Hello,
I have a signal generator and I would like to connect the 10MHz Ref Out of it to 3 10MHz Ref Inputs of 3 different pieces of hardware (2 SpecAns and the my DUT). My basic question is, how would I do this? Using an impedance matched power splitter or a simple tee or is this just not recommended? I feel using the splitter may cause phase issues since it has a few degree phase difference between input and output.
A little more about the setup: Im dealing with a test station that has a VXI SigGen and SpecAn built in. The 10MHz Ref from the SigGen already goes through a simple tee to feed the SpecAn 10MHz input and give access to to the 10MHz ref at the front panel. I want to use that connection at the front panel to input this reference to an external auxiliary SpecAn and also to the DUT. I was hoping to avoid daisy chaining through the external SpecAn because it would require an additional connector on my interface device. I'm worried the power will not be sufficient. The specifications are as follows:The SigGen output is >0dBm, the interal SpecAn input is >-3dBm, the external SpecAn input is >0dBm, and the DUT is >-5dBm. Only one SpecAn will be used at a time; however, the internal one will always be powered on and connected.
Any help or advise is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
J
I have a signal generator and I would like to connect the 10MHz Ref Out of it to 3 10MHz Ref Inputs of 3 different pieces of hardware (2 SpecAns and the my DUT). My basic question is, how would I do this? Using an impedance matched power splitter or a simple tee or is this just not recommended? I feel using the splitter may cause phase issues since it has a few degree phase difference between input and output.
A little more about the setup: Im dealing with a test station that has a VXI SigGen and SpecAn built in. The 10MHz Ref from the SigGen already goes through a simple tee to feed the SpecAn 10MHz input and give access to to the 10MHz ref at the front panel. I want to use that connection at the front panel to input this reference to an external auxiliary SpecAn and also to the DUT. I was hoping to avoid daisy chaining through the external SpecAn because it would require an additional connector on my interface device. I'm worried the power will not be sufficient. The specifications are as follows:The SigGen output is >0dBm, the interal SpecAn input is >-3dBm, the external SpecAn input is >0dBm, and the DUT is >-5dBm. Only one SpecAn will be used at a time; however, the internal one will always be powered on and connected.
Any help or advise is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
J
I have mostly connected the reference signal using BNC T-connectors without worrying about the phase. As long as the instruments (and DUT) are locked to the same reference and levels are within spec it's fine. You can also connect them in series if you have both input and outputs.
If you have a phase critical setup, it's possible to measure the phase difference at the generator outputs using a phase detector (mixer) and an oscilloscope but you may end up needing one more source as "phase reference". It is then possible to feed a DC signal to the phase modulation input to adjust the output phase or even phase lock it with your phase detector and a low pass filter (loop filter). Some generators have a possibility to adjust the output phase.