Agilent E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide Agilent Technologies
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Contents 1 Getting Started Introduction 26 Documentation Map 27 Table 1. E5505A user’s guide map 27 Additional Documentation 28 Figure 1. Navigate to system documentation 28 System Overview 29 Figure 2. E5505A benchtop system, typical configuration 30 Table 2. Equivalent system/instrument model numbers 30 2 Introduction and Measurement Introducing the GUI 32 Figure 3.
Learning more 43 Table 3. Parameter data for the N5500A confidence test example 43 Powering the System Off 45 To power off a racked system 45 To power off a benchtop system 45 Using the E5500 Shutdown Utility 45 Figure 12. Shutdown utility icon 45 3 Phase Noise Basics What is Phase Noise? 48 Figure 13. RF sideband spectrum 49 Phase terms 49 Figure 14. CW signal sidebands viewed in the frequency domain 50 Figure 15. Deriving L(f) from a RF analyzer display 51 Figure 16.
Figure 33. Asset Manager window Figure 34. GPIB address dialog box 64 65 Testing the 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz 66 Required equipment 66 Defining the measurement 66 Figure 35. Select the parameters definition file 66 Figure 36. Enter Source Information 67 Table 5. Tuning characteristics for various sources 68 Selecting a reference source 68 Figure 37. Selecting a reference source 68 Selecting loop suppression verification 69 Figure 38.
Figure 54. Confirm measurement dialog box 87 Figure 55. Connect diagram dialog box 88 Table 9. Test set signal input limits and characteristics 89 Figure 56. Oscilloscope display of beatnote from test set monitor port 91 Making the measurement 92 Figure 57. Suppression selections 92 Figure 58. Typical phase noise curve for an 8644B 10 MHz measurement. 93 Table 10. Parameter data for the 8644B 10 MHz measurement 94 Viewing Markers 96 Figure 59. Navigate to markers 96 Figure 60.
Figure 74. Reference source noise approaches DUT noise 111 Selecting a Reference 112 Figure 75. DUT noise approaches reference noise 112 Using a Similar Device 112 Using a Signal Generator 113 Tuning Requirements 113 Table 12. Tuning Characteristics of Various VCO Source Options 113 Figure 76. Voltage tuning range limits relative to center voltage of the VCO tuning curve 114 Estimating the Tuning Constant 115 Table 13.
Figure 86. Selecting a reference source 133 Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 133 Figure 87. Selecting loop suppression verification 134 Setup considerations for stable RF oscillator measurement 134 Figure 88. Noise floor for the stable RF oscillator measurement 135 Figure 89. Noise floor calculation example 135 Beginning the measurement 136 Figure 90. Selecting a new measurement 136 Figure 91. Confirm new measurement 136 Figure 92.
RF Synthesizer Using DCFM 160 Required equipment 160 Defining the measurement 160 Figure 108. Select the parameters definition file 160 Figure 109. Enter source information 161 Table 20. Tuning characteristics for various sources 162 Selecting a reference source 162 Figure 110. Selecting a reference source 162 Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 164 Figure 111. Selecting loop suppression verification 164 Setup considerations for the RF synthesizer using DCFM measurement 164 Figure 112.
Table 24. Test set signal Input Limits and Characteristics 182 Checking the beatnote 182 Figure 129. Oscilloscope display of a beatnote from the test set Monitor port Making the measurement 183 Figure 130. Selecting suppressions 184 Figure 131. Typical phase noise curve for an RF synthesizer using EFC 185 Table 25. Parameter data for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement 186 Microwave Source 188 Required equipment 188 Defining the measurement 188 Figure 132.
Calibrating the Measurement 208 Figure 147. General equipment setup for making residual phase noise measurements 208 Calibration and measurement guidelines 209 Calibration options 210 User entry of phase detector constant 211 Figure 148. Measuring power at phase detector signal input port 212 Table 29. Acceptable amplitude ranges for the phase detectors. 212 Figure 149. Phase detector sensitivity 213 Figure 150. Adjust for quadrature 214 Figure 151.
Figure 162. Setup for residual phase noise measurement 231 Defining the measurement 231 Figure 163. Select the parameters definition file 231 Figure 164. Navigate to residual phase noise 232 Figure 165. Enter frequencies into source tab 232 Figure 166. Select constant in the cal tab 233 Figure 167. Select parameters in the block diagram tab 234 Figure 168. Select graph description on graph tab 234 Setup considerations for amplifier measurement 235 Beginning the measurement 235 Figure 169.
Defining the measurement 254 Figure 182. Select the parameters definition file 254 Figure 183. Select measurement type 255 Figure 184. Enter frequencies in source tab 256 Figure 185. Enter parameters into the call tab 257 Figure 186. Select parameters in the block diagram tab 257 Figure 187. Select Graph Description on Graph Tab 258 Setup considerations 258 Beginning the measurement 259 Figure 188. Select meter from view menu 259 Figure 189. Selecting New Measurement 259 Figure 190.
Figure 209. Setup diagram for the FM Discrimination measurement example 276 Table 44. Test set signal input limits and characteristics 277 Figure 210. System connect diagram example 278 Making the measurement 278 Figure 211. Calibration measurement (1 of 5) 279 Figure 212. Calibration measurement (2 of 5) 279 Figure 213. Calibration measurement (3 of 5) 280 Figure 214. Calibration measurement (4 of 5) 280 Figure 215. Calibration measurement (5 of 5) 280 When the measurement is complete 280 Figure 216.
Method 2, example 2 298 Figure 230. Double-sided spur AM noise setup (method 2, example 2) Figure 231. Measuring power at the am detector 298 Figure 232. Measuring carrier-to-sideband ratio 299 Figure 233. Measuring the calibration constant 299 Method 3: Single-Sided Spur 301 Figure 234. AM noise measurement setup using single-sided spur Figure 235. Measuring relative spur level 302 Figure 236.
Figure 253. Typical phase noise curve for a baseband using a test set measurement. 318 Table 49. Parameter data for the baseband using a test set measurement 319 Baseband Noise without Test Set Measurement Example 320 Defining the measurement 320 Figure 254. Select the parameters definition file 320 Beginning the measurement 321 Figure 255. Selecting a new measurement 321 Figure 256. Confirm measurement dialog box 321 Figure 257. Connect diagram for baseband without test set measurement 321 Figure 258.
Problem Solving 337 Table 51. List of topics that discuss problem solving in this chapter 337 Discontinuity in the graph 337 Table 52. Potential causes of discontinuity in the graph 337 Higher noise level 338 Spurs on the graph 338 Table 53. Spurs on the graph 339 Table 54. Actions to eliminate spurs 339 Small angle line 340 Figure 271. L(f) Is only valid for noise levels below the small angle line 341 15 Advanced Software Features Introduction 344 Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression 345 Figure 272.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables Approximate System Noise Floor vs. R Port Signal Level Figure 288. Noise floor for R input port 362 Phase Noise Floor and Region of Validity Figure 289. Region of validity 363 362 363 Phase Noise Level of Various Agilent Sources 364 Figure 290. Noise level for various reference sources 364 Increase in Measured Noise as Ref Source Approaches DUT Noise Figure 291.
How to access special functions 378 Figure 300. 8644B special functions keys 378 Description of special function 120 379 17 8664A Frequency Limits 380 Table 60. 8664A frequency limits 380 8664A mode keys 380 Table 61. Operating characteristics for 8664A modes 2 and 3 How to access special functions 381 Figure 301. Special functions keys 381 Description of special functions 120 381 380 8665A Frequency Limits 382 Table 62. 8665A frequency limits 382 8665A mode keys 382 Table 63.
18 System Interconnections Making Connections 396 System Connectors 397 Table 71. E5505A connectors and adapters System Cables 398 Table 72. E5505A cables and connections 397 398 Connecting Instruments 399 Figure 304. Connect adapter to PC digitizer card 399 Figure 305. PC to test set connection, standard model 400 Figure 306. PC to test set (options 001 and 201) and downconverter connection Figure 307. E5505A system connections with standard test set 403 Figure 308.
Step 9: Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable Package use default settings 420 Step 10: Install the Agilent I/O Libraries 420 To install the Agilent I/O libraries 421 Step 11: Install the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement software. To install the E5500 software 427 Step 12: Asset Configuration To set up Asset Manager 429 427 429 Figure 324. Add assets 435 Figure 325. Choose asset type 435 Figure 326. Select supporting ACM 436 Figure 327.
Cleaning Procedure 458 Table 76. Cleaning Supplies Available from Agilent 459 General Procedures and Techniques 460 Figure 338. GPIB, 3.5 mm, Type-N, power sensor, and BNC connectors Connector Removal 461 460 Instrument Removal 463 Standard instrument 463 To remove an instrument from a rack 463 Half-Rack-Width Instrument 464 To remove a half-width instrument from a system rack 464 Figure 339.
Determining your instrument’s serial number Figure 340.
Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 1 Getting Started Introduction 26 Documentation Map 27 Additional Documentation 28 System Overview 29 Agilent Technologies 25
1 Getting Started Introduction This guide introduces you to the Agilent E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System software and hardware. It provides procedures for configuring the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement software, executing measurements, evaluating results, and using the advanced software features. It also covers phase noise basics and measurement fundamentals to get you started.
Getting Started 1 Documentation Map Table 1 E5505A user’s guide map Learning about the E5505A System Learning Phase Noise Basics & Measurement Fundamentals Using the E5505A for Specific Phase Noise Measurements Chapter 1, “Getting Started” Chapter 2, “Introduction and Measurement” Chapter 3, “Phase Noise Basics” Chapter 4, “Expanding Your Measurement Experience” Chapter 5, “Absolute Measurement Fundamentals” Chapter 6, “Absolute Measurement Examples” Chapter 7, “Residual Measurement Fundamentals
1 Getting Started Additional Documentation You can access the complete set of PDF documents that support the E5505A system through the system GUI. (Adobe® Acrobat Reader® is supplied.) Navigate the menu as shown in Figure 1. The files are stored on the system PC hard drive and on the E5500A software CD. Be sure to explore the E5500 Help menu for additional information.
Getting Started 1 System Overview The E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System provides flexible sets of measurements on one-port devices such as voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs), dielectric resonator oscillators (DROs), crystal oscillators, and synthesizers, and on two-port devices such as amplifiers and converters. The E5505A system measures absolute and residual phase noise, AM noise, and low-level spurious signals, as well as CW and pulsed signals. It operates in the frequency range of 50 KHz to 26.
1 Getting Started Figure 2 shows a typical configuration of an E5505A benchtop system. Figure 2 E5505A benchtop system, typical configuration The E5505A replaces earlier Agilent E5500A/B series phase noise systems, which are based on MMS technology. The E5505A system uses GPIB communication and certain instruments have been redesigned with GPIB functionality. However, the E5505A system and E5500 software are backwards compatible with earlier systems and instruments, including the MMS mainframe.
