour ........
  • Page 6 Measurement Procedure ..............137 N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 7 Making the measurement ..............236 N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 8 Marker ................295 N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 9 N5511A Two Channel Cable Connections ........
  • Page 10 Benchtop instrument ..............368 N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 11 Contents N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 12 Contents N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 13: Getting Started

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide Getting Started “Introduction” on page 14 “Documentation Map” on page 15 “Additional Documentation” on page 16 “System Overview” on page 17...

  • Page 14: Introduction

    In this guide you’ll also find information on system connections and specifications, and procedures for re-installing phase-noise-specific hardware and software in the system PC. Installation information for your system is provided in the Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System Getting Started Guide. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 15: Documentation Map

    Chapter 13, “Baseband Noise Measurement Example” Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” Chapter 15, “Advanced Software Features” Chapter 16, “Reference Graphs and Tables” Chapter 17, “System Specifications” Chapter 18, “System Interconnections” Chapter 19, “Preventive Maintenance” N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 16: Additional Documentation

    Getting Started Additional Documentation Additional Documentation The N5511A system documentation includes: — Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System Installation Guide — Keysight N5511A Series Phase Noise Test Systems SCPI Command Reference N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 17: System Overview

    PLL/reference-source technique, and delay-line and FM-discriminator methods. The N5511A system is available as a benchtop model. Due to the system’s flexibility, the hardware in the system varies greatly with the options selected. You may be installing instruments you already own in the system as well. A typical N5511A system includes these components: —...
  • Page 18 N5511A Phase Noise Test System. The N5511A can replace earlier Keysight E5505A phase noise systems. The N5511A system uses a LAN or USB/GPIB port to communicate with the assets in the system. However, the N5511A system and N5510 software are backwards compatible with earlier E5505A systems and instruments.
  • Page 19 Getting Started System Overview Figure 1-2 Keysight E5505A system comparison to N5511A system N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 20 50 kHz - 40 GHz phase detector M9550A N5500A-201 50kHz - 26.5 GHz Baseband Test Set FFT/ Data Converter DC - 160 MHz M9551A E5505A-RHK PC with data converter card and swept analyzer N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 21: Introduction

    Introduction “Introducing the GUI” on page 22 “Designing to Meet Your Needs” on page 24 “N5511A Operation: A Guided Tour” on page 25 “Powering the System On” on page 26 “Starting the Measurement Software” on page 27 “Powering the System Off” on page 30...

  • Page 22: Introducing The Gui

    — Plotting data without spurs — Tabular listing of spurs — Plotting in alternate bandwidths — Parameter summary — Color printouts to any supported color printer Figure 2-1 shows an example of the GUI. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 23 Introduction Introducing the GUI Figure 2-1 N5510 graphical user interface (GUI) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 24: Designing To Meet Your Needs

    If you have just received your system or need help with connecting the hardware or loading software, refer to your Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System Installation Guide now. Once you have completed the installation procedures, return to “N5511A Operation: A Guided...

  • Page 25: N5511A Operation: A Guided Tour

    Required equipment The equipment shipped with this system is all that is required to complete this demonstration. (Refer to the N5511A Phase Noise Test System Installation Guide if you need information about setting up the hardware or installing the software.) How to begin Follow the setup procedures beginning on the next page.

  • Page 26: Powering The System On

    Connect your system to an appropriate AC power source using the power cord provided. The N5511A system is shipped with an AC power cord appropriate for your location. Before applying power, make sure the AC power input and the location of the system meet the requirements given in the Getting Started guide for your system.

  • Page 27: Starting The Measurement Software

    Phase Noise Test System. Connecting the PC to a Local Area Network (LAN), without first installing internet security software (firewall, virus protection, etc) puts both your PC and data at risk. If you decide to connect the N5511A to a LAN, without first installing internet security software, you do so at your own risk.
  • Page 28 Windows start menu. Click Start > All Programs > Keysight N5510 > N5510 User Interface. 2. When the program starts, the main N5510 measurement window appears (see Figure 2-4). It shows the phase noise graph. Figure 2-4 Main N5510 user interface window N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 29: Verify License Key Is Installed

    Starting the Measurement Software Verify License Key is Installed The N5511A will have the license key already installed, but if you ever need to install the license key, use the following procedure. 3. Use the Keysight License Manager to see the license keys installed. Start >...

  • Page 30: Powering The System Off

    Powering the System Off 1. On the N5510 software menu, select File\Exit, Start icon, then shut down. Always shut down the N5510 software before powering off the N5511A system. 2. Use the Start menu to shut down the PC. Press the power switch on each instrument to the off position.

  • Page 31: Phase Noise Basics

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide Phase Noise Basics “What is Phase Noise?” on page 32 “Ideal vs Real Word Signals” on page 33 “Phase terms” on page 34...

  • Page 32: What Is Phase Noise

    Short-term stability contains all elements causing frequency changes about the nominal frequency of less than a few seconds duration. The chapter deals with short-term stability. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 33: Ideal Vs Real Word Signals

    3-3. The signal is now represented by a spread of spectral lines - both above and below the nominal signal frequency in the form of modulation sidebands due to the random amplitude and phase fluctuations. Figure 3-3 Spread of Spectral Lines N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 34: Phase Terms

    1 radian (Δφ << radian). N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 35 Hertz of bandwidth spectral density and (f) equals the Fourier frequency or offset frequency. = single sideband (SSB) phase noise to carrier ration (per Hertz) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 36 Hz (dBc/Hz) as shown in Figure 3-6. This chapter, except where noted otherwise, uses the logarithmic form of L(f) as follows: Figure 3-6 L(f) Described Logarithmically as a Function of Offset Frequency N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 37 L(f) remains valid. Above the line the plot of L(f) becomes increasingly invalid, and must be used to represent the phase noise of the signal. Figure 3-7 Region of validity of L(f) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 38 Phase Noise Basics What is Phase Noise? N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 39 Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide Expanding Your Measurement Experience “GUI Features” on page 40 “Viewing Markers” on page 40 “Display Preferences” on page 41 “Omitting Spurs” on page 43 “Displaying the Parameter Summary” on page 45 “Exporting Measurement Results” on page 47 “Saving Measurement State”...

  • Page 40: Expanding Your Measurement Experience

    Delete Marker button at the bottom of the display. Markers are added to the latest measured trace on the display. Figure 4-1 View Markers Figure 4-2 Add/Delete Markers N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 41: Display Preferences

    Changing the noise color will affect the noise trace of the next measurement, not the currently displayed trace. Figure 4-3 View Display Preferences N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 42 Expanding Your Measurement Experience GUI Features Figure 4-4 Display Preferences Window N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 43: Omitting Spurs

    'Mark Spurs' option under the Type and Range tab of the measurement definition being checked. 1. On the View menu, click Display Preferences. 2. In the Display Preferences dialog box, uncheck Spurs and click OK. See Figure 4-5. Figure 4-5 Uncheck spurs N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 44 4. To re-display the spurs, check Spurs in the Display Preferences dialog box. This feature can also be accessed by right-clicking on the plot and unselecting View Spurs. Figure 4-7 shows the graph displayed with spurs. Figure 4-7 Graph displayed with spurs N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 45: Displaying The Parameter Summary

    The parameter summary data is included when you print the graph. 1. On the View menu, click Parameter Summary. See Figure 4-8. Figure 4-8 Navigate to Parameter Summary N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 46 Expanding Your Measurement Experience GUI Features 2. The Parameter Summary Notepad dialog box appears. The data can be printed or changed using standard Notepad functionality. See Figure 4-9. Figure 4-9 Parameter summary notepad N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 47: Exporting Measurement Results

    — Exporting X-Y Data 1. To export measurement results, on the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on either Trace Data, Spur Data, or X-Y Data. See Figure 4-10. Figure 4-10 Export results choices N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 48 Expanding Your Measurement Experience GUI Features Exporting Trace Data 1. On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on Trace Data. See Figure 4-11. Figure 4-11 Trace data results N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 49 Expanding Your Measurement Experience GUI Features Exporting spur data 1. On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on Spur Data. See Figure 4-12. Figure 4-12 Spur data results N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 50 Expanding Your Measurement Experience GUI Features Exporting X-Y Data 1. On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on X-Y Data. See Figure 4-13. Figure 4-13 X-Y data results N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 51: Saving Measurement State

    Measurement Software can recall legacy files in a .pnm format as well. Multiple .pnx files can be recalled, resulting in overlaying traces with the active measurement parameters being those of the last recalled file. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 52: Measurement Preferences

    To keep the previous trace color, uncheck this option. Don't Mark Spur: spurs will not be marked as spurs. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 53: Toolbar

    Expanding Your Measurement Experience GUI Features Toolbar Figure 4-16 Toolbar selections N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 54 Expanding Your Measurement Experience GUI Features N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 55: Absolute Measurement Fundamentals

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Absolute Measurement Fundamentals “The Phase-Lock-Loop Technique” on page 56 “The Phase-Lock Loop Circuit” on page 60 “What Sets the Measurement Noise Floor?” on page 63 “Selecting a Reference (Single Channel)” on page 65 “Estimating the Tuning Constant”...

