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Phase noise measurements not below -119dBc/Hz

Question asked by AOG on Feb 8, 2015
Latest reply on Feb 11, 2015 by MikeM

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Hello all. I have an E4440A with the Phase Noise personality, Option 226. I have tried to measure the phase noise on several generators with known phase noise below -126dBc/Hz but the best I can obtain on the E4440A is -119dBc/Hz. I performed the DANL performance test and it passes with flying colors. Could there be a problem with the E4440A's LO? If so, how could I verify it? Is there anything else I should be looking at?

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MikeM Feb 11, 2015 9:12 AM
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If you are measuring phase noise of a device under test you will be more interested in the Noise Sidebands specification of the instrument instead of the displayed average noise level. The noise sidebands specification changes with offset frequency, so you will also want to look at the frequency offset you are trying to measure below -126 dBc/Hz.

The PSA series specifications guide can be found at:

http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf/E4440-90647.pdf

Specifications for Noise Sidebands start on page 35. Also, chapter 2 is specifically for the Phase Noise Measurement personality.

Regards,
Mike
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Phase noise measurements not below -119dBc/Hz

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