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 2 Introduction and Measurement Introducing the GUI 32 Designing to Meet Your Needs 34 E5505A Operation: A Guided Tour 35 Powering the System On 36 Performing a Confidence Test 39 Powering the System Off 45 Agilent Technologies 31
2 Introduction and Measurement Introducing the GUI The graphical user interface (GUI) gives the user instant access to all measurement functions, making it easy to configure a system and define or initiate measurements. The most frequently used functions are displayed as icons on a toolbar, allowing quick and easy access to the measurement information. The forms-based graphical interaction helps you define your measurement quickly and easily.
Introduction and Measurement 2 System Requirements E5500_main_screen 24 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 3 E5500 graphical user interface (GUI) Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 33
2 Introduction and Measurement Designing to Meet Your Needs The E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System is a high performance measurement tool that enables you to fully evaluate the noise characteristics of your electronic instruments and components with unprecedented speed and ease. The phase noise measurement system provides you with the flexibility needed to meet today’s broad range of noise measurement requirements.
Introduction and Measurement 2 E5505A Operation: A Guided Tour This measurement demonstration introduces you to the system’s operation by guiding you through an actual phase noise measurement. You will be measuring the phase noise of the Agilent N5500A Phase Noise Test Set’s low noise amplifier. (The measurement made in this demonstration is the same measurement that is made to verify the system’s operation.
2 Introduction and Measurement Powering the System On This section provides procedures for powering on a racked or benchtop system. First connect your system to an appropriate AC power source, then follow the steps below. WA R N I N G NOTE Before applying power, make sure the AC power input and the location of the system meet the requirements given in Chapter 17, “System Specifications.” Failure to do so may result in damage to the system or personal injury.
Introduction and Measurement 2 Starting the Measurement Software 1 Place the E5500 phase noise measurement software disk in the DVD-R drive. 2 Using Windows® Start menu as in Figure 4, navigate to the E5500 User Interface. Figure 4 Navigation to the E5500 user interface 3 The phase noise measurement subsystem main screen appears (Figure 5 on page 38).
2 Introduction and Measurement E5500_main_screen 24 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 5 NOTE 38 Phase noise measurement subsystem main screen The default background for the screen is gray. You can change the background color by selecting View/Display Preferences and clicking on the Background Color button.
Introduction and Measurement 2 Performing a Confidence Test This first measurement is a confidence test that functionally checks the N5500A test set’s filters and low-noise amplifiers using the test set’s low noise amplifier. The phase detectors are not tested. This confidence test also confirms that the test set, PC, and analyzers are communicating with each other. To conduct the test, use a file with pre-stored parameters named Confidence.pnm. 1 On the E5500 GUI main menu, select File\Open.
2 Introduction and Measurement Figure 7 Navigating to the Define Measurement window 6 Click the Close button. Beginning a measurement 1 From the Measure menu, choose New Measurement. See Figure 8.
Introduction and Measurement 2 2 When the Do you want to Perform a New Calibration and Measurement? dialog box appears, click Yes. See Figure 9. Figure 9 Confirm new measurement 3 Connect the equipment per Figure 10 and ensure the signal output is turned off. Figure 10 Setup diagram displayed during the confidence test.
2 Introduction and Measurement Making a measurement 1 Press the Continue button. • Because you selected New Measurement to begin this measurement, the system starts by running the routines required to calibrate the current measurement setup. • Figure 11 on page 42 shows a typical baseband phase noise plot for an phase noise test set. Figure 11 Typical phase noise curve for test set confidence test Sweep segments When the system begins measuring noise, it places the noise graph on its display.
Introduction and Measurement 2 Congratulations You have completed a phase noise measurement. This measurement of the test set’s low noise amplifier provides a convenient way to verify that the system hardware and software are properly configured for making noise measurements. If your graph looks like that in Figure 11, you can be confident that your system is operating normally.
2 Introduction and Measurement Table 3 Parameter data for the N5500A confidence test example Step Parameters Data 5 Graph Tab Title • Confidence Test, N5500A low noise amplifier.
Introduction and Measurement 2 Powering the System Off To power off a racked system 1 On the E5500 software menu, select File\Exit. Always shut down the E5500 software before powering off the E5505A system. 2 Press the system power switch (front, top right of the rack) to the off position. C AU T I O N Always shut down the E5500 software before powering off the E5505A system. Failure to do so may produce errors in the stem, and result in an inoperable system or inaccurate measurements.
2 46 Introduction and Measurement Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 3 Phase Noise Basics What is Phase Noise? Phase terms 49 48 Agilent Technologies 47
3 Phase Noise Basics What is Phase Noise? Frequency stability can be defined as the degree to which an oscillating source produces the same frequency throughout a specified period of time. Every RF and microwave source exhibits some amount of frequency instability.
Phase Noise Basics 3 e5505a_user_RF_sideband.ai rev2 10/20/03 Figure 13 RF sideband spectrum Phase terms There are two types of fluctuating phase terms: • spurious signals • phase noise Spurious signals The first are discrete signals appearing as distinct components in the spectral density plot. These signals, commonly called spurious, can be related to known phenomena in the signal source such as power line frequency, vibration frequencies, or mixer products.
3 Phase Noise Basics 2 Δφ 2 rms ( f ) - = rad -----------S φ ( f ) = ------------------------------------------------------------------------Hz BW used to measure Δφ rms Where BW (bandwidth is negligible with respect to any changes in S φ versus the fourier frequency or offset frequency (f).
Phase Noise Basics 3 e5505a_user_derivingL_RF_display.ai rev2 10/20/03 Figure 15 Deriving L(f) from a RF analyzer display L ( f ) is usually presented logarithmically as a spectral density plot of the phase modulation sidebands in the frequency domain, expressed in dB relative to the carrier per Hz (dBc/Hz) as shown in Figure 16. This chapter, except where noted otherwise, uses the logarithmic form of L ( f ) as follows: S Δ f ( f ) = 2f 2 L ( f ) .
3 Phase Noise Basics Caution must be exercised when L ( f ) is calculated from the spectral density of the phase fluctuations S φ ( f ) because the calculation of L ( f ) is dependent on the small angle criterion. Figure 17, the measured phase noise of a free running VCO described in units of L ( f ) , illustrates the erroneous results that can occur if the instantaneous phase modulation exceeds a small angle line.
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Starting the Measurement Software 54 Using the Asset Manager 55 Using the Server Hardware Connections to Specify the Source Testing the 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz 66 Testing the 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz 81 Viewing Markers 96 Omitting Spurs 97 Displaying the Parameter Summary 99 Exporting Measurement Results 101 Agilent Technologies 60 53
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Starting the Measurement Software 1 Make sure your computer and monitor are turned on. 2 Place the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System software disk in the disc holder and insert in the DVD-R drive. 3 Using Figure 18 as a guide, navigate to the E5500 User Interface.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Using the Asset Manager Use the Asset Manager to add assets to your E5505A system. The process is essentially the same for any asset, including reference sources. In fact, the procedure in this section uses an Agilent 8663 source as an example. (The procedure applies to all Agilent sources, including the 8257x series.) Adding an asset involves two steps once the hardware connections have been made: • Configuring the asset • Verifying the server hardware connections.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience 2 Select Add in the Asset Manager window. See Figure 20. Figure 20 Navigate to Add in Asset Manager 3 From the Asset Type pull-down list in Choose Asset Role dialog box, select Source, then click Next. See Figure 21. .
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 4 Click on the source to be added, then click the Next button (see Figure 22). Figure 22 Choose source 5 From the Interface pull-down list, select GPIB0. See Figure 23. 6 In the Address box, type 19. NOTE 19 is the default address for a source. Table 4 on page 63 shows the default GPIB address for all system instruments. 7 In the Library pull-down list, select the Agilent Technologies VISA. Click the Next button.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience 8 In the Set Model & Serial Numbers dialog box, type in your source name and its corresponding serial number. Click the Next button. See Figure 24. Figure 24 Enter asset and serial number 9 In the Enter A Comment dialog box, you may type a comment that associates itself with the asset you have just configured. Click Finish. See Figure 25.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 10 In the Asset Manager window, select the source in the left window pane. Click the check-mark button on the toolbar to verify connectivity. See Figure 26. Figure 26 Click check-mark button • The Asset Manager displays a message verifying the connection to your asset. This indicates that you have successfully configured a source. (See Figure 27.) Figure 27 Confirmation message 11 To exit the Asset Manager, on the menu select Server/Exit.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Using the Server Hardware Connections to Specify the Source 1 From the System menu, choose Server Hardware Connections. See Figure 28. Figure 28 Navigate to server hardware connections 2 Select the Sources tab shown in Figure 29.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 3 From the Reference Source pull-down list, select Agilent 8663A. a A green check-mark appears after an automatic I/O check has been successfully performed by the software. If nothing happens, click the Check I/O button to manually initiate the check. Figure 30 Successful I/O check b A red circle with a slash appears if the I/O check is unsuccessful.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience • Check your system hardware connections. • Click the green check-mark button on the Asset Manager’s toolbar to verify connectivity. • Return to Server Hardware Connections and click the Check I/O button to re-check it. NOTE 62 Use the same process to add additional assets to your E5505A system.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Setting GPIB Addresses Table 4 shows the default GPIB addresses for the E5505A system instruments. If you need to change a GPIB address to prevent a conflict between assets, use the Asset Manager as shown in the easy procedure starting on page 64.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience To change the GPIB address 1 On the E5500 main menu, select System/Asset Manager. See Figure 32. Figure 32 Asset Manager on System menu 2 Double-Click on the desired instrument in the Asset Manager list (left pane). See Figure 33.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 3 Type the desired address in the dialog box. See Figure 34. Figure 34 GPIB address dialog box 4 Click OK. 5 To exit the Asset Manager, on the menu select Server/Exit. Next proceed to one of the following absolute measurements using either an Agilent 8257x or an Agilent 8644B source: • “Testing the 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz" on page 66. • “Testing the 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz" on page 81.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Testing the 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz This measurement example helps you measure the absolute phase noise of an RF synthesizer. C AU T I O N To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input signal to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 6 on page 73. Apply the input signal when the connection diagram appears.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 3 Click the Open button. The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 7 on page 79 lists the parameter data that has been entered for this measurement example.) NOTE Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 7 on page 79 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using. To change these values, refer to Table 5 on page 68, then continue with step 4 below.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 5 Tuning characteristics for various sources VCO Source Carrier Freq.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Selecting loop suppression verification 1 Using Figure 38 as a guide, navigate to the Cal tab. 2 Check Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression and Always Show Suppression Graph. Select If limit is exceeded: Show Loop Suppression Graph. 3 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience L Port level R Port signal level (dBm) +15 +15dBm +5 -5 -15 -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Expected phase noise floor of system (dBc/Hz) f 10kHz n5505a_exp_phase_noise 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 39 Noise floor for the 8663 10 MHz measurement Figure 40 Noise floor example 70 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it is necessary to insert a low-noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set. Refer to “Inserting a Device" on page 122 for details on determining the effect the amplifiers noise will have on the measured noise floor. Beginning the measurement 1 From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement. See Figure 41.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Figure 43 Connection diagram 4 Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time and confirm your connections as shown in the appropriate connect diagram. • The input attenuator (Option 001 only) is now correctly configured based on your measurement definition. C AU T I O N The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics contained in Table 6 on page 73.