  • Page 56: The Phase-Lock-Loop Technique

    Figure 5-1 Single Channel Phase Lock Loop A closer look: Figure 5-2 shows a high-level walk-through of the theory behind the single channel PLL measurement technique. Figure 5-2 Single Channel PLL Theory N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 57 DUT is better than the noise floor of the system, the measurement will also not result in the true performance of the device under test. A method to significantly increase dynamic range is to perform a dual-channel measurement instead of single channel. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 58: Dual Channel

    The Phase-Lock-Loop Technique Dual Channel N5511A has the option for a second phase detector module, which allows for dual-channel cross correlation. In a dual channel setup, the DUT signal is split to provide the input signal to each of the phase detector modules. Two separate reference sources are required to provide a reference to each of the phase detectors.
  • Page 59 A dual-channel measurement removes the uncorrelated noise of the references and the phase detectors, therefore eliminating the limiting factors in a single channel measurement that could limit the dynamic range of the measurement. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 60: The Phase-Lock Loop Circuit

    As an example: A Peak Tuning Range of 1000 Hz provides the following ranges: Capture Range = 0.05 X 1000 Hz = 50 Hz Drift Tracking Range = 0.24 X 1000 Hz = 240 Hz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 61 If this happens, you need to increase the system's drift tracking range by increasing the system's peak tuning range (if possible) or by selecting a VCO source with a greater tuning range. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 62: Selecting The Vco Source

    — 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. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 63: What Sets The Measurement Noise Floor

    Phase noise test set Option 001 with no attenuation. If the L port (Reference Input) signal is within the amplitude range shown in Table 5-1, the signal level at the R (Signal Input) port sets the noise floor for the system. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 64: The Noise Level Of The Reference Source

    DUT, the level measured by the System (which is the sum of all noise sources affecting the system) is increased above the actual noise level of the DUT. Figure 5-8 Reference source noise approaches DUT noise N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 65: Selecting A Reference (Single Channel)

    (The measured results represent the sum of the noise of both devices.) 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. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 66: Selecting A Reference (Dual Channel)

    User devices today often exceed the best signal generator's (or internal references in some phase noise systems) phase noise performance. In scenarios like this, the flexibility of N5511A allows for copies of the DUT to be used as references in order to measure high performance devices without taking a toll on time from cross-correlating out noise from low-performing references.
  • Page 67 - resulting in a dramatic reduction in measurement time (~25 second to get to a -171 dBc/Hz correlated device phase noise floor). Figure 5-11 Using a 9.6 GHz High-Performance DUT N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 68 - resulting in a dramatic reduction in measurement time (~20 minutes to get to a -60 dBc/Hz correlated device phase noise floor at a .01 Hz offset). Figure 5-12 Using a 10 MHz High-Performance DUT N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 69: Tuning Requirements

    1E + 6 Measure DCFM FM Deviation 1 K (8662) Compute 600 (8663) Compute Keysight 8642A/B FM Deviation Compute Keysight 8644B FM Deviation Compute Other Signal Generator DCFM Calibrated for ±1V FM Deviation Compute N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 70 Other User VCO Source Estimated within a –10 to Figure 1 E + 6 Measure factor of 2 5-13 Figure 5-13 Voltage tuning range limits relative to center voltage of the VCO tuning curve N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 71: Estimating The Tuning Constant

    (Enter 1 E + 6 for Input Resistance.) measurement of the same source). Measure the VCO tuning constant Within a factor of 2 of actual value. (Enter 1 E + 6 for Input Resistance.) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 72: Tracking Frequency Drift

    If the beat note drifts beyond the drift tracking range during the measurement, the computer stops the measurement and inform you that the system has lost lock. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 73: Evaluating Beat Note Drift

    — By Increasing the peak tuning range for the measurement. (Further information about increasing the PTR is provided in Changing the PTR.) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 74: Changing The Ptr

    The PTR also determines the phase lock loop (PLL) bandwidth for the measurement. An important attribute of the PLL bandwidth is that it suppresses the close-in noise which would otherwise prevent the system from locking the loop. Figure 5-14 Peak tuning range N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 75: The Tuning Qualifications

    Be careful not to exceed the input voltage limitations of the Tune Port on the VCO source. Increasing the tune range of the VCO is only valid as long as the VCO source is able to continuously meet the previously mentioned tuning qualifications. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 76: Minimizing Injection Locking

    (Refer to “Inserting a Device” in this section. In N5511A, one can troubleshoot isolation issues through an oscilloscope connected to the Monitor outputs of the phase detector modules. Figure 5-15 shows the beat notes from an absolute phase noise measurement of a 10 MHz OCXO.

  • Page 77: Increasing The Pll Bandwidth

    3. Locate the required PLL bandwidth in Figure 5-16 to determine the PTR required for the measurement. (For details on increasing the PTR, refer to “Changing the PTR” in this section. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 78 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Minimizing Injection Locking Figure 5-16 Peak tuning range (PTR) Required by injection locking. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 79: Inserting A Device

    This flexibility allows for cross-correlation to remove the effects of the attenuators and recover the SNR prior to the signal of the DUT being split. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 80: An Amplifier

    Figure 5-18 shows an example. L(f) out = –174 dB + Amplifier Noise Figure – Power into Amplifier – 3dB Figure 5-18 Measurement noise floor as a result of an added attenuator N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 81 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Inserting a Device The N5511A's dual channel cross-correlation capability offers a unique advantage when performing measurements requiring amplifiers. In a dual channel configuration, amplifiers of identical gain can be placed in each of the separate channel paths. See Figure 5-19.

  • Page 82: Evaluating Noise Above The Small Angle Line

    If incrementing the frequency of one of the sources does not produce a beat note within 100 kHz, you need to verify the presence of an output signal from each source before proceeding. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 83 PLL bandwidth. (The small angle line applies only to the level of the average noise. Spur levels that exceed the small angle line do not degrade measurement accuracy provided they do not exceed — 40 dBc.) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 84 Use the graph in Figure 5-22 to determine the Peak Tuning Range (PTR) necessary to provide a sufficient PLL bandwidth to make the measurement. Figure 5-22 Requirements for noise exceeding small angle limit N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 85 (For information on increasing the PTR, refer to Changing the PTR in this section.) 3. Reduce the noise level of the signal sources. 4. Use the Discriminator technique to measure the phase noise level of your source. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 86: Calibration

    The type of calibration to be used is determined by the system configuration and equipment availability. User calibrations need to be run every time there is a change to the system or DUT parameters. For absolute measurements, the N5511A supports four different options for calibration, see Figure 5-23: —...

  • Page 87: Measured Beat Note

    Beat note user calibration works identically in the dual channel setup, with the only difference being that the calibration is performed separately by the instrument for each of the phase detector modules. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 88 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Calibration Figure 5-24 Beat Note Single Channel N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 89 Figure 5-25 Oscilloscope Display of Beat Note from Test Set Monitor Port N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 90 If you are not able to tune the beat note to within the capture range due to frequency drift, refer to “Tracking Frequency Drift” section of this chapter for information about measuring drifting signals. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 91: Single-Sided Spur

    5-27 shows the setup for a measurement using the dual channel single-sided spur calibration. Figure 5-26 Single Channel SSB Cal Figure 5-27 Dual Channel SSB Cal N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 92 The dBc value and offset is entered in the Cal tab of the Define Measurement menu shown in Figure 5-28. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 93 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Calibration Figure 5-28 Define Measurement Menu - Cal: Known Spurs Parameters N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 94 SSB tone. Figure 5-31 shows an example of spur set to -40 dBc at a 10 kHz offset, showing how the system will detect a -46 dBc spur. Figure 5-31 Measured Cal Tone N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 95: Double-Sided Spur

    Figure 5-1 page 56 and in Figure 5-3 page Figure 5-32 shows an example of a phase modulated carrier with the upper side band measuring -40 dBc at a 10 kHz offset. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 96 The system is phase locked and the modulating tone measured. In this case, the tone is a double-sideband PM tone so there is no AM to reject, so the entered value in the application is used to determine the amplitude of the carrier. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 97: Absolute Measurement Examples

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Absolute Measurement Examples “Example Overviews” on page 98 “Input Ports” on page 99 “Single Channel Measurement” on page 100 “Dual Channel (EFC)” on page 117 “Dual Channel (DCFM)” on page 134 “OCXO Dual Channel Measurement” on page 150...

  • Page 98: Example Overviews

    Example Overviews This chapter contains 6 different measurement examples to show how to perform an absolute phase noise measurement using the N5511A Phase Noise Test System. The guide demonstrates single channel and dual channel absolute phase noise measurements. The following are the examples: —...

  • Page 99: Input Ports

    Absolute Measurement Examples Input Ports Input Ports The N5511A Phase Noise Tests System phase detector frequency specification are the following. Low Frequency Inputs High Frequency Inputs High Frequency Inputs AM Noise Input (SMA) (Type K) (Type K) (SMA) All Options...