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience : Table 6 4 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits Frequency 50 kHz to 26.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Status messages This section describes the status messages that appear on the display as the system performs its calibration routines. Determining Presence of Beat Note... An initial check is made to verify that a beatnote is present within the system’s detection range. Verifying Zero-Beat... The frequency of the beatnote is measured to see if it is within 5% of the estimated Peak Tuning Range of the system.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Sweep segments When the system begins measuring noise, it places the noise graph on its display. As you watch the graph, you see the system plot its measurement results in frequency segments. The system measures the noise level across its frequency offset range by averaging the noise within smaller frequency segments. This technique enables the system to optimize measurement speed while providing you with the measurement resolution needed for most test applications.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience 0V E5505a_oscillo_disp_beatnote 25 Feb 04 rev 1 -1V/div Figure 44 Oscilloscope display of beatnote from test set monitor port Making the measurement 1 Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. 2 When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears, check View Measured Loop Suppression, View Smoothed Loop Suppression, and View Adjusted Loop Suppression in the lower right of the dialog box.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Figure 45 Selecting suppression There are four different curves for the this graph. (For more information about loop suppression verification, refer to Chapter 15, “Advanced Software Features”). • “Measured” loop suppression curve—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Figure 46 Typical phase noise curve for an 8663A 10 MHz measurement Table 7 on page 79 contains the data stored in the parameter definitions file.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 7 Parameter data for the 8663A 10 MHz measurement Step Parameters 1 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type Start Frequency Stop Frequency Minimum Number of Averages FFT Quality • • • • • 2 3 4 5 6 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 4 Sources Tab Carrier Source • Frequency • Power • Carrier Source Output connected to • Detector Input Frequency • Reference Source Frequency • Reference Source Power • VCO Tuning Parameters: • Nominal Tune Constant • Tune Range ± • C
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 7 Parameter data for the 8663A 10 MHz measurement (continued) Step Parameters 7 Graph Tab Data • Title • Confidence Test using Agilent 8663A Int vs Ext Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a: Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by • Trace Smoothing Amount • Power present at input of DUT • • • • • • 10 MHz Single-sideband Noise (dBc/Hz) 10 Hz 4 E + 6 Hz 0
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Testing the 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz This measurement example helps you measure the absolute phase noise of an RF synthesizer. C AU T I O N NOTE To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input signal to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 8 on page 83. Apply the input signal when the connection diagram appears.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience • The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 10 on page 94 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the RF Synthesizer using a DCFM measurement example. NOTE The source parameters shown in Table 10 on page 94 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 8 4 Tuning characteristics for various sources VCO Source Carrier Freq.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Agilent-8644 e5505_user_select_ref_source8644 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 49 Selecting a reference source 3 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. Selecting loop suppression verification 1 From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window. 2 In the Cal dialog box, check Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression and Always Show Suppression Graph.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 50 Selecting loop suppression verification Setting up the 8663A 10 MHz measurement The signal amplitude at the R input (Signal Input) port on the test set sets the measurement noise floor level. Use the graph in Figure 51 and the example in Figure 52 on page 86 to determine the amplitude. For more information, refer to Chapter 16, “Reference Graphs and Tables.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Figure 52 Noise floor example If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it is necessary to insert a low-noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set. Refer to the section “Inserting a Device" on page 122 for details on determining the effect the amplifier’s noise will have on the measured noise floor.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Beginning the measurement C AU T I O N To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input signal to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 9 on page 89. Apply the input signals when the connection diagram appears, as in step 3 below. 1 From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement. See Figure 53. .
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Figure 55 Connect diagram dialog box 4 Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time. Confirm your connections as shown in the Connect Diagram (Figure 55). • The input attenuator (Option 001 only) has now been correctly configured based on your measurement definition. C AU T I O N The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics in Table 9 on page 89.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 9 4 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits Frequency 50 kHz to 26.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Zero beating sources... The center frequencies of the sources are now adjusted, if necessary, to position the beatnote within the 5% range. The adjustment is made with the tune voltage applied to the VCO source set at its nominal or center position. Measuring the VCO Tuning Constant...
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO.) NOTE If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within the capture range, the system is not able to complete its measurement. The beatnote frequency is set by the relative frequency difference between the two sources.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Making the measurement 1 Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. 2 When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears, select View Measured Loop Suppression, View Smoothed Loop Suppression, and View Adjusted Loop Suppression. See Figure 57 on page 92. Figure 57 Suppression selections • There are four different curves for this graph.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help in evaluating your measurement results. Figure 58 on page 93 shows a typical phase noise curve for an RF Synthesizer. Figure 58 Typical phase noise curve for an 8644B 10 MHz measurement. Table 10 on page 94 contains the data stored in the parameter definitions file.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Table 10 Parameter data for the 8644B 10 MHz measurement Step Parameters Data 1 Type and Range Tab • Measurement Type • Start Frequency • Stop Frequency • Minimum Number of Averages • FFT Quality • • • • • 2 3 4 5 Sources Tab Carrier Source • Frequency • Power • Carrier Source Output is connected to: Detector Input • Frequency Reference Source • Frequency • Reference Source Power VCO Tuning Parameters • Nominal Tune Constant • Tune Range ± • Center Voltage
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Table 10 Parameter data for the 8644B 10 MHz measurement (continued) Step Parameters Data 6 Dowconverter Tab The downconverter parameters do not apply to this measurement example.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Viewing Markers The marker function allows you to display the exact frequency and amplitude of any point on the results graph. • To access the marker function, on the View menu, click Markers. See Figure 59. In the dialog box containing Marker buttons, up to nine markers may be added. To remove a highlighted marker, click the Delete button.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Omitting Spurs The Omit Spurs function plots the currently loaded results without displaying any spurs that may be present. 1 On the View menu, click Display Preferences. See Figure 61. e5505a_user_nav_display_pref 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 61 Navigate to display preferences 2 In the Display Preferences dialog box, uncheck Spurs and click OK. See Figure 62. • The graph is displayed without spurs. See Figure 63 on page 98.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Figure 63 Graph displayed without spurs 98 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Displaying the Parameter Summary The Parameter Summary function allows you to quickly review the measurement parameter entries that were used for this measurement. The parameter summary data is included when you print the graph. 1 On the View menu, click Parameter Summary. See Figure 64. e5505a_user_nav_param_sum 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 64 Navigate to parameter summary 2 The Parameter Summary Notepad dialog box appears.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Agilent 8644B Int vs Ext 10 MHz Agilent 8644B; VCO tuned using DCFM.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Exporting Measurement Results The Export Measurement Results function exports data in one of three types: • Exporting Trace Data • Exporting Spur Data • Exporting X-Y Data 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 66.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting Trace Data 1 On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on Trace Data. See Figure 67 on page 102.
Expanding Your Measurement Experience 4 Exporting spur data 1 On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on Spur Data. See Figure 68.
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience Exporting X-Y data 1 On the File menu, point to Export Results, then click on X-Y Data. See Figure 69.
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals The Phase-Lock-Loop Technique 106 What Sets the Measurement Noise Floor? 110 Selecting a Reference 112 Estimating the Tuning Constant 115 Tracking Frequency Drift 116 Changing the PTR 118 Minimizing Injection Locking 120 Inserting a Device 122 Evaluating Noise Above the Small Angle Line 124 Agilent Technologies 105
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals The Phase-Lock-Loop Technique The phase lock loop measurement technique requires two signal sources; the source-under-test and a reference source. This measurement type requires that one of the two sources is a voltage-controlled-oscillator (VCO). You will most likely use the phase lock loop technique since it is the measurement type most commonly used for measuring signal source devices. This chapter focuses on this measurement type for signal source measurements.
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 5 The system’s peak tuning range is derived from the tuning characteristics of the VCO source you are using for the measurement. Figure 71 illustrates the relationship that typically exists between the VCO’s peak-to-peak tuning range and the tuning range of the system.
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals enough together to create a beatnote that is within the system’s Capture Range. Once the loop is locked, the frequency of the beatnote must remain within the drift tracking range for the duration of the measurement. In Figure 72, the ranges calculated in the previous example are marked to show their relationship to the beatnote frequency.
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 5 • 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.
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals What Sets the Measurement Noise Floor? The noise floor for your measurement is set by two things: • The noise floor of the phase detector and low-noise amplifier (LNA) • The noise level of the reference source you are using The System Noise Floor The noise floor of the system is directly related to the amplitude of the input signal at the R input port of the system’s phase detector. Table 11 shows the amplitude ranges for the L and R ports.
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals L Port level R Port signal level (dBm) +15 5 +15dBm +5 -5 -15 -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Expected phase noise floor of phase detector and LNA (dBc/Hz) f 10kHz E5505a_r_input_sys_noise 26 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 73 Relationship between the R input level and system noise floor The Noise Level of the Reference Source Unless it is below the system’s noise floor, the noise level of the source you are using as the reference source sets the noise floor for the measurement.
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Selecting a Reference Selecting an appropriate reference source is critical when you are making a phase noise measurement using the phase lock loop technique. The key to selecting a reference source is to compare the noise level of the reference with the expected noise level of the DUT. In general, the lower the reference source’s noise level is below the expected noise level of the DUT the better.
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 5 Using a Signal Generator When using a signal generator as a reference source, it is important that the generator’s noise characteristics are adequate for measuring your device. Tuning Requirements Often the reference source you select also serves as the VCO source for the PLL measurement. (The VCO source can be either the DUT or the reference source.) To configure a PLL measurement, you need to know the following tuning information about the VCO source you are using.
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Table 12 Tuning Characteristics of Various VCO Source Options (continued) VCO Source Other Signal Generator DCFM Calibrated for ±1V Other User VCO Source Carrier Freq. Tuning Constant (Hz/V) Center Voltage (V) Voltage Tuning Range (± V) Input Resistance (Ω) Tuning Calibration Method FM Deviation 0 10 Rin Calculate Estimated within a factor of 2 –10 to +10 See Figure 76 1E+6 Measure e5505a_user_tune_range_VCO.
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 5 Estimating the Tuning Constant The VCO tuning constant is the tuning sensitivity of the VCO source in Hz/V. The required accuracy of the entered tuning constant value depends on the VCO tuning constant calibration method specified for the measurement. The calibration method is selected in the Calibration Process menu. Table 13 lists the calibration method choices and the tuning constant accuracy required for each.
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Tracking Frequency Drift The system’s frequency drift tracking capability for the phase lock loop measurement is directly related to the tuning range of the VCO source being used. The system’s drift tracking range is approximately 24% of the peak tuning range (PTR) of the VCO. PTR= VCO Tuning Constant X Voltage Tuning Range This is the frequency range within which the beatnote signal created by the test set’s phase detector must remain throughout the measurement period.
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 5 Action If beatnote drift exceeds the limits of the Capture or drift tracking ranges set for your measurement, the system is not able to complete the measurement. You have two possible alternatives. 1 Minimize beatnote drift. • By Allowing sources to warm-up sufficiently. • By Selecting a different reference source with less drift. 2 Increase the capture and drift tracking Ranges.
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Changing the PTR The peak tuning range (PTR) for the phase lock loop measurement is set by the tune range entered for the VCO and the VCO’s tuning constant. (If the calibration technique is set to measure the VCO tuning constant, the measured value is used to determine the system’s PTR.) PTR= VCO Tuning Constant X Voltage Tuning Range From the PTR, the phase noise software derives the capture and drift tracking Ranges for the measurement.
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 5 As long as these qualifications are met, and the software does not indicate any difficulty in establishing its calibration criteria, an increase in PTR will not degrade the system’s measurement accuracy. The following methods may be considered for increasing or decreasing the PTR. Voltage controlled oscillators 1 Select a different VCO source that has the tuning capabilities needed for the measurement. 2 Increase the tune range of the VCO source.
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Minimizing Injection Locking Injection locking occurs when a signal feeds back into an oscillator through its output path. This can cause the oscillator to become locked to the injected signal rather than to the reference signal for the phase locked loop. Injection locking is possible whenever the buffering at the output of an oscillator is not sufficient to prevent a signal from entering.
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 5 computer informs you during the measurement if the possibility of accuracy degradation exists.) 3 Locate the required PLL bandwidth in Figure 78 to determine the PTR required for the measurement. (For details on increasing the PTR, refer to Changing the PTR in this section. Required PPL bandwidth (Hz) 1M 100k 10k 1k 100 10 1 .
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Inserting a Device An attenuator You may find that some of your measurement setups require an in-line device such as an attenuator in one of the signal source paths. (For example, you may find it necessary to insert an attenuator at the output of a DUT to prevent it from being injection-locked to the reference source.
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 5 An amplifier If a source is not able to provide a sufficient output level, or if additional isolation is needed at the output, it may be necessary to insert a low phase-noise RF amplifier at the output of the source. Note, however, that the noise of the inserted amplifier is also summed into the measured noise level along with the noise of the source. The Agilent N5507A Option K22 dual RF amplifier was designed specifically for this purpose.
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Evaluating Noise Above the Small Angle Line If the average noise level on the input signals exceeds approximately 0.1 radians RMS integrated outside of the Phase Lock Loop (PLL) bandwidth, it can prevent the system from attaining phase lock. The following procedure allows you to evaluate the beatnote created between the two sources being measured.
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 5 Required PPL bandwidth (Hz) 1M 100k 10k 1k 100 10 1 .1 E5505a_PTR_reqd_inj_lock 25 Mar 04 rev 1 1 10 100 1k 10k 100k 1M 10M 100M 1G Peak tuning range (Hz) Figure 81 Phase lock loop bandwidth provided by the peak tuning range 1 Once the beatnote is displayed; a press the press [[RANGE]] b press [[AUTO RANGE OFF]] c and press [[SINGLE AUTO RANGE]] on the RF analyzer 2 Set the span width on the RF analyzer to approximately 4 x PLL bandwidth.
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 4 Press the [[DEFINE TRACE]] a press the [[and the MATH FUNCTION keys. Using the --> key on the RF analyzer, offset the marker by the PLL bandwidth. Read the offset frequency and noise level indicated at the bottom of the display. (If the noise level falls below the bottom of the display, the marker reading is still correct.) 5 To increase the vertical scale a press [[VERT SCALE]] b press [[, DEFINE DB/DIV]], and enter 20 dB.
Absolute Measurement Fundamentals 5 Tuning Range (PTR) necessary to provide a sufficient PLL bandwidth to make the measurement. e5505a_user_peak_tune_range.ai rev2 10/24/03 Figure 83 Requirements for noise exceeding small angle limit Measurement options If the observed level exceeded the small angle line at any point beyond the PLL bandwidth set for the measurement, you need to consider one of the following measurement options.
5 128 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 6 Absolute Measurement Examples Stable RF Oscillator 130 Free-Running RF Oscillator 145 RF Synthesizer Using DCFM 160 RF Synthesizer Using EFC 174 Microwave Source 188 Agilent Technologies 129
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Stable RF Oscillator This measurement example will help you measure the phase noise of a stable RF oscillator with frequency drift of <20 ppm over a period of thirty minutes. C AU T I O N To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 15 on page 138. Apply the input signal when the connection diagram appears.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 4 Click the Open button. The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 16 on page 143 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the Stable RF Source measurement example. NOTE Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 16 on page 143 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 14 Tuning characteristics for various sources VCO Source Carrier Freq.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Agilent-8257 e5505a_user_select_ref_source 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 86 Selecting a reference source 3 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 1 Using Figure 87 on page 134 as a guide, navigate to the Cal tab. 2 In the Cal dialog box, check Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression and Always Show Suppression Graph. Select If limit is exceeded: Show Loop Suppression Graph.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 87 Selecting loop suppression verification 3 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. Setup considerations for stable RF oscillator measurement Measurement noise floor The signal amplitude at the test set’s R input (Signal Input) port sets the measurement noise floor level.
Absolute Measurement Examples L Port level R Port signal level (dBm) +15 6 +15dBm +5 -5 -15 -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Expected phase noise floor of system (dBc/Hz) f 10kHz n5505a_exp_phase_noise 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 88 Noise floor for the stable RF oscillator measurement Figure 89 Noise floor calculation example If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it is necessary to insert a low-noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples VCO reference source This setup calls for a second signal source that is similar in type to the DUT. The second source is used as the reference source. In order for the noise measurement results to accurately represent the noise of the DUT, the noise level of the reference source should be below the expected noise level of the DUT. (For additional help in selecting an appropriate reference source, refer to Chapter 6, “Absolute Measurement Examples.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Figure 92 Connect diagram for the stable RF oscillator measurement 4 Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time. Confirm your connections as shown in the connect diagram. • The input attenuator (Option 001 only) is now correctly configured based on your measurement definition. C AU T I O N The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics in Table 15 on page 138.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Table 15 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits Frequency • 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Checking the beatnote While the connect diagram is still displayed, use an oscilloscope (connected to the Monitor port on the test set) or a counter to check the beatnote being created between the reference source and your DUT. The objective of checking the beatnote is to ensure that the center frequencies of the two sources are close enough in frequency to create a beatnote that is within the capture range of the system.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples 0V E5505a_oscillo_disp_beatnote 25 Feb 04 rev 1 -1V/div Figure 93 Oscilloscope display of beatnote from test set Monitor port Making the measurement 1 Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. 2 When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears, select View Measured Loop Suppression, View Smoothed Loop Suppression, and View Adjusted Loop Suppression See Figure 94 on page 141.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Figure 94 Selecting suppressions Four different curves are available for this graph. (For more information about loop suppression verification, refer to Chapter 15, “Advanced Software Features.) a “Measured” loop suppression curve—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Figure 95 Typical phase noise curve for a stable RF oscillator 142 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Table 16 Parameter data for the stable RF oscillator measurement Step Parameters 1 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type Start Frequency Stop Frequency Averages Quality FFT Analyzer Measurement Mode • • • • • • 2 Data • Absolute Phase Noise (using a phase locked • • • • • Sources Tab • Carrier Source Frequency • Carrier Source Power • • Carrier Source Output connected to: • • Detector Input Frequency • • Reference Source Frequency • • Reference Source Power • • Nominal
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 16 Parameter data for the stable RF oscillator measurement (continued) Step Parameters 5 6 7 Test Set Tab • Input Attenuation • LNA Low Pass Filter • LNA Gain Detector Maximum Input Levels • Microwave Phase Detector • RF Phase Detector • AM Detector • Ignore out-of-lock conditions • Pulsed Carrier • DC Block • Analyzer View • PLL Integrator Attenuation Downconverter Tab Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normal
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Free-Running RF Oscillator This measurement example will help you measure the phase noise of a free-running RF oscillator with frequency drift >20 ppm over a period of thirty minutes. C AU T I O N To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 18 on page 152.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples 5505 l d f fil f h Figure 96 Select the parameters definition file 4 Click the Open button. The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 16 on page 143 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the Free-Running RF Source measurement example.) NOTE Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 16 on page 143 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 e5505a_user_enter_source_info 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 97 Enter source information Table 17 Tuning characteristics for various sources VCO Source Carrier Freq.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Selecting a reference source 1 Using Figure 98 as a guide, navigate to the Block Diagram tab. 2 From the Reference Source pull-down list, select your source. 3 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. Agilent-8257 e5505a_user_select_ref_source 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 98 Selecting a reference source Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 1 Using Figure 99 on page 149 as a guide, navigate to the Cal tab.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 99 Selecting loop suppression verification 3 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. Setup considerations for the free-running RF oscillator measurement Measurement noise floor The signal amplitude at the test set’s R input (Signal Input) port sets the measurement noise floor level.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples L Port level R Port signal level (dBm) +15 +15dBm +5 -5 -15 -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Expected phase noise floor of system (dBc/Hz) f 10kHz n5505a_exp_phase_noise 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 100 Noise floor for the free-running RF oscillator measurement Figure 101 Noise floor calculation example 150 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it will be necessary to insert a low-noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set. Refer to “Inserting an Device” in Chapter 5, “Absolute Measurement Fundamentals for details on determining the effect the amplifiers noise will have on the measured noise floor.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 3 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware drop-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list. See Figure 104. TEST SET N5500A DOWNCONVERTER N5502A Figure 104 Connect diagram for the free-running RF oscillator measurement 4 Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time. Confirm your connections as shown in the connect diagram.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Table 18 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Frequency • 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples NOTE If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within the capture range, the system will not be able to complete its measurement. The beatnote frequency is set by the relative frequency difference between the two sources. If you have two very accurate sources set at the same frequency, the resulting beatnote is very close to 0 Hz.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 1 Estimate the system’s capture range (using the VCO source parameters entered for this measurement). The estimated VCO tuning constant must be accurate within a factor of 2. A procedure for Estimating the Tuning Constant is located in this chapter. NOTE NOTE If you are able to locate the beatnote, but it distorts and then disappears as you adjust it towards 0 Hz, your sources are injection locking to each other.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples . Figure 106 Selecting suppressions • There are four different curves for this graph. (For more information about loop suppression verification, refer to Chapter 15, “Advanced Software Features.) a “Measured” loop suppression curve—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Figure 107 Typical phase noise curve for a free-running RF oscillator Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 157
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 19 Parameter data for the free-running RF oscillator measurement Step Parameters 1 2 3 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type • Start Frequency • Stop Frequency • Minimum Number of Averages FFT Quality Sources Tab Carrier Source • Frequency • Power • Carrier Source Output is connected to: Detector Input • Frequency Reference Source • Frequency • Reference Source Power VCO Tuning Parameters • Nominal Tune Constant • Tune Range ± • Center Voltage • Input Resistance Cal
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Table 19 Parameter data for the free-running RF oscillator measurement (continued) 5 6 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide Test Set Tab Input Attenuation LNA Low Pass Filter • LNA Gain • DC Block • PLL Integrator Attenuation Downconverter Tab Input Frequency L.O. Frequency I.F. Frequency Millimeter Frequency L.O. Power Maximum AM Detector Level Input Attenuation I.F.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 RF Synthesizer Using DCFM This measurement example will help you measure the absolute phase noise of an RF synthesizer using DCFM. C AU T I O N To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 21 on page 167. Apply the input signal when the connection diagram appears.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 4 Click the Open button. The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 25 on page 186 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the RF Synthesizer using DCFM measurement example. NOTE Note that the source parameters entered for step 2 in Table 22 on page 172 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 20 Tuning characteristics for various sources VCO Source Carrier Freq.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 3 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 1 Using Figure 111 as a guide, navigate to the Cal tab. 2 In the Cal dialog box, check Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression and Always Show Suppression Graph. Select If limit is exceeded: Show Loop Suppression Graph. e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 111 Selecting loop suppression verification 3 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button.