  • Page 100: Single Channel Measurement

    Single Channel Measurement A single channel measurement will be a very familiar experience on the N5511A PNTS for those that have used the E5500 system before. In a single channel measurement, the phase noise of the reference source will contribute...

  • Page 101: Test Setup

    40 GHz) labeled "Ref/LO" on the M9550 phase detector module (blue) using an SMA cable MONITOR output to Scope Connect SMB-to-BNC cable from the "Monitor" output on the M9550 phase detector (purple) to channel 1 of the oscilloscope N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 102: Configuring Equipment

    Frequency: 1 GHz Amplitude: 14 dBm RF On/Off: RF ON Mod On/Off: MOD OFF The RF power of the DUT source must be at least 3 dB lower than that of the REF source N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 103: Measurement Procedure

    At the top of the main application window, click "Define" and then select "Measurement…" from the drop-down menu. Define, Measurement, Type and Range The following window will appear: Figure 6-2 Type and Range Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 104 This option allows for a live view of the data acquisition of the measurement. Measurement Method: Flexible 3) Choose Channel Setup Channel Setup: Single 4) Set Start and Stop Offsets Start Offset: 10 Hz Stop Offset: 2 MHz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 105 Next, we will configure the settings for the DUT and the reference sources. Navigate to the Source tab at the top of the current window. The following window will appear: Figure 6-3 Source Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 106 Agilent 8642A/B FM Deviation Compute Agilent 8644B FM Deviation Compute Other Signal FM Deviation Compute Generator Other User VCO Estimated within a -10 to +10 1 E + 6 Measure Source factor of 2 N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 107 Navigate to the Cal tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-4 Cal Tab For this lab we will use Beat Note Cal. Refer to the Cal Demo guide for details on using other cal methods. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 108 Phase Detector Constant: Derive detector constant from measured beat note 2) Configure VCO Tune Constant Settings VCO Tune Constant: Measure VCO tune constant 3) Phase Locked Loop Suppression Uncheck "Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression" N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 109 Absolute Measurement Examples Single Channel Measurement Block Diagram Configuration Navigate to the Block Diagram tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-5 Block Diagram Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 110 Absolute Measurement Examples Single Channel Measurement 1) Phase Detector Phase Detector: Automatic Detection Selection 2) Test Set Tune Voltage VCO Tune Mode: EFC N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 111 Absolute Measurement Examples Single Channel Measurement Configure Graph Navigate to the Graph tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-6 Graph Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 112 DUT, absolute/residual measurement, number of FFT points, etc) 2) Set X-Scale X -Scale Minimum: 10 Hz X-Scale Maximum: 2E+6 (2 MHz) 3) Set Y-Scale Y-Scale Maximum: 0 dBc/Hz Y-Scale Minimum: -170 dBc/Hz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 113 DUT and the test set. Refer to “Inserting a Device” on page 79 details on determining the amplifier noise effect on the measured noise floor. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 114 The phase lock loop (PLL) capture range is 5% of the peak tuning range of the VCO source you are using. (The N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 115 Figure 6-9 Pause point window for when a beat note needs to be tuned Figure 6-10 Monitor output displaying adjusted beat note within specified range N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 116 When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help in evaluating your measurement results. Figure 6-11 shows the result of this measurement example. Figure 6-11 Single Channel Measurement Results N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 117: Dual Channel (Efc)

    Dual Channel (EFC) Dual Channel (EFC) A key feature of the N5511A PNTS is the ability to cross-correlate noise. Using two channels instead of one can allow for a faster measurement when measuring a high performance DUT. A two-channel measurement requires two references and the DUT.

  • Page 118: Test Setup

    Connectors on M9550A Connects to Green EFC Out on rear of PSG Purple Oscilloscope DUT source RF (after splitter) Blue Reference Source RF out Both phase detector modules have identical connections using separate reference sources N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 119 Connect the RF port of the REF2 source to the LO2 LB port of the PNTS using the 20-inch cable. Oscilloscope Connect SMB cables to the Monitor outputs on each of the phase detectors. Connect the other ends to the oscilloscope. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 120: Configuring Equipment

    Absolute Measurement Examples Dual Channel (EFC) Configuring Equipment Configure the equipment to the settings for this lab: 1) Power Power on all the equipment: Keysight N5511A PNTS, PSGs Frequency, 1 GHz 2) Set up the DUT Amplitude 14 dBm RF On/Off...

  • Page 121: Measurement Procedure

    At the top of the main application window, click "Define" and then select "Measurement…" from the drop-down menu. Define, Measurement, Type and Range The following window will appear: Figure 6-13 Type and Range Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 122 4) Set Start and Stop Offsets Start Offset: 10 Hz Stop Offset: 2 MHz 5) Set Number of Cross-Correlations FFT Analyzer Minimum number of cross-correlations: 1 6) Set FFT Size RBW %: 1.96 (1024 point FFT) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 123 Next, we will configure the settings for the DUT and the reference sources. Navigate to the Source tab at the top of the current window. The following window will appear: Figure 6-14 Source Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 124 Tune Range: 5 V Input resistance: 1 MOhm 5) Configure Source #2 Uncheck "Apply channel #1 parameters to channel #2". Navigate to Source #2 tab. Apply same frequency and VCO Tuning parameters as Source #1. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 125 Navigate to the Cal tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-15 Cal Tab For this tab we will use Beat Note Cal. Refer to the Cal Demo guide for details on using other cal methods. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 126 Phase Detector Constant: Derive detector constant from measured beat note 2) Configure VCO Tune Constant Settings VCO Tune Constant: Measure VCO tune constant 3) Phase Locked Loop Suppression Uncheck "Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression" N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 127 Absolute Measurement Examples Dual Channel (EFC) Block Diagram Configuration Navigate to the Block Diagram tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-16 Block Diagram Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 128 Absolute Measurement Examples Dual Channel (EFC) 1) Phase Detector Phase Detector: Automatic Detection Selection 2) Test Set Tune Voltage VCO Tune Mode: EFC N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 129 Absolute Measurement Examples Dual Channel (EFC) Configure Graph Navigate to the Graph tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-17 Graph Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 130 Absolute Measurement Examples Dual Channel (EFC) 1) Set Title 2) Set X-Scale X -Scale Minimum: 10 Hz X-Scale Maximum: 2 MHz 3) Set Y-Scale Y-Scale Maximum: 0 dBc/Hz Y-Scale Minimum: -170 dBc/Hz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 131 0 Hz. Searching for the beat note will require that you adjust the center frequency of one of the sources above and below the frequency of the other source until the beat note appears on the N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 132 Oscilloscope display of beat notes from test set monitor ports Click the Continue button on the tune pause window(s) when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 133 Figure 6-21 Dual Channel (EFC) Measurement Results Figure 6-22 shows an identical measurement except with a higher number of cross-correlations. Figure 6-22 Dual Channel Fast Measurement 100 cross-correlations (no averages) with markers N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 134: Dual Channel (Dcfm)

    — Keysight PSG (E8257D/E8257D/E8257D) signal sources (x3), one PSG acting as a DUT and the other two as references (REF) with DCFM capability — Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System — Oscilloscope: Keysight Infinivision MSO-X 3054A (or similar with high-impedance inputs) —...
  • Page 135 Connect the RF port of the REF2 source to the LO2 LB port of the PNTS using the 20-inch cable. Oscilloscope Connect SMB cables to the Monitor outputs on each of the phase detectors. Connect the other ends to the oscilloscope. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 136: Configuring Equipment

    Absolute Measurement Examples Dual Channel (DCFM) Configuring Equipment Configure the equipment to the settings for this lab: 1) Power Power on all the equipment: Keysight N5511A PNTS, PSGs Frequency, 1 GHz 2) Set up the DUT Amplitude 14 dBm RF On/Off...