Absolute Measurement Examples L Port level R Port signal level (dBm) +15 6 +15dBm +5 -5 -15 -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Expected phase noise floor of system (dBc/Hz) f 10kHz n5505a_exp_phase_noise 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 112 Noise floor for the RF synthesizer (DCFM) measurement Figure 113 Noise floor calculation example Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 165
6 Absolute Measurement Examples If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it will be necessary to insert a low noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set input. (Refer to the section “Inserting a Device" on page 122 for details on determining the effect that the amplifier’s noise will have on the measured noise floor.) Agilent 8663A VCO reference This setup uses the 8663A as the VCO reference source.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 3 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware drop-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list. See Figure 116. N5500A Figure 116 Connect diagram for the RF synthesizer (DCFM) measurement 4 Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time. Confirm your connections as shown in the connect diagram. • The input attenuator (Option 001 only) is now correctly configured based on your measurement definition.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 21 Test set signal input limits and characteristics (continued) Frequency • 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.
Absolute Measurement Examples NOTE 6 If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within the capture range, the system will not be able to complete its measurement. The beatnote frequency is set by the relative frequency difference between the two sources. If you have two very accurate sources set at the same frequency, the resulting beatnote will be very close to 0 Hz.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Making the measurement 1 Click the Continue button when you have completed the beatnote check and are ready to make the measurement. 2 When the PLL Suppression Curve dialog box appears, select View Measured Loop Suppression, View Smoothed Loop Suppression, and View Adjusted Loop Suppression. See Figure 118. Figure 118 Selecting suppressions There are four different curves for this graph.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” for help with using the results. Figure 119 shows a typical phase noise curve for an RF synthesizer using DCFM.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 22 Parameter Data for the RF Synthesizer (DCFM) Measurement Step Parameters Data 1 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type • Start Frequency • Stop Frequency • Minimum Number of Averages FFT Quality • • • • • 2 3 4 Sources Tab Carrier Source • Frequency • Power • Carrier Source Output is connected to: Detector Input • Frequency Reference Source • Frequency • Reference Source Power VCO Tuning Parameters • Nominal Tune Constant • Tune Range ± • Center Voltage • Inp
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Table 22 Parameter Data for the RF Synthesizer (DCFM) Measurement (continued) Step 5 6 7 Parameters Data • • • • • Test Set Tab Input Attenuation LNA Low Pass Filter LNA Gain DC Block PLL Integrator Attenuation • • • • • Downconverter Tab • The downconverter parameters do not apply to this Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a: Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of: • Shift trac
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 RF Synthesizer Using EFC This measurement example will help you measure the absolute phase noise of an RF synthesizer using EFC. C AU T I O N To prevent damage to the test set’s components, the input signal do not apply the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 31.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 • The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 28 on page 200 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the RF Synthesizer using EFC measurement example.) NOTE Note that the source parameters in Table 28 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using. To change these values, refer to Table 26 on page 190, then continue with step step 5.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples . e5505a_user_enter_source_info 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 121 Enter Source Information Table 23 Tuning Characteristics for Various Sources VCO Source Carrier Freq.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Selecting a reference source 1 Using Figure 122 as a guide, navigate to the Block Diagram tab. 2 From the Reference Source pull-down list, select your source. 3 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. Agilent-8257 e5505a_user_select_ref_source 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 122 Selecting a reference source Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 1 Using Figure 123 on page 178 as a guide, navigate to the Cal tab.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 123 Selecting Loop suppression verification Setup considerations for the RF synthesizer using EFC measurement Measurement noise floor The signal amplitude at the test set’s R input (Signal Input) port sets the measurement noise floor level. Use Figure 124 and Figure 125 on page 179 to determine the amplitude required to provide a noise floor level that is below the expected noise floor of your DUT.
Absolute Measurement Examples L Port level R Port signal level (dBm) +15 6 +15dBm +5 -5 -15 -140 -150 -160 -170 -180 Expected phase noise floor of system (dBc/Hz) f 10kHz n5505a_exp_phase_noise 25 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 124 Noise floor for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement f Figure 125 Noise floor calculation example Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 179
6 Absolute Measurement Examples If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it will be necessary to insert a low noise amplifier between the DUT and the test set input. (Refer to the section “Inserting a Device" on page 122 for details on determining the effect that the amplifier’s noise will have on the measured noise floor.) Agilent 8663A VCO reference This setup uses the 8663A as the VCO reference source.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 3 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware drop-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list. See Figure 128. N5500A Figure 128 Connect diagram for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement 4 Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time. Confirm your connections as shown in the connect diagram. • The input attenuator (Option 001 only) is now correctly configured based on your measurement definition.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 24 Test set signal Input Limits and Characteristics Limits Frequency • 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO.) NOTE If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within the capture range, the system will not be able to complete its measurement. The beatnote frequency is set by the relative frequency difference between the two sources.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Figure 130 Selecting suppressions There are four different curves for this graph. (For more information about loop suppression verification, refer to Chapter 15, “Advanced Software Features.”) a “Measured” loop suppression curve—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Figure 131 shows a typical phase noise curve for a RF synthesizer using EFC.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 25 Parameter data for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement Step Parameters Data 1 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type • Start Frequency • Stop Frequency • Minimum Number of Averages FFT Quality • • • • • 2 3 Sources Tab Carrier Source • Frequency • Power • Carrier Source Output is connected to: Detector Input • Frequency Reference Source • Frequency • Reference Source Power VCO Tuning Parameters • Nominal Tune Constant • Tune Range ± • Center Voltage • Input R
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Table 25 Parameter data for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement (continued) Step Parameters Data 6 Downconverter Tab • The downconverter parameters do not apply to this 7 Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a: Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • Trace Smoothing Amount • Power present at input of DUT • • • • • • • • Agilent E5505A User’s Guide m
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Microwave Source This measurement example will help you measure the absolute phase noise of a microwave source (2.5 to 18 GHz) with frequency drift of ≤10E – 9 X Carrier Frequency over a period of thirty minutes. C AU T I O N To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the signal input connector until the input attenuator has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 27 on page 195.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 • The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 28 on page 200 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the Microwave Source measurement example.) NOTE Note that the source parameters in Table 28 on page 200 may not be appropriate for the reference source you are using. To change these values, refer to Table 26 on page 190, then continue with step 5 below.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_enter_source_info 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 133 Enter source information Table 26 Tuning characteristics for various sources Carrier Freq.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Selecting a reference source 1 Using Figure 134 on page 191, navigate to the Block Diagram tab. 2 From the Reference Source pull-down list, select your source. 3 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button . Agilent-8257 e5505a_user_select_ref_source 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 134 Selecting a reference source Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 1 Using Figure 135 on page 192 as a guide, navigate to the Cal tab.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples e5505a_user_select_loop 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 135 Selecting loop suppression verification Setup considerations for the microwave source measurement Measurement noise floor Phase noise ( (f) dBc/Hz) Figure 136 shows a typical noise level for the N5502A/70422A downconverter when used with the 8644B. Use it to help you estimate if the measurement noise floor is below the expected noise level of your DUT.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 If the output amplitude of your DUT is not sufficient to provide an adequate measurement noise floor, it will be necessary to insert a low noise amplifier between the DUT and the downconverter input. (Refer to “Inserting a Device" on page 122 for details on determining the effect that the amplifier’s noise will have on the measured noise floor.) Beginning the measurement 1 From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement. See Figure 137. .
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 TEST SET N5500A DOWNCONVERTER N5502A Figure 139 Connect diagram for the microwave source measurement 4 Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time. Confirm your connections as shown in the connect diagram. • The input attenuator (Option 001 only) is now correctly configured based on your measurement definition. The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics in Table 27.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Table 27 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits Frequency • 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” if you are not familiar with the relationship between the PLL capture range and the peak tuning range of the VCO.) NOTE If the center frequencies of the sources are not close enough to create a beatnote within the capture range, the system will not be able to complete its measurement. The beatnote frequency is set by the relative frequency difference between the two sources.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Estimate the system’s capture range (using the VCO source parameters entered for this measurement) using the equation below. The estimated VCO tuning constant must be accurate within a factor of 2.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Figure 141 Selecting suppressions • There are four different curves for this graph. (For more information about loop suppression verification, refer to Chapter 15, “Advanced Software Features.”) a “Measured” loop suppression curve—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system.
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Figure 142 shows a typical phase noise curve for a microwave source.
6 Absolute Measurement Examples Table 28 Parameter data for the microwave source measurement Step Parameters Data 1 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type • Start Frequency • Stop Frequency • Minimum Number of Averages FFT Quality • • • • • 2 3 Sources Tab Carrier Source • Frequency • Power • Carrier Source Output is connected to: Detector Input • Frequency Reference Source • Frequency • Reference Source Power VCO Tuning Parameters • Nominal Tune Constant • Tune Range ± Center Voltage • Input Resista
Absolute Measurement Examples 6 Table 28 Parameter data for the microwave source measurement (continued) Step Parameters 6 Downconverter Tab Input Frequency L.O. Frequency I.F. Frequency Millimeter Frequency L.O. Power Maximum AM Detector Level Input Attenuation I.F.
6 202 Absolute Measurement Examples Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals What is Residual Noise? 204 Assumptions about Residual Phase Noise Measurements Calibrating the Measurement 208 Measurement Difficulties 228 Agilent Technologies 206 203
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals What is Residual Noise? Residual or two-port noise is the noise added to a signal when the signal is processed by a two-port device. Such devices include amplifiers, dividers, filters, mixers, multipliers, phase-locked loop synthesizers or any other two-port electronic networks. Residual noise is composed of both AM and FM components.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals Source 7 Device under test Base band noise mixed around the signal Noiseless source Base band noise Figure 144 Multiplicative noise components Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 205
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals Assumptions about Residual Phase Noise Measurements The following are some basic assumptions regarding Residual Phase Noise measurements. If these assumptions are not valid they will affect the measured results. • The source noise in each of the two phase detector paths is correlated at the phase detector for the frequency offset range of interest.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals 7 Frequency translation devices If the DUT is a frequency translating device (such as a divider, multiplier, or mixer), then one DUT must be put in each path. The result is the sum of the noise from each DUT. In other words, each DUT is at least as quiet as the measured result. If the DUTs are identical, a possible (but not recommended) assumption is that the noise of each DUT is half the measured result, or 3 dB less.
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals Calibrating the Measurement In the E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System, residual phase noise measurements are made by selecting Residual Phase Noise (without using a phase locked loop). There are six calibration methods available for use when making residual phase noise measurements.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals 7 Calibration and measurement guidelines The following general guidelines should be considered when setting up and making a residual two-port phase noise measurement. 1 For residual phase noise measurements, the source noise must be correlated. a The phase delay difference in the paths between the power splitter and the phase detector must be kept to a minimum when making residual noise measurements.
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals table will often knock a sensitive residual phase noise measurement out of quadrature. 4 When making an extremely sensitive measurement it is essential to use semi-rigid cable between the components. The bending of a flexible cable from vibrations and temperature variations in the room can cause enough phase noise in flexible connecting cables to destroy the accuracy of a sensitive measurement. The connectors also must be tight; a torque wrench is the best tool.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals 7 User entry of phase detector constant This calibration option requires that you know the phase detector constant for the specific measurement to be made. The phase detector constant can be estimated from the source power levels (or a monitor oscilloscope) or it can be determined using one of the other calibration methods. Once determined, the phase detector constant can be entered directly into the system software without going through a calibration sequence.
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals Procedure 1 Connect circuit as per Figure 148, and tighten all connections. Optional line stretcher Source Power meter or spectrum analyzer Power splitter Test set Signal input Phase detector Ref input E5505a_phase_det_signal 27 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 148 Measuring power at phase detector signal input port 2 Measure the power level that will be applied to the signal input of the test set’s phase detector.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals .6 .35 .2 +5 .11 .06 -5 .035 -15 -140 E5505a_phase_det_sensitivity 27 Feb 04 rev 1 -150 -160 -170 Approximate phase noise floor (dBc/Hz) f 10kHz -180 Detector constant Kφ (V/rad) R Port signal level (dBm) +15 7 .02 Figure 149 Phase detector sensitivity 4 Remove the power meter and reconnect the cable from the splitter to the Signal Input port.
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals e5505a_user_adjust_quad 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 150 Adjust for quadrature NOTE For the system to accept the adjustment to quadrature, the meter must be within ±2 mV to ±4 mV. 8 Once you have attained quadrature, you are ready to proceed with the measurement.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals 7 Measured ± DC peak voltage Advantages • Easy method for calibrating the measurement system. • This calibration technique can be performed using the baseband analyzer. • Fastest method of calibration. If, for example, the same power levels are always at the phase detector, as in the case of leveled, or limited outputs, the phase detector sensitivity will always be essentially equivalent (within one or two dB).
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals Test set Optional line stretcher Source Signal input Phase detector Power splitter Ref input Oscilloscope Low-pass filter Connect scope to monitor output E5505a_connect_opt_oscillo 27 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 152 Connection to optional oscilloscope for determining voltage peaks Table 30 Acceptable Amplitude Ranges for the Phase Detectors Phase Detector 1.2 to 26.5 GHz1 50 kHz to 1.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals 7 6 The system software will then prompt you to set the phase noise software’s meter to quadrature. 7 The system will now measure the noise data. Measured beatnote This calibration option requires that one of the input frequency sources be tunable such that a beatnote can be acquired from the two sources. For the system to calibrate, the beatnote frequency must be within the following ranges shown in Table 31.
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals Procedure 1 Connect circuit as per Figure 153, and tighten all connections. Optional line stretcher Source Signal input Power splitter Power meter or spectrum analyzer Phase detector Ref input E5505a_pwr_phase_det_ref 27 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 153 Measuring power from splitter 2 Measure the power level that will be applied to the Signal Input port of the test set’s phase detector.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals 7 optional variable phase shifter or line stretcher. Quadrature is achieved when the meter on the front panel of the phase noise interface is set to zero. NOTE For the system to accept the adjustment to quadrature, the meter must be within ±2 mV to ±4 mV. 9 Reset quadrature and measure phase noise data.
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals Procedure 1 Connect circuit as per Figure 155 and tighten all connections. Test set Synthesizer 1 o Source O power splitter Ref input Synthesizer 2 Phase detector Optional line stretcher Signal input E5505a_syn_residual_measure 27 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 155 Synthesized residual measurement using beatnote cal 2 Offset the carrier frequency of one synthesizer to produce a beatnote for cal.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals 7 3 The Device Under Test (DUT) and the reference source should be locked by the same 10MHz reference. The 10MHz reference is split and provided to the DUT and reference source. 4 The frequencies of the DUT and reference source equal each other. Figure 156 Automatic Calibration Connection Diagram Auto Cal Process When a user selects measured beatnote / auto cal, the system does the following process.
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals Advantages • Requires only one RF source. • Calibration is done under actual measurement conditions so all non-linearities and harmonics of the phase detector are calibrated out. NOTE Because the calibration is performed under actual measurement conditions, the Double-sided Spur Method and the Single-sided Spur Method are the two most accurate calibration methods. Disadvantages • Requires a phase modulator which operates at the desired carrier frequency.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals 7 2 Measure the power level that will be applied to the signal input port of the test set’s phase detector. Table 34 shows the acceptable amplitude ranges for the E5505A system phase detectors. Table 34 Acceptable amplitude ranges for the phase detectors Phase Detector 1.2 to 26.5 GHz1 50 kHz to 1.
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals 4 Measure the carrier-to-sideband ratio of the non-modulated side of the phase detector. It must be at least 20 dB less than the modulation level of the modulated port. This level is necessary to prevent cancellation of the modulation in the phase detector. Cancellation would result in a smaller phase detector constant, or a measured noise level that is worse than the actual performance.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals 7 Advantages Calibration is done under actual measurement conditions so all non-linearities and harmonics of the phase detector are calibrated out. NOTE The Single-sided Spur Method and the Double-sided Spur Method (Option 4) are the two most accurate methods. Broadband couplers with good directivity are available, at reasonable cost, to couple in the calibration spur.
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals 2 Measure the power level that will be applied to the Signal Input port of the test set’s phase detector. Table 35 on page 226 shows the acceptable amplitude ranges for the E5505A system phase detectors. Table 35 Acceptable Amplitude Ranges for the Phase Detectors Phase Detector 1.2 to 26.5 GHz1 50 kHz to 1.
Residual Measurement Fundamentals 7 coupler. This isolation can be improved at the expense of signal level by adding an attenuator between the coupler and the power splitter.
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals Measurement Difficulties Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results” contains troubleshooting information to be used after the measurement has been made, and a plot has been obtained. When making phase noise measurements it is important to keep your equipment connected until the measurements have been made, all problems corrected, and the results have been evaluated to make sure that the measurement is valid.
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 8 Residual Measurement Examples Amplifier Measurement Example 230 Agilent Technologies 229
Residual Measurement Examples 8 Amplifier Measurement Example This example contains information about measuring the residual noise of two-port devices. It demonstrates a residual phase noise measurement for an RF Amplifier. Refer to Chapter 7, “Residual Measurement Fundamentals for more information about residual phase noise measurements.
Residual Measurement Examples 8 Test set DUT Power splitter Source Signal input Phase detector Optional line stretcher Ref input Oscilloscope Low-pass filter Connect scope to monitor port E5505a_user_connect_osc_vol_peak 16 Mar 04 rev 3 Figure 162 Setup for residual phase noise measurement Defining the measurement 1 From the File menu, choose Open. 2 If necessary, choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored. 3 In the File Name box, choose “res_noise_1ghz_demoamp.
8 Residual Measurement Examples 5 From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window. 6 From the Measurement Type pull-down, select Residual Phase Noise (without using phase lock loop). See Figure 164. e5505a_user_nav_residual 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 164 Navigate to residual phase noise 7 Choose the Sources tab from the Define Measurement window. 8 Enter the carrier (center) frequency of your DUT.
Residual Measurement Examples 8 9 Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window. 10 Select Derive detector constant from measured ± DC peak voltage as the calibration method. See Figure 166. Figure 166 Select constant in the cal tab 11 Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. Refer to Figure 167. a From the Phase Shifter pull-down, select Manual. b From the Phase Detector pull-down, select Automatic Detector Selection.
8 Residual Measurement Examples Figure 167 Select parameters in the block diagram tab 12 Choose the Graph tab from the Define Measurement window. 13 Enter a graph description of your choice (E5500 Residual Phase Noise Measurement @ 1 GHz, for example). See Figure 168 on page 234. Figure 168 Select graph description on graph tab 14 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button.
Residual Measurement Examples 8 Setup considerations for amplifier measurement Connecting cables The best results will be obtained if semi-rigid coaxial cables are used to connect the components used in the measurement; however, BNC cables have been specified because they are more widely available. Using BNC cables may degrade the close-in phase noise results and, while adequate for this example, should not be used for an actual measurement on an unknown device unless absolutely necessary.
8 Residual Measurement Examples 1 From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement. See Figure 170.
Residual Measurement Examples 8 2 When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes. Figure 171 Confirm new measurement 3 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the pull-down list. Refer to Figure 172. Figure 172 Setup diagram for the 8349A amplifier measurement example 4 Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time.
Residual Measurement Examples 8 C AU T I O N The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics contained in Table 36. To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input signal to the test set’s signal input connector until the input attenuator (Option 001) has been set by the phase noise software, which occurs at the connection diagram. Table 36 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits Frequency • 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std) • 50 kHz to 26.