  • Page 137: Measurement Procedure

    At the top of the main application window, click "Define" and then select "Measurement…" from the drop-down menu. Define, Measurement, Type and Range The following window will appear: Figure 6-24 Type and Range Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 138 4) Set Start and Stop Offsets Start Offset: 10 Hz Stop Offset: 2 MHz 5) Set Number of Cross-Correlations FFT Analyzer Minimum number of cross-correlations: 1 6) Set FFT Size RBW %: 1.96 (1024 point FFT) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 139 Next, we will configure the settings for the DUT and the reference sources. Navigate to the Source tab at the top of the current window. The following window will appear: Figure 6-25 Source Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 140 Tune Range: 1 V Input resistance: 1 MOhm 5) Configure Source #2 Uncheck "Apply channel #1 parameters to channel #2". Navigate to Source #2 tab. Apply same frequency and VCO Tuning parameters as Source #1. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 141 Navigate to the Cal tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-26 Cal Tab For this tab we will use Beat Note Cal. Refer to the Cal Demo guide for details on using other cal methods. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 142 Phase Detector Constant: Derive detector constant from measured beat note 2) Configure VCO Tune Constant Settings VCO Tune Constant: Measure VCO tune constant 3) Phase Locked Loop Suppression Uncheck "Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression" N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 143 Absolute Measurement Examples Dual Channel (DCFM) Block Diagram Configuration Navigate to the Block Diagram tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-27 Block Diagram Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 144 Absolute Measurement Examples Dual Channel (DCFM) 1) Phase Detector Phase Detector: Automatic Detection Selection 2) Test Set Tune Voltage VCO Tune Mode: DCFM N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 145 Absolute Measurement Examples Dual Channel (DCFM) Configure Graph Navigate to the Graph tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-28 Graph Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 146 Absolute Measurement Examples Dual Channel (DCFM) 1) Set Title 2) Set X-Scale X -Scale Minimum: 10 Hz X-Scale Maximum: 2 MHz 3) Set Y-Scale Y-Scale Maximum: 0 dBc/Hz Y-Scale Minimum: -170 dBc/Hz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 147 Experience”), verify the connections as indicated by the diagram, and click Continue. Figure 6-29 Instrument Connections If the beat note is not within the frequency range required, the software will prompt to tune the reference. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 148 Manual Tune Pause Point, which is triggered during calibration if the beat note of one of the references is out of the desired range. The window will specify which channel needs to be tuned. Figure 6-30 Manual Tune Pause Point N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 149 When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help in evaluating your measurement results. Figure 6-31 shows the result of this measurement example. Figure 6-31 Dual Channel (DCFM) Measurement Results N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 150: Ocxo Dual Channel Measurement

    This measurement example will help you measure the absolute phase noise of a stable OCXO. To prevent damage to the test system’s hardware components, verify that the input signal is within the test system’s power limits. Refer to the N5511A Data Sheet online. Required equipment — DUT —...

  • Page 151: Test Setup

    Connectors on M9550A Connects to Green port of reference tune Purple Scope monitor DUT source RF (after splitter) Blue Reference Source RF out Both phase detector modules have identical connections using separate reference sources N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 152 Connect the RF port of the REF2 OCXO to the LO IN2 LB port of the PNTS. Oscilloscope Connect SMB cables to the Monitor outputs on each of the phase detectors. Connect the other ends to the oscilloscope. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 153: Configuring Equipment

    Configure the equipment to the settings for this lab: 1) Power Power on all the equipment: Keysight N5511A PNTS, DUT OCXO, Reference OCXOs. Allow for oscillators to warm up according to their specifications in order to perform an optimum measurement.

  • Page 154: Measurement Procedure

    At the top of the main application window, click "Define" and then select "Measurement…" from the drop-down menu. Define, Measurement, Type and Range The following window will appear: Figure 6-33 Type and Range Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 155 4) Set Start and Stop Offsets Start Offset: .01 Hz Stop Offset: 2 MHz 5) Set Number of Cross-Correlations FFT Analyzer Minimum number of cross-correlations: 1 6) Set FFT Size RBW %: 1.96 (1024 point FFT) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 156 Next, we will configure the settings for the DUT and the reference sources. Navigate to the Source tab at the top of the current window. The following window will appear: Figure 6-34 Source Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 157 Tune Range: .5 V Input resistance: 1 MOhm 5) Configure Source #2 Uncheck "Apply channel #1 parameters to channel #2". Navigate to Source #2 tab. Apply same frequency and VCO Tuning parameters as Source #1. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 158 Navigate to the Cal tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-35 Cal Tab For this tab we will use Beat Note Cal. Refer to the Cal Demo guide for details on using other cal methods. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 159 Phase Detector Constant: Derive detector constant from measured beat note 2) Configure VCO Tune Constant Settings VCO Tune Constant: Measure VCO tune constant 3) Phase Locked Loop Suppression Uncheck "Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression" N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 160 Absolute Measurement Examples OCXO Dual Channel Measurement Block Diagram Configuration Navigate to the Block Diagram tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-36 Block Diagram Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 161 Absolute Measurement Examples OCXO Dual Channel Measurement 1) Phase Detector Phase Detector: Automatic Detection Selection 2) Test Set Tune Voltage VCO Tune Mode: EFC N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 162 Absolute Measurement Examples OCXO Dual Channel Measurement Configure Graph Navigate to the Graph tab. The following window will appear: Figure 6-37 Graph Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 163 Absolute Measurement Examples OCXO Dual Channel Measurement 1) Set Title 2) Set X-Scale X -Scale Minimum: 10 Hz X-Scale Maximum: 2 MHz 3) Set Y-Scale Y-Scale Maximum: 0 dBc/Hz Y-Scale Minimum: -170 dBc/Hz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 164 If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beat note within the capture range, the system will not be able to complete its measurement. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 165 When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help in evaluating your measurement results. Figure 6-39 shows the result of this measurement example. Figure 6-39 OCXO Dual Channel Measurement Results N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 166 Absolute Measurement Examples OCXO Dual Channel Measurement N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 167 Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide Residual and Additive Noise Measurement Fundamentals “What is Residual Noise?” on page 168 “Fundamental Measurement Technique” on page 170 “Assumptions” on page 172 “Frequency translation devices” on page 173 “Calibrating the Measurement” on page 175...

  • Page 168: Residual And Additive Noise Measurement Fundamentals

    Additive noise is the noise generated by the two-port device at or near the signal frequency which adds in a linear fashion to the signal. See Figure 7-1. Figure 7-1 Additive noise components N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 169 The baseband noise may be produced by the active device(s) of the internal network, or may come from low-frequency noise on the signal or power supply. See Figure 7-2. Figure 7-2 Multiplicative noise components N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 170: Fundamental Measurement Technique

    Residual and Additive Noise Measurement Fundamentals What is Residual Noise? Fundamental Measurement Technique N5511A utilizes the quadrature technique to perform a residual measurement. Establishing quadrature is used to cancel the noise not pertinent to the phase noise of DUT. As shown in...
  • Page 171 The output of each phase detector is the additive noise of the DUT, and any additive noise corresponding to internal amplifiers in each of the channels is removed by cross-correlation. Figure 7-5 Dual Channel Configuration N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 172: Assumptions

    This decorrelation of the noise causes the system to measure the source noise level directly at offsets beyond the filter bandwidth. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 173: Frequency Translation Devices

    DUTs. See Figure 7-6. Figure 7-6 Measurement setup for two similar DUTs N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 174 The only factor that can be affected is time, as worse performing devices will impact the amount of cross-correlations required to reach the noise floor of the DUT. Figure 7-7 Dual Channel Measurement Setup Example for Frequency Translating Device N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 175: Calibrating The Measurement

    Residual and Additive Noise Measurement Fundamentals Calibrating the Measurement Calibrating the Measurement In the N5511A Phase Noise Test System, residual phase noise measurements are made by selecting Residual Phase Noise (without using a phase locked loop). There are five calibration methods that to choose from for calibrating a two-port measurement.
  • Page 176 The method used will mainly be determined by the sources and equipment available to you. When calibrating the system for measurements, remember that the calibration is only as accurate as the data input to the system software. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 177: User Entry Of Phase Detector Constant

    — The user entry of the phase detector constant is the least accurate of all the calibration methods. — Does not take into account the amount of power at harmonics of the signal. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 178: Measured Beat Note

    The power level at the LO input is measured. Figure 7-9 Single Channel Measurement using Beat Note Cal N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 179 This method can be used in a dual channel setup as well, where the calibration is performed on each of the separated phase detectors. See the absolute measurement calibrations section on page 86 for more detailed theory about how beat note calibration works. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 180: Measured ± Dc Peak Voltage

    The system will read the value of the positive and negative peak and automatically calculate the mean of the peak voltages which is the phase detector constant used by the system. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 181 This causes the peak value measured to be inaccurate which can affect the Kphi by as much as 2 dB. In many cases this may not be an issue. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 182: Double-Sided Spur

    Enter the offset and level in the Known Spur Parameters section in the Cal tab of the Define Measurement menu. Figure 7-12 Known Spur Parameters N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 183 If the stimulus is not capable of being phase modulated, a separate phase modulator can be used. Figure 7-14 Dual Channel Residual Measurement See the absolute measurement calibrations section on page 86 for more detailed theory about how double-sided spur calibration works. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 184: Single-Sided Spur

    — Requires an RF spectrum analyzer for manual measurement of the signal-to-spur ratio and the spur offset frequency. — The figures below show a single and dual channel measurement configurations for using a single-sided spur calibration. Figure 7-15 One Channel with SSB Cal N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 185 Spur Parameters section in the Cal tab of the Define Measurement menu. Figure 7-17 Known Spur Parameters See the absolute measurement calibrations section on page 86 for more detailed theory about how single-sided spur calibration works. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 186: Measurement Difficulties

    The first thing to check if problems occur is the instrument connections and settings as this is the most common error. It is also important to make sure the levels are correct into the test set phase detector inputs. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 187: Residual Measurement Examples

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide Residual Measurement Examples “Amplifier Measurement Example - Single Channel” on page 188 “Amplifier Measurement Example - Dual Channel” on page 202...