Residual Measurement Examples 8 Making the measurement Calibrate the measurement using measured ± DC peak voltage Refer to Chapter 7, “Residual Measurement Fundamentals for more information about residual phase noise measurements calibration types. Procedure 1 Using Figure 173 and Figure 174 on page 240 as guides, connect the circuit and tighten all connections. 2 Measure the power level that will be applied to the Signal Input port of the test set phase detector.
8 Residual Measurement Examples Phase shifter Power splitter Calibration source DUT Delay line To test set rear panel CHIRP input Test set N5500A Test Set GPIB RMT LSN TLK SRQ STATUS ACT ERR INPUT SIGNAL INPUT REF INPUT NOISE 50 kHz -1600 MHz 0.
Residual Measurement Examples 8 3 Press the Continue button when ready to calibrate the measurement. 4 Adjust the phase difference at the phase detector as prompted by the phase noise software. See Figure 175. . Figure 175 Adjust phase difference at phase detector 5 The system will measure the positive and negative peak voltage of the phase detector using an internal voltmeter. The quadrature meter’s digital display can be used to find the peak.
8 Residual Measurement Examples e5505a_user_adjust_phase_shift 25 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 176 Adjust phase shifter until meter indicates 0 volts 7 The system will now measure the noise data. The system can now run the measurement. The segment data will be displayed on the computer screen as the data is taken until all segments have been taken over the entire range you specified in the Measurement definition’s Type and Range.
Residual Measurement Examples 8 Figure 177 Typical phase noise curve for a residual measurement Table 38 Parameter data for the amplifier measurement example Step Parameters Data 1 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type • Residual Phase Noise (without using a phase locked loop) • 10 Hz • Start Frequency • 100 E + 6 Hz • Stop Frequency • Minimum Number of Averages • 4 • Normal FFT Quality • Fast Swept Quality 2 3 Sources Tab Carrier Source • Frequency • Power Detector Input • Frequency Cal Tab • Phas
8 Residual Measurement Examples Table 38 Parameter data for the amplifier measurement example (continued) Step 4 5 6 7 Parameters Data • • • • • Block Diagram Tab Carrier Source Phase Shifter DUT in Path Phase Detector Adjust the Quadrature by adjusting the • • • • • Manual Manual checked Automatic Detector Selection phase shifter Test Set Tab Input Attenuation LNA Low Pass Filter • LNA Gain • DC Block • PLL Integrator Attenuation • • • • • 0 dB 20 MHz (Auto checked) Auto Gain (Minimum Auto Gai
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 9 FM Discriminator Fundamentals The Frequency Discriminator Method 246 Agilent Technologies 245
9 FM Discriminator Fundamentals The Frequency Discriminator Method Unlike the phase detector method, the frequency discriminator method does not require a second reference source phase locked to the source under test. See Figure 178. . Figure 178 Basic delay line/mixer frequency discriminator method This makes the frequency discriminator method extremely useful for measuring sources that are difficult to phase lock, including sources that are microphonic or drift quickly.
FM Discriminator Fundamentals 9 The double-balanced mixer, acting as a phase detector, transforms the instantaneous phase fluctuations into voltage fluctuations Δφ ( → ΔV). With the two input signals 90° out of phase (phase quadrature), the voltage out is proportional to the input phase fluctuations. The voltage fluctuations can then be measured by the baseband analyzer and converted to phase noise units.
9 FM Discriminator Fundamentals Figure 179 Nulls in sensitivity of delay line discriminator To avoid having to compensate for sin (x)/x response, measurements are typically made at offset frequencies (f m ) much less 1 ⁄ 2τd . It is possible to measure at offset frequencies out to and beyond the null by scaling the measured results using the transfer equation. However, the sensitivity of the system get very poor results near the nulls.
FM Discriminator Fundamentals 9 Optimum sensitivity If measurements are made such that the offset frequency of interest (f m ) is <1/2πτ d the sin(x)/x term can be ignored and the transfer response can be reduced toΔV ( f m ) = K d Δf ( f m ) = K φ πτ d Δf ( f m where K d is the discriminator constant. The reduced transfer equation implies that a frequency discriminator’s system sensitivity can be increased simply by increasing the delay τ d or by increasing the phase detector constant K φ.
9 FM Discriminator Fundamentals Table 39 Choosing a delay line . Parameters Source signal level +7dBm Mixer compression point +3 dBm Delay line attenuation at source carrier frequency 30 dB per 100 ns of Delay Highest offset frequency of interest 5 MHz 1 To avoid having to correct for the sin(x)/x response choose the delay such that: A delay τ d of 32 ns or less can be used for offset frequencies out to 5 MHz. 2 The attenuation for 32 ns of delay is 30 dB x 32 ns/100 ns or 9.6 dB.
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Introduction 252 FM Discriminator Measurement using Double-Sided Spur Calibration 253 Discriminator Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration 268 Agilent Technologies 251
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Introduction These two measurement examples demonstrates the FM Discriminator measurement technique for measuring the phase noise of a signal source using two different calibration methods. These measurement techniques work well for measuring free-running oscillators that drift over a range that exceeds the tuning range limits of the phase-locked-loop measurement technique.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 FM Discriminator Measurement using Double-Sided Spur Calibration C AU T I O N To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the signal input connector until the input attenuator (N5500A Option 001) has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as shown in Table 41. Apply the input signal when the connection diagram appears.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples example is negligible.) The test set Signal and Reference inputs requires +15 ICBM. 40 20 0 -20 -40 10 -60 10 -80 nS 0n S 1μ S -100 -120 -140 -160 -180 .01 .1 1 E5505a_disc_noise_floor 01 Mar 04 rev 1 10 100 1K 10K 100K L ( f ) = -[dBc/Hz] vs. f [Hz] 1M 10M 100M Figure 181 Discriminator noise floor as a function of delay time Defining the measurement 1 From the File menu, choose Open.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 42 on page 266 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the FM discriminator measurement example. 5 From the Define menu, navigate to the Measurement window. Using Figure 183 as a guide: a Choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 6 Choose the Sources tab from the Define Measurement window. a Enter the carrier (center) frequency of your DUT (5 MHz to 1.6 Gaze). Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency. See Figure 184. Figure 184 Enter frequencies in source tab 7 Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window. a Select Derive constant from double-sided spur as the calibration method.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 Figure 185 Enter parameters into the call tab 8 Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. a From the Reference Source pull-down, select Manual. b From the Phase Detector pull-down, select Automatic Detector Selection. See Figure 186 on page 257.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 9 Choose the Graph tab from the Define Measurement window. 10 Enter a graph description of your choice. See Figure 187. Figure 187 Select Graph Description on Graph Tab 11 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 Beginning the measurement From the View menu, choose Meter to select the quadrature meter. See Figure 188. e5505a_user_select_meter_view_menu2 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 188 Select meter from view menu 12 From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement. See Figure 189.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 13 When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes. Figure 190 Confirm new measurement 14 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware pull-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list. See Figure 191.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples C AU T I O N 10 The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics contained in Table 41. To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input signal to the test set’s signal input connector until the input attenuator (Option 001) has been set by the phase noise software, which occurs at the connection diagram. Table 41 Test Set Signal Input Limits and Characteristics Limits Frequency • 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Power splitter Phase shifter Calibration source DUT Delay line To test set rear panel CHIRP input Test set N5500A Test Set GPIB RMT LSN TLK SRQ STATUS ACT ERR INPUT SIGNAL INPUT REF INPUT NOISE 50 kHz -1600 MHz 0.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 2 Establish quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter until the meter indicates 0 volts, then press Continue.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 3 Apply modulation to the carrier signal, then press Continue. Figure 195 Calibration measurement (3 of 5) 4 Remove the modulation from the carrier and connect your DUT. . Figure 196 Calibration measurement (4 of 5) 5 The system can now run the measurement. At the appropriate point, re-establish quadrature and continue the measurement. .
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 When the measurement is complete When the measurement is complete, refer to Chapter 14, “Evaluating Your Measurement Results for help in evaluating your measurement results. (If the test system has problems completing the measurement, it will inform you by placing a message on the computer display. Figure 198 shows a typical absolute measurement using FM discrimination.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Table 42 Parameter data for the double-sided spur calibration example Step Parameters Data 1 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type • Absolute Phase Noise (using an FM • Start Frequency • Stop Frequency • Minimum Number of Averages FFT Quality Swept Quality 2 3 4 Sources Tab Carrier Source • Frequency • Power • Carrier Source is Connected to: Detector Input • Frequency Cal Tab FM Discriminator Constant • Current Phase Detector Constant Know Spur Parameters •
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 Table 42 Parameter data for the double-sided spur calibration example (continued) Step Parameters Data 6 Downconverter Tab The downconverter parameters do not apply to this measurement example.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Discriminator Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration C AU T I O N NOTE To prevent damage to the test set’s components, do not apply the input signal to the signal input connector until the input attenuator (N5500A Option 001) has been correctly set for the desired configuration, as show in Table 44 on page 277. Apply the input signal when the connection diagram appears.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 Determining the discriminator (delay line) length Perform the following steps to determine the minimum delay line length (τ) Possible to provide an adequate noise to measure the source. 1 Determine the delay necessary to provide a discriminator noise floor that is below the expected noise level of the DUT. Figure 199 shows the noise floor of the discriminator for given delay times (τ). 2 Determine the length of coax required to provide the necessary delay (τ).
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Figure 200 Select the parameters definition file 4 Click the Open button. • The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 45 on page 282 lists the parameter data that has been entered for the FM discriminator measurement example. 5 From the Define menu, choose Measurement; then choose the Type and Range tab from the Define Measurement window.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 7 Choose the Sources tab from the Define Measurement window. a Enter the carrier (center) frequency of your DUT (5 MHz to 1.6 GHz). Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency. See Figure 202. . Figure 202 Enter frequencies in Source tab 8 Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window. 9 Select Derive constant from FM rate and deviation as the calibration method.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples . Figure 203 Enter parameters into the Cal tab 11 Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. See Figure 204 on page 273. a From the Reference Source pull-down, select Manual. b From the Phase Detector pull-down, select Automatic Detector Selection.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 Figure 204 Enter parameters in the Block Diagram tab 12 Choose the Graph tab from the Define Measurement window. 13 Enter a graph description of your choice. See Figure 205 on page 273. Figure 205 Select graph description on Graph tab 14 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Setup considerations Connecting cables The best results will be obtained if semi-rigid coaxial cables are used to connect the components used in the measurement; however, BNC cables have been specified because they are more widely available. Using BNC cables may degrade the close-in phase noise results and, while adequate for this example, should not be used for an actual measurement on an unknown device unless absolutely necessary.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 Beginning the measurement 1 From the View menu, choose Meter to select the quadrature meter. See Figure 206. e5505a_user_select_meter_view_menu2 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 206 Select meter from the View menu 2 From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement. See Figure 207.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 3 When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes. Figure 208 Confirm new measurement 4 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware pull-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list. See Figure 209.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples C AU T I O N 10 The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics contained in Table 44 on page 277. To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input signal to the test set’s signal input connector until the input attenuator (Option 001) has been set by the phase noise software, which occurs at the connection diagram. Table 44 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits Frequency • 50 kHz to 1.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Power splitter Phase shifter Calibration source DUT Delay line To test set rear panel CHIRP input Test set N5500A Test Set GPIB RMT LSN TLK SRQ STATUS ACT ERR INPUT SIGNAL INPUT REF INPUT NOISE 50 kHz -1600 MHz 0.