  • Page 188: Amplifier Measurement Example - Single Channel

    To prevent damage to the test system’s hardware components, verify that the input signal is within the test system’s power limits. Refer to the N5511A Data Sheet online. Required equipment — RF amplifier —...

  • Page 189: Configuring Equipment

    Set the cal source to be at a 1 kHz offset from the stimulus carrier at the output of the coupler − 40 dB relative to the carrier. A signal analyzer should be used to verify the cal tone. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 190: Measurement Procedure

    At the top of the main application window, click Define and select Measurement from the drop-down menu. Define --> Measurement The following window will appear: Figure 8-2 Measurement Type and Range Navigate to the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 191 1) Choose Measurement Type Measurement Type: Residual Phase Noise (without using phase locked loop) 2) Choose Channel Setup Channel Setup: Single 3) Set Start and Stop Offsets Start Offset: 10 Hz Stop Offset: 160 MHz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 192 Next, we will configure the settings for the DUT and the reference source (REF). Navigate to the Source tab at the top of the current window and the following will appear: Figure 8-3 Source Configuration 1) Set Carrier Carrier Frequency: 1 GHz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 193 Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example - Single Channel Cal Confirmation Navigate to the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window. The following window will appear: Figure 8-4 Cal Confirmation N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 194 Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example - Single Channel 1) Configure Phase Detector Constant Cal Derive detector constant from single-sided spur 2) Known Spur Parameters Amplitude: -40 dBc Offset Frequency: 1 kHz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 195 Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example - Single Channel Block Diagram Set Up Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. The following window will appear: Figure 8-5 Block Diagram N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 196 Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example - Single Channel 1) Phase Shifter Select Manual from the Phase Shifter pull-down 2) Phase Detector Select Automatic Detector from the Phase Detector pull-down N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 197 Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example - Single Channel Graph Configuration Navigate to the Graph tab. The following window will appear: Figure 8-6 Graph Configuration N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 198 Set the graph parameters for graph display. 1) Set X Scale X Scale Minimum: 1 Hz X Scale Maximum: 20 MHz 2) Set Y Scale Y Scale Minimum: -30 dBc/Hz Y Scale Maximum: -180 dBc/Hz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 199 Click Continue. To prevent damage to the test system’s hardware components, verify that the input signal is within the test system’s power limits. Refer to the N5511A Data Sheet online. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 200 If the software prompts to Establish Quadrature Manually adjust the phase difference at the phase detector until the voltmeter at the right-hand side of the display, shown below, reads approximately 0 V. Click Continue. Figure 8-7 Establish Quadrature Manually N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 201 The system will now measure the noise data. 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. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 202: Amplifier Measurement Example - Dual Channel

    To prevent damage to the test system’s hardware components, verify that the input signal is within the test system’s power limits. Refer to the N5511A Data Sheet online. Required equipment — RF amplifier —...

  • Page 203: Configuring Equipment

    Set the cal source to be at a 1 kHz offset from the stimulus carrier at the output of the coupler − 40 dB relative to the carrier. A signal analyzer should be used to verify the cal tone. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 204: Measurement Procedure

    At the top of the main application window, click Define and select Measurement from the drop-down menu. Define --> Measurement The following window will appear: Figure 8-11 Measurement Type and Range Navigate to the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 205 Noise (without using phase locked loop) 2) Choose Channel Setup Channel Setup: Single 3) Cross-correlations FFT Analyzer Minimum Number of Cross-Correlations 4) Set Start and Stop Offsets Start Offset: 10 Hz Stop Offset: 160 MHz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 206 Next, we will configure the settings for the DUT and the reference source (REF). Navigate to the Source tab at the top of the current window and the following will appear: Figure 8-12 Source Configuration 1) Set Carrier Carrier Frequency: 1 GHz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 207 Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example - Dual Channel Cal Confirmation Navigate to the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window. The following window will appear: Figure 8-13 Cal Confirmation N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 208 Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example - Dual Channel 1) Configure Phase Detector Constant Cal Derive detector constant from single-sided spur 2) Known Spur Parameters Amplitude: -40 dBc Offset Frequency: 1 kHz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 209 Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example - Dual Channel Block Diagram Set Up Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. The following window will appear: Figure 8-14 Block Diagram N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 210 Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example - Dual Channel 1) Phase Shifter Select Manual from the Phase Shifter pull-down 2) Phase Detector Select Automatic Detector from the Phase Detector pull-down N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 211 Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example - Dual Channel Graph Configuration Navigate to the Graph tab. The following window will appear: Figure 8-15 Graph Confirmation Set the graph parameters for graph display. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 212 Amplifier Measurement Example - Dual Channel 1) Set X Scale X Scale Minimum: 1 Hz X Scale Maximum: 20 MHz 2) Set Y Scale Y Scale Minimum: -30 dBc/Hz Y Scale Maximum: -180 dBc/Hz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 213 Click Continue. To prevent damage to the test system’s hardware components, verify that the input signal is within the test system’s power limits. Refer to the N5511A Data Sheet online. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 214 0 V. Click Continue. The software will prompt to establish quadrature for each channel. Figure 8-16 Establish Quadrature Manually N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 215 The system will then prompt you to Apply Modulation to the Carrier. At this moment, turn on the RF from the calibration source. Figure 8-17 Apply Modulation The system will prompt you to Remove Modulation. Turn off calibration source Figure 8-18 Remove Modulation N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 216 Measurement definition's Type and Range. Figure 8-19 Additive Phase Noise Measurement N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 217: Fm Discriminator Fundamentals

    N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide FM Discriminator Fundamentals “The Frequency Discriminator Method” on page 218...

  • Page 218: The Frequency Discriminator Method

    A wide-band delay line frequency discriminator is easy to implement using the N5511A Phase Noise Test System and common coaxial cable. Basic theory The delay line implementation of the frequency discriminator...

  • Page 219: The Discriminator Transfer Response

    = 1/τ. Increasing the rate of a modulation signal applied to the system will cause nulls to appear at frequency multiples of 1/τ (Figure 9-2). N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 220 K is the mixer efficiency and V is the voltage into the Signal Input port (R port) of the mixer. V is also the voltage available at the output of the delay line. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 221 1. Compression: The level of the output signal at which the gain of a device is reduced by a specific amount, usually expressed in decibels (dB), as in the 1 dB compression point. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 222 DUT. Because attenuation in coaxial lines is frequency dependent, optimum system sensitivity will be achieved with different lengths of line for different carrier frequencies. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 223: 10 Fm Discriminator Measurement Examples

    N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide 10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples “Introduction” on page 224 “FM Discriminator Single Channel Measurement using Double-Sided Spur Calibration” on page 225 “FM Discriminator Single Channel Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration” on page 240...

  • Page 224: Introduction

    The output of the phase detector is a voltage proportional to the frequency fluctuations of the source. For more information about FM Discrimination basics, refer to Chapter 9, “FM Discriminator Fundamentals”. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 225: Fm Discriminator Single Channel Measurement Using Double-Sided Spur Calibration

    Calibrated FM at a 20 kHz rate with 10 kHz Peak Deviation. Power Splitter NARDA 30183 Delay Line Delay (or length) adequate to decorrelate source noise. Phase Shifter ±180° phase shifter at lowest carrier frequency tested. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 226: Determining The Discriminator (Delay Line) Length

    (The loss across 8 feet of BNC cable specified in this example is negligible.) The test set Signal and Reference inputs requires +15 ICBM. Figure 10-2 Discriminator noise floor as a function of delay time N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 227: Define The Measurement

    10-3. 1. Choose the Type and Range tab. 2. From the Measurement Type pull-down in Type and Range tab, select Absolute Phase Noise (using an FM discriminator). Figure 10-3 Select the Measurement Type N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 228 Figure 10-4. 2. Enter the carrier (center) frequency of your DUT (5 MHz to 1.6 GHz). Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency. Figure 10-4 Enter Frequencies in the Source Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 229 3. Set the Know Spur Parameters Offset Frequency and Amplitude for the spur you plan to use for calibration purposes. This calibration method requires that you enter the offset and amplitude for a known spur. Figure 10-5 Enter Parameters in the Cal Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 230 1. Choose the Block Diagram tab. Refer to Figure 10-6. 2. From the Reference Source pull-down, select Manual. 3. From the Phase Detector pull-down, select Automatic Detector Selection. Figure 10-6 Select Parameters in the Block Diagram Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 231 1. Choose the Graph tab. Refer to Figure 10-7. 2. Enter a graph description of your choice. Figure 10-7 Select Graph Description in the Graph Tab When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 232: Setup Considerations

    The following precautions will help ensure reliable test results: — Filtering on power supply lines — Protection from microphonics — Shielding from air currents may be necessary. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 233 FM Discriminator Single Channel Measurement using Double-Sided Spur Calibration Beginning the measurement 1. From the View menu, choose Meter to select the quadrature meter. See Figure 10-8. Figure 10-8 Select meter from view menu N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 234 FM Discriminator Single Channel Measurement using Double-Sided Spur Calibration 2. From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement. 3. When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 235 See Figure 10-9. Figure 10-9 Setup diagram for the FM discrimination measurement example The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics referenced in the data sheet. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 236: Making The Measurement

    2. Establish quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter until the meter indicates 0 volts, then press Continue. 3. Apply modulation to the carrier signal, then press Continue. 4. Remove the modulation from the carrier and connect your DUT. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 237: When The Measurement Is Complete

    Figure 10-10 shows a typical absolute measurement using FM discrimination. Figure 10-10 Typical phase noise curve using double-sided spur calibration N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 238 -12 dBc Calibration Source Frequency 1.027 E + 9 Hz Power 16 dBm Block Diagram Tab Carrier Source Manual Phase Shifter Manual Phase Detector Automatic Detector Selection Establish Quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 239 Scale trace data to a new carrier 1 times the current carrier frequency frequency of: Shift trace data DOWN by 0 dB Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT 0 dB N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 240: Fm Discriminator Single Channel Measurement Using Fm Rate And Deviation Calibration

    Refer to the data sheet for power specifications. In order to use the FM rate and deviation calibration method you must have a signal source that is calibrated for FM modulation rate and FM deviation parameters. All Keysight Technologies signal generators meet this requirement.
  • Page 241 (The loss across 8 feet of BNC cable specified in this example is negligible.) The test set Signal and Reference inputs requires +15 ICBM. Figure 10-11 Discriminator noise floor as a function of delay time N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 242: Define The Measurement

    10-12. 1. Choose the Type and Range tab. 2. From the Measurement Type pull-down in Type and Range tab, select Absolute Phase Noise (using an FM discriminator). Figure 10-12 Select the Measurement Type N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 243 Figure 10-13. 2. Enter the carrier (center) frequency of your DUT (5 MHz to 1.6 GHz). Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency. Figure 10-13 Enter Frequencies in the Source Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 244 2. Select Derive constant from FM rate and deviation as the calibration method. 3. Set the FM Rate to 20 kHz and FM Deviation to 10 kHz, which are the recommended FM rate and deviation. Figure 10-14 Enter Parameters in the Cal Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 245 1. Choose the Block Diagram tab. Refer to Figure 10-15. 2. From the Reference Source pull-down, select Manual. 3. From the Phase Detector pull-down, select Automatic Detector Selection. Figure 10-15 Select Parameters in the Block Diagram Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 246 1. Choose the Graph tab. Refer to Figure 10-16. 2. Enter a graph description of your choice. Figure 10-16 Select Graph Description in the Graph Tab When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 247: Setup Considerations

    The following precautions will help ensure reliable test results: — Filtering on power supply lines — Protection from microphonics — Shielding from air currents may be necessary. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 248 FM Discriminator Single Channel Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration Beginning the measurement 1. From the View menu, choose Meter to select the quadrature meter. See Figure 10-17. Figure 10-17 Select meter from view menu N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 249 FM Discriminator Single Channel Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration 2. From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement. 3. When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 250 See Figure 10-18. Figure 10-18 Setup diagram for the FM discrimination measurement example The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics referenced in the data sheet. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 251: Making The Measurement

    2. Establish quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter until the meter indicates 0 volts, then press Continue. 3. Apply modulation to the carrier signal, then press Continue. 4. Remove the modulation from the carrier and connect your DUT. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 252: When The Measurement Is Complete

    Figure 10-19 shows a typical absolute measurement using FM discrimination. Figure 10-19 Typical phase noise curve using FM Rate and Deviation calibration N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 253 -6 dBc Calibration Source Frequency 1.027 E + 9 Hz Power 16 dBm Block Diagram Tab Carrier Source Manual Phase Shifter Manual FM Discriminator Automatic Detector Selection Establish Quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 254 Scale trace data to a new carrier 1 times the current carrier frequency frequency of: Shift trace data DOWN by 0 dB Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT 0 dB N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 255: 11 Am Noise Measurement Fundamentals

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide 11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals “AM-Noise Measurement Theory of Operation” on page 256 “Amplitude Noise Measurement” on page 257 “Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines” on page 260 “User entry of phase detector constant” on page 261 “Double-Sided Spur”...

  • Page 256: Am-Noise Measurement Theory Of Operation

    6 dB below the original single-sided spur. Since the phase detector attenuates the AM by more than 30 dB, the calibration constant can be measured as in the previous case, but with an additional 6 dB correction factor. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 257: Amplitude Noise Measurement

    AM noise from the measured output noise of the DUT. The noise floor of this technique is the noise floor of the source. AM noise measurement block diagrams Figure 11-1 Single Channel AM Measurement Figure 11-2 Dual Channel AM Measurement N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 258: Using An External Am Detector

    The following is an example of how an external detector can be utilized to connect into the noise inputs of the phase detector module(s) of the N5511A. This is the same as how an AM noise measurement would be traditionally performed on the e5500 test set.
  • Page 259 The 50 ohm load increases the detector bandwidth up to more than 100 MHz. N5511A has an internal AM detector in the phase detector module(s). This eliminates the need for external detection and DC blocking. Table 11-1...

  • Page 260: Calibration And Measurement General Guidelines

    Excess gain leads to amplifiers operating in gain compression, increasing their likelihood of suppressing the AM noise to be measured. — The amplifier’s sensitivity to power supply noise and the supply noise itself must both be minimized. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 261: User Entry Of Phase Detector Constant

    2. Measure the power which will be applied to the AM detector (see Figure 11-5). Figure 11-5 AM noise calibration setup 3. Locate the drive level on the AM sensitivity graph (Figure 11-6), and enter the data. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 262 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines 4. Measure the noise data and interpret the results. The measured data will be plotted as single-sideband AM noise in dBc/Hz. Figure 11-6 AM detector sensitivity graph N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 263: Double-Sided Spur

    11-7, and tighten all connections. Figure 11-7 Setup for single channel and dual channel instruments 2. Measure the power which will be applied to the AM detector. It must be between 0 and +23 dBm. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 264 5. Run New Measurement. The AM detector calibration constant will be measured. 6. The application will prompt to turn off AM. 7. Measure noise data and interpret the results. Example 2 Advantages — Will measure source without modulation capability. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 265 These values are directly entered into the software. When measurement is performed, there will not be a 6 dB difference as observed in an absolute or residual measurement as AM is not being suppressed in this measurement. See Figure 11-10. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 266 5. Remove the AM source and reconnect the DUT. 6. Measure noise data and interpret the results. The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector’s output. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 267: Single-Sided Spur

    1. Connect circuit as shown in Figure 11-11 Figure 11-11, depending on whether the measurement will be single or dual channel. Figure 11-11 Single Channel AM noise measurement setup N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 268 The AM detector will remove the PM component, thus the end result in the measurement will be a spur that is 6 dB lower than what the analyzer measured. See Figure 11-14. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 269 Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines Figure 11-14 AM Detector removes carrier 5. Reconnect DUT signal to the AM detector(s). 6. Begin measurement following on-screen instructions for turning spur on/off. 7. Measure noise data and interpret the results. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 270 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 271: Am Noise Measurement Examples

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide 12 AM Noise Measurement Examples “AM Noise Measurement Examples” on page 272...

  • Page 272: Am Noise Measurement Examples

    Figure 12-1 AM noise measurement configuration 1) Connect DUT Connect the E8257D PSG to a splitter. Connect each path of the splitter to the AM detector input on each of the phase detector modules. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 273: Configuring Equipment

    AM Noise Measurement Examples Configuring Equipment Configure the equipment to the settings for this lab: 1) Power Power on all the equipment: Keysight N5511A PNTS, E8257D PSG Frequency, 1 GHz 2) Set up the DUT carrier signal Amplitude 14 dBm...

  • Page 274: Measurement Procedure

    At the top of the main application window, click "Define" and then select "Measurement…" from the drop-down menu. Define, Measurement, Type and Range This window will appear: Figure 12-2 Type and Range Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 275 4) Set Start and Stop Offsets Start Offset: 10 Hz Stop Offset: 2 MHz 5) Set Number of Cross-Correlations FFT Analyzer Minimum number of cross-correlations: 1 6) Set FFT Size RBW %: 1.96 (1024 point FFT) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 276 Navigate to the Source tab at the top of the current window. This window will appear: Figure 12-3 Source Tab 1) Set Carrier Source Settings Frequency: 1 GHz Power: 10 dBm 2) Set Detector Input Frequency N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 277 Navigate to the Cal tab. This window will appear: Figure 12-4 Cal Tab For this tab we will use Beat Note Cal. Refer to the Cal Demo guide for details on using other cal methods. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 278 AM Noise Measurement Examples AM Noise Measurement Examples 1) Configure Phase Detector Constant Settings Phase Detector Constant: Derive detector constant from double-sided spur 2) Configure Known Spur Offset Frequency: 10 kHz Amplitude: -42 dBc. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 279 AM Noise Measurement Examples AM Noise Measurement Examples Block Diagram Configuration Navigate to the Block Diagram tab. This window will appear: Figure 12-5 Block Diagram Tab 1) Phase Detector AM Detector: Test Set AM Detector N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 280 AM Noise Measurement Examples AM Noise Measurement Examples Configure Graph Navigate to the Graph tab. This window will appear: Figure 12-6 Graph Tab N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 281 AM Noise Measurement Examples AM Noise Measurement Examples 1) Set Title 2) Set X-Scale X -Scale Minimum: 10 Hz X-Scale Maximum: 2 MHz 3) Set Y-Scale Y-Scale Maximum: 0 dBc/Hz Y-Scale Minimum: -170 dBc/Hz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 282 When the "Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement?" prompt appears, click Yes. Software will prompt to turn on and then to turn off modulation. Measure noise data and interpret the results. Figure 12-7 AM Noise Measurement Results N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 283: 13 Baseband Noise Measurement Example

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide 13 Baseband Noise Measurement Example “Baseband Noise with Test Set Measurement Example” on page 285...

  • Page 284: Baseband Noise Measurements

    Baseband Noise Measurements Baseband noise measurements can be performed in either single or dual channel mode. The baseband noise paths are calibrated in N5511A, and therefore there is no user calibration required. The figures below show the configuration for a baseband noise measurement for single channel and dual channel configurations.

  • Page 285: Baseband Noise With Test Set Measurement Example

    Ensure there is no DC present in the signal at the inputs to the test set to prevent damage to the test set. New Measurement Close Define Window. From the File Menu: Measure, New Measurement. When the "Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement?" prompt appears, click Yes. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 286 Baseband Noise Measurement Example Baseband Noise with Test Set Measurement Example The connection diagram will show the configuration setup. Press Continue. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 287 Baseband Noise with Test Set Measurement Example Figure 13-2 shows a typical phase noise curve for a baseband noise measurement using the test set. Figure 13-2 Phase Noise Curve for Baseband Noise Measurement using Test Set N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 288 Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of: 1 times the current carrier frequency Shift trace data DOWN by 0 dB Trace Smoothing Amount Power present at input of DUT 0 dB N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 289: 14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide 14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results “Evaluating the Results” on page 290 “Gathering More Data” on page 293 “Outputting the Results” on page 294 “Graph of Results” on page 295 “Omit Spurs” on page 297...

  • Page 290: Evaluating The Results

    If one or more of these problems appear on your graph, refer to “Problem Solving” on page 302 for recommended actions. Figure 14-1 Noise plot showing obvious problems N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 291: Comparing Against Expected Data

    (in dB) between the level of the results graph and that of the reference source. Then use the graph shown in Figure 14-2 to determine if the measurement results need to be decreased to reflect the actual noise level of the DUT. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 292 1 dB at 10 kHz to reflect the actual noise of the DUT. See Figure 14-3. Figure 14-3 Measurement results and reference source noise N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 293: Gathering More Data

    Additional information (such as typical noise curves for devices similar to the DUT or data sheets for components used in the device) can often provide insights into the expected performance of the DUT. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 294: 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. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 295: Graph Of Results

    The marker function allows you to display the exact frequency and amplitude of any point on the results graph. To access the marker function: 1. On the View menu, click Markers. See Figure 14-5. Figure 14-5 Navigate to marker N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 296 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Graph of Results 2. To remove the highlighted marker, click the Delete button. You may add as many as nine markers. See Figure 14-6. Figure 14-6 Add and delete markers N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 297: Omit Spurs

    Omit Spurs Omit Spurs plots the currently loaded results without displaying any spurs that may be present. 1. On the View menu, click Display Preferences. See Figure 14-7. Figure 14-7 Select display preferences N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 298 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Omit Spurs 2. In the Display Preferences dialog box, uncheck Spurs. See Figure 14-8. Click OK. Figure 14-8 Uncheck spurs N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 299 Omit Spurs 3. The Graph will be displayed without spurs (Figure 14-9). To re-display the spurs, check Spurs in the Display Preferences dialog box. Figure 14-9 Graph without spurs Figure 14-10 Graph with spurs N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 300: Parameter Summary

    The parameter summary data is included when you print the graph. 1. On the View menu, click Parameter Summary (Figure 14-11). Figure 14-11 Navigate to parameter summary N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 301 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Omit Spurs 2. The Parameter Summary Notepad dialog box appears (Figure 14-12). The data can be printed or changed using standard Notepad functionality. Figure 14-12 Parameter summary notepad N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 302: Problem Solving

    N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 303: Higher Noise Level

    The following table will help you identify and evaluate many of the potential causes of a high noise floor. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 304: Spurs On The Graph

    Upward Change for Marking Spurs (dB) <4 ≥4 < 100 kHz ≥8 ≥30 >100 kHz To list the marked spurs A list of spurs can be displayed by accessing the Spurs List function in the View menu. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 305 (Temporarily blocking the airflow through external to the measurement system. a fan may alter its speed enough to discern a frequency shift in a spur that is being caused by the fan.) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 306 This ensures that the calculation of cal L(ƒ) is still valid. Figure 14-13 L(ƒ) Is only valid for noise levels below the small angle line N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 307: 15 Advanced Software Features

    N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide 15 Advanced Software Features “Introduction” on page 308 “Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression” on page 309 “PLL suppression parameters” on page 310 “Ignore-Out-Of-Lock Mode” on page 312 “PLL Suppression Verification Process” on page 313 “Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Graph”...

  • Page 308: Introduction

    N5510 software. This chapter describes each of these advanced functions. Keysight recommends that only users who understand how the measurement and the test system are affected by each function use the Advanced Functions feature. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 309: Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression

    PLL Suppression Curve plot, as shown in Figure 15-1, when it is verified during measurement calibration. The plot appears whether or not an accuracy degradation occurs. Figure 15-1 PLL suppression verification graph N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 310: Pll Suppression Parameters

    PLL Gain Change or the Maximum Error, which ever is larger. The degradation itself is 1 dB less than the greater of these. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 311 The phase Detector Constant value, along with the LNA In/Out parameter, determines the Keysight N5511A system noise floor, exclusive of the reference source. “VCO CONSTANT” is the VCO Tune Constant used for the measurement.

  • Page 312: Ignore-Out-Of-Lock Mode

    — When Ignore Out Of Lock is selected, the test system does not verify the phase lock of the measurement. The user must ensure that the measurement maintains phase lock during the measurement. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 313: Pll Suppression Verification Process

    (well-known tuning characteristics or a system-controlled RF signal generator) then the need to select PLL suppression verification is minimal. To verify PLL suppression, an internal chirp signal is used. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 314 The PLL Suppression View graph has been updated to allow measured, calculated (adjusted), and theoretical information to be examined more closely. When the “Always Show Suppression Graph” is selected, the following graph (Figure 15-3) is provided. Figure 15-3 Default PLL suppression verification graph N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 315 There are four different curves available for this graph: a. “Measured” loop suppression curve (Figure 15-4)—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the N5511A system. b. “Smoothed” measured suppression curve (Figure 15-5)—this is a curve-fit representation of the measured results, it is used to compare with the “theoretical”...
  • Page 316 Advanced Software Features Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression Figure 15-4 Measured loop suppression curve N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 317 Advanced Software Features Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression Figure 15-5 Smoothed loop suppression curve N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 318 Advanced Software Features Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression Figure 15-6 Theoretical loop suppression curve N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 319 Advanced Software Features Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression Figure 15-7 Smoothed vs. theoretical loop suppression curve N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 320 Advanced Software Features Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression Figure 15-8 Smoothed vs. Adjusted theoretical loop suppression curve N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 321: Accuracy Degradation

    Figure 15-9 Adjusted theoretical vs. theoretical loop suppression curve Accuracy degradation Accuracy specification degradation is determined by taking the larger of Maximum Error and magnitude of PLL Gain Change and then subtracting 1 dB. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 322: Blanking Frequency And Amplitude Information On The Phase Noise Graph

    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 15-10. Figure 15-10 Choosing levels of security N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 323 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 15-11 Figure 15-12. Figure 15-11 Choosing levels of security N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 324 Advanced Software Features Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Graph Figure 15-12 Secured: frequencies cannot be viewed N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 325 When “Secured: Frequencies and Amplitudes cannot be viewed” is selected, all frequency and amplitude information is blanked on the phase noise graph. See Figure 15-13 Figure 15-14. Figure 15-13 Choosing levels of security Figure 15-14 Secured: frequencies and amplitudes cannot be viewed N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 326 Advanced Software Features Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Graph N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 327: 16 Reference Graphs And Tables

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide 16 Reference Graphs and Tables “Approximate System Noise Floor vs. R Port Signal Level” on page 328 “Phase Noise Floor and Region of Validity” on page 329 “Phase Noise Level of Various Keysight Sources” on page 330 “Increase in Measured Noise as Ref Source Approaches DUT Noise”...

  • Page 328: Approximate System Noise Floor Vs. R Port Signal Level

    +15 dBm, respectively). The approximate phase detector calibration constant that results from the input signal level at the R port is shown on the right side of the graph. Figure 16-1 Noise floor for R input port N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 329: Phase Noise Floor And Region Of Validity

    When using the L(ƒ) graph to compute Sφ(ƒ), add 3 dB to the Level. Sφ(ƒ) = 2 (L(ƒ)) or Sφ(ƒ) = L(ƒ) + 3 dB Figure 16-2 Region of validity N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 330: Phase Noise Level Of Various Keysight Sources

    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. Figure 16-3 Noise level for various reference sources N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 331: Increase In Measured Noise As Ref Source Approaches Dut Noise

    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. Figure 16-4 Reference source and DUT noise levels N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 332: Approximate Sensitivity Of Delay Line Discriminator

    Also, longer delay lines limit the maximum offset frequency that can be measured. Figure 16-5 Delay line discriminator sensitivity N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 333: Am Calibration

    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. Figure 16-6 AM detector sensitivity N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 334: Voltage Controlled Source Tuning Requirements

    These limits have been found to guarantee good results. Refer to Figure 16-7. Figure 16-7 Tuning voltage required for phase lock N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 335: Tune Range Of Vco For Center Voltage

    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. Figure 16-8 Tune range of VCO for center voltage N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 336: Peak Tuning Range Required By Noise Level

    Sources with higher phase noise require a wider Peak Tuning Range. Figure 16-9 Typical source noise level vs. minimum tuning range N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 337: Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth Vs. Peak Tuning Range

    Knowing the approximate closed PLL BW allows you to verify that there is sufficient bandwidth on the tuning port and that sufficient source isolation is present to prevent injection locking. Figure 16-10 PLL BW vs. peak tuning range N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 338: Noise Floor Limits Due To Peak Tuning Range

    Tuning Range entered for the source due to the inherent noise at the test set Tune Voltage Output port. (A Tune Range of VCO ±10 V and phase Detector Constant of 0.2V/Rad is assumed.) Figure 16-11 Noise at source’s peak tuning range N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 339: Tuning Characteristics Of Various Vco Source Options

    1 E + 6 Measure a factor of 2 Range of VCO for Center Voltage” on page 335 Exceeding 5 volts maximum voltage tuning range for the 8664A and 8665A/B may damage equipment. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 340 Reference Graphs and Tables Tuning Characteristics of Various VCO Source Options N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 341: System Specifications

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide 17 System Specifications “System Specifications” on page 342 “Power requirements” on page 344...

  • Page 342: System Specifications

    Table 17-2 shows the system’s operating characteristics. The N5511A Phase Noise Test System is designed for indoor use only. This product is designed for use in Installation Category II and Pollution Degree 2. Table 17-1 Mechanical and environmental specifications...
  • Page 343 –175 dBc/Hz typically (>10 kHz offsets) System spurious response ≤ 120 dBc typically External noise input port 0.01 Hz to 160 MHz Measurement accuracy ±2 dB (<1.0 MHz offsets) ±4 dB (<160 MHz offsets) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 344: Power Requirements

    System Specifications System Specifications Power requirements The flexibility of the N5511A system configuration results in a significant range of power requirements, depending on the type and number of instruments in a system. Table 17-4 shows the power requirements of the N5511A chassis/test set.

  • Page 345: 18 System Interconnections

    18 System Interconnections “N5511A System Modules” on page 346 “Making Connections” on page 347 “N5511A Two Channel Cable Connections” on page 349 “System Connectors” on page 354 This chapter contains information and diagrams for connecting the instruments in a racked or benchtop N5511A system.

  • Page 346: N5511A System Modules

    System Interconnections N5511A System Modules N5511A System Modules Figure 18-1 N5511A System Modules N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 347: Making Connections

    18-1. Do not overtighten the connector. Never exceed the recommended torque when attaching cables. Table 18-1 Proper Connector Torque Connector Torque cm-kg Torque N-cm Torque in-lbs Wrench P/N Type-N hand tighten 3.5 mm 8710-1765 N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 348: Connecting A Display To Your System

    Making Connections Connecting a Display to your System The N5511A Phase noise test system does not have a display. You will have to provide a monitor to view the user interface. Connect a display port cable to the M9037A controller display port connection and your monitor.

  • Page 349: N5511A Two Channel Cable Connections

    Cable Group Cable Part Numbers White Clock 8120-5091 (120 mm) Green Phase Detector Test Set 1 8121-2175 (300 mm) Phase Detector Test Set 2 8121-2175 (300 mm) Blue FFT/Data Converter 8121-2175 (300 mm) N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 350 ≥ 156 kHz Clk 1 100 MHz Out 1 ≤ 156 kHz Clk 1 100 MHz Out 2 ≥ 156 kHz Clk 2 100 MHz Out 3 ≤ 156 kHz Clk 2 100 MHz Out 4 N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 351 ≥ 156 kHz IN 1 + 156 kHz - 100 MHz + ≤ 156 kHz IN 1 − DC - 156 kHz − ≤ 156 kHz IN 1 + DC - 156 kHz + N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 352 ≥ 156 kHz IN 2 + 156 kHz - 100 MHz + ≤ 156 kHz IN 2 − DC - 156 kHz − ≤ 156 kHz IN 2 + DC - 156 kHz + N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 353 All Cables Part # 8121-5091 M9551A M955xA ≤ 156 kHz CAL 1 BB Cal In DC - 100 MHz TEST SET 1 ≤ 156 kHz CAL 2 BB Cal In DC - 100 MHz TEST SET 2 N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 354: System Connectors

    System Interconnections System Connectors System Connectors The following figures and tables show the connectors and adapters for the main N5511A system. It includes the type and quantity for each module in the system. Figure 18-8 M9300A Connectors Table 18-2 M9300A Connectors Description RF SMB, Male Straight Edge-mount, 50 Ω, 4 GHz...
  • Page 355 RF SMB, Male Straight Edge-mount, 50 Ω, 4 GHz RF BNC Receptacle Edge-mount SMT, 50 Ω HDMI Receptacle, Right-angle SMT, 19-POS 0.40 mm, 30V, 0.8A, 2-Row RF SMA, Jack straight SMT, 50 Ω, 18 GHz N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 356 RF SMB, Male Straight Edge-mount, 50 Ω, 4 GHz Micro-USB Type-B Receptacle Right-angle SMT 5-POS 0.65mm 30VAC 1.8A 1-Row 1-Port SMB Straight Jack Bulkhead to I-PEX MHF I + 1.13 Mini Cable Assy RSP-168036-06 N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 357: 19 Preventive Maintenance

    Keysight N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide 19 Preventive Maintenance “Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors” on page 358 “General Procedures and Techniques” on page 361 “Instrument Removal” on page 364 “Instrument Installation” on page 367 “Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors” on page 358 “Repeatability”...

  • Page 358: Using, Inspecting, And Cleaning Rf Connectors

    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. — Minimize the number of times you bend cables. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 359: Before Connecting The Cables To Any Device

    2.92 Connector Precautions 2.92 connectors are used on the front RF In connector on the test set. These connectors can be used with 2.92 mm and 3.5 mm connectors. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 360: Cleaning Procedure

    Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors Cleaning Procedure To prevent electrical shock, disconnect the Keysight Technologies Model N5511A from mains before cleaning. Use a dry cloth or one slightly dampened with water to clean the external case parts. Do not attempt to clean internally.

  • Page 361: General Procedures And Techniques

    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. Figure 19-1 GPIB, 3.5 mm, Type-N, power sensor, and BNC connectors N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 362: Connector Removal

    You may have to move the cable slightly until alignment is correct for the connectors to mate. When the two connectors are properly aligned, turning the instrument’s connector body will pull in the semirigid cable’s connector. Tighten firmly by hand. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 363 Semirigid cables that are crimped will affect system performance and must be replaced. Do not attempt to straighten a crimped semirigid cable. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 364: Instrument Removal

    4. Slide the instrument out. If you feel any resistance when attempting to pull the instrument out, STOP! Look inside the cabinet and carefully examine all surrounding cables. Make sure all cables are fully disconnected. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 365: Half-Rack-Width Instrument

    9. Store the “partner” instrument and Only install the instruments as a pair; lock links while the selected individual installation is not secure. instrument is out of the rack. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 366: Benchtop Instrument

    2. Unplug the selected instrument’s power cord from the AC power supply. 3. Remove the power cord and other Note the location of cables for cables from the front and rear of the re-installation. instrument. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 367: Instrument Installation

    System performance may be greatly impaired if there is a bad RF connector. 4. Turn on system power and restart the system computer if necessary. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...

  • Page 368: Half-Rack-Width Instrument

    2. Connect all cables to the instrument (front and rear), including the power cord. 3. Connect the power cord to the AC power source. 4. Power on the system. 5. Set the instrument GPIB address, if necessary. N5511A Phase Noise Test System User’s Guide...
  • Page 369 This information is subject to change without notice. © Keysight Technologies 2019 Edition 1, September 2019 N5511-90002 www.keysight.com...

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