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 2 Establish quadrature by adjusting the phase shifter until the meter indicates 0 volts, then press Continue. Figure 211 Calibration measurement (1 of 5) e5505a_user cal_measure2 25 Jun 04 rev 2 Figure 212 Calibration measurement (2 of 5) 3 Apply modulation to the carrier signal then press Continue.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Figure 213 Calibration measurement (3 of 5) 4 Remove the modulation from the carrier and connect your DUT. Figure 214 Calibration measurement (4 of 5) 5 The system can now run the measurement. At the appropriate point, re-establish quadrature and continue the measurement. .
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 Figure 216 on page 281 shows a typical absolute measurement using FM discrimination. Figure 216 Typical phase noise curve using rate and deviation calibration Table 45 on page 282 contains the data stored in the parameter definition file.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples Table 45 Parameter data for the rate and deviation calibration example Step Parameters Data 1 Type and Range Tab Measurement Type • Start Frequency • Stop Frequency • Minimum Number of Averages FFT Quality Swept Quality • • • • • • 2 3 4 282 Sources Tab Carrier Source • Frequency • Power • Carrier Source is Connected to: Detector Input • Frequency Cal Tab FM Discriminator Constant • Current Phase Detector Constant Know Spur Parameters • Offset Frequency •
FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 10 Table 45 Parameter data for the rate and deviation calibration example (continued) Step Parameters 7 • • • • • • • • • Agilent E5505A User’s Guide Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a: Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • Trace Smoothing Amount • Power present at input of DUT Data • FM Discrim – 50 ns dly – 1.
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples 284 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals AM-Noise Measurement Theory of Operation 286 Amplitude Noise Measurement 287 Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines 291 Method 1: User Entry of Phase Detector Constant 292 Method 2: Double-Sided Spur 296 Method 3: Single-Sided Spur 301 Agilent Technologies 285
11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals AM-Noise Measurement Theory of Operation Basic noise measurement The E5500A phase noise measurement software uses the following process to measure carrier noise by: • Calibrating the noise detector sensitivity. • Measuring the recovered baseband noise out of the detector. • Calculating the noise around the signal by correcting the measured data by the detector sensitivity. • Displaying the measured noise data in the required format.
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals 11 Amplitude Noise Measurement The level of amplitude modulation sidebands is also constant with increasing modulation frequency. The AM detector gain can thus be measured at a single offset frequency and the same constant will apply at all offset frequencies. Replacing the phase detector with an AM detector, the AM noise measurement can be calibrated in the same way as PM noise measurement, except the phase modulation must be replaced with amplitude modulation.
11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Test set DUT AM detector Option K21 Noise input Figure 219 AM Noise system with 70429A Opt K21 AM detector Microwave downconverter DUT Signal input Test set AM noise output Noise input Figure 220 AM noise system with N5507A downconverter AM detector K21 polarity switch RF input Diode detector E5505a_am_detector_schemo 01 Mar 04 rev 1 10n 511 AM detector output 2600 μF at 25V Figure 221 AM detector schematic 288 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals 11 AM detector specifications Detector type low barrier Schottky diode Carrier frequency range 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz Maximum input power +23 dBm Minimum input power 0 dBm Output bandwidth 1 Hz to 40 MHz AM detector considerations C AU T I O N The phase noise test set must be DC blocked when using its Noise Input or internal AM detector. The test set will not tolerate more than ± 2 mV DC Input without overloading the LNA.
11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Table 46 Maximum carrier offset frequency Carrier Frequency Offset Frequency ≥50 kHz 20 kHz • The AC load on the detector is 50 Ω, set by the input impedance of the LNA in the test system. The 50 ohm load increases the detector bandwidth up to than 100 MHz.
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals 11 Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines NOTE Read This The following general guidelines should be considered when setting up and making an AM-noise measurement • The AM detector must be well shielded from external noise especially 60 Hz noise. The components between the diode detector and the test system should be packaged in a metal box to prevent RFI interference.
11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Method 1: User Entry of Phase Detector Constant Method 1, example 1 Advantages • Easy method of calibrating the measurement system • Will measure DUT without modulation capability. • Requires only an RF power meter to measure drive levels into the AM detector. • Fastest method of calibration. If the same power levels are always at the AM detector, as in the case of leveled outputs, the AM detector sensitivity will always be essentially the same.
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals DUT 11 Power meter or spectrum analyzer Figure 223 AM noise calibration setup 3 Locate the drive level on the AM sensitivity graph (Figure 224), and enter the data. 4 Measure the noise data and interpret the results. The measured data will be plotted as single-sideband AM noise in dBc/Hz. NOTE The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector’s output. e5505a_user_AM_cal.
11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Method 1, example 2 Advantages • Easy method of calibrating the measurement system. • Will measure DUT without modulation capability. • Requires little additional equipment: only a voltmeter or an oscilloscope. • Fastest method of calibration. If the same power levels are always at the AM detector, as in the case of leveled outputs, the AM detector sensitivity will always be essentially the same. • Measures the AM detector gain in the actual measurement configuration.
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals 11 Test set DUT AM detector Noise input Diode voltage monitor output E5505a_mod_sideband_cal 02 Mar 04 rev 1 DVM or oscilloscope Figure 226 Modulation sideband calibration setup 3 Measure the monitor output voltage on the AM detector with an oscilloscope or voltmeter. Locate the diode detector’s DC voltage along the bottom of the AM sensitivity graph (Figure 224).
11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Method 2: Double-Sided Spur Method 2, example 1 Advantages • Requires only one RF source (DUT) • Calibration is done under actual measurement conditions so all non-linearities and harmonics of the AM detector are calibrated out. The double-sided spur method and the single-sided-spur method are the two most accurate methods for this reason. Disadvantages • Required that the DUT have adjustable AM which may also be turned off.
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals NOTE 11 C for AM is: The carrier-to-sideband ratio ---sb C percentAM ----- = 20 log ----------------------------- = 6dB 100 sb Modulation analyzer Source E5505a_meas_car_side_ratio 02 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 228 Measuring the carrier-to-sideband ratio 4 Reconnect the AM detector and enter the carrier-to-sideband ratio and modulation frequency. 5 Measure the AM detector calibration constant (Figure 229). .
11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals Method 2, example 2 Advantages • Will measure source without modulation capability • Calibration is done under actual measurement conditions so all non-linearities and harmonics of the AM detector are calibrated out. The double-sided spur method and the single-sided-spur method are the two most accurate methods for this reason. Disadvantages • Requires a second RF source with very accurate AM modulation and output power sufficient to match the DUT.
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals 11 between –30 and –60 dB below the carrier with a modulation rate between 10 Hz and 20 MHz. NOTE C for AM is: The carrier-to-sideband ratio ---sb C percentAM ---- = 20 log ----------------------------- = 6dB 100 b To check the AM performance of the source, measure the carrier-to-sideband ratio of the AM at the source output with a modulation analyzer. See Figure 232.
11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals NOTE 300 The quadrature meter should be at zero volts due to the blocking capacitor at the AM detector’s output.
AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals 11 Method 3: Single-Sided Spur Advantages • Will measure source without modulation capability. • Calibration is done under actual measurement conditions so all non-linearities and harmonics of the AM detector are calibrated out. The double-sided spur method and the single-sided-spur method are the two most accurate methods for this reason. Disadvantages • Requires 2 RF sources, which must be between 10 Hz and 40 MHz apart in frequency.
11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals page 302. The spur should be adjusted such that it is between –30 and –60 dBc, with a carrier offset of 10 Hz to 20 MHz. -20 dB coupler DUT RF spectrum analyzer -10 dB atten Calibration source E5505a_meas_relative_spur 02 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 235 Measuring relative spur level 4 Reconnect the AM detector and measure the detector sensitivity. See Figure 236.
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 12 AM Noise Measurement Examples AM Noise with N5500A Option 001 304 Agilent Technologies 303
12 AM Noise Measurement Examples AM Noise with N5500A Option 001 This example demonstrates the AM noise measurement of an 8662A signal generator using the AM detector in the N5500A Option 001 phase noise test set. For more information about various calibration techniques, refer to Chapter 11, “AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals. This measurement uses the double sided spur calibration method. The measurement of a source with amplitude modulation capability is among the simplest of the AM noise measurements.
AM Noise Measurement Examples 12 3 In the File Name box, choose “AM_noise_1ghz_8644b.pnm.” See Figure 238. Figure 238 Select the parameters definition file 4 Click the Open button. • The appropriate measurement definition parameters for this example have been pre-stored in this file. Table 48 on page 313 lists the parameter data that has been entered for this measurement example. NOTE The amplitude of a source under system control, for an AM noise measurement, will automatically be set to +10 dBm.
12 AM Noise Measurement Examples . e5505a_user_nav_AM_noise 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 239 Navigate to AM noise 7 Choose the Sources tab from the Define Measurement window. 8 Enter the carrier (center) frequency of your DUT. Enter the same frequency for the detector input frequency. See Figure 240 on page 306. Figure 240 Enter Frequencies in Source Tab 9 Choose the Cal tab from the Define Measurement window.
AM Noise Measurement Examples 12 10 Select Use automatic internal self-calibration as the calibration method. See Figure 241. For more information about various calibration techniques, refer to Chapter 11, “AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals. Figure 241 Enter parameters into the cal tab 11 Choose the Block Diagram tab from the Define Measurement window. 12 From the Phase Detector pull-down, select AM Detector. See Figure 242.
12 AM Noise Measurement Examples Figure 243 Select graph description on graph tab 15 When you have completed these operations, click the Close button. Beginning the measurement 1 From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement See Figure 244. . Figure 244 Selecting a new measurement 2 When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes.
AM Noise Measurement Examples 12 Figure 245 Confirm measurement dialog box 3 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware drop-down arrow and select your hardware configuration from the list. See Figure 246 on page 309. 0 di AM i Figure 246 Connect diagram for the AM noise measurement 4 Connect your DUT and reference sources to the test set at this time. Confirm your connections as shown in the connect diagram.
12 AM Noise Measurement Examples C AU T I O N The test set’s signal input is subject to the limits and characteristics in Table 47 on page 311. To prevent damage to the test set’s hardware components, do not apply the input signal to the test set’s signal input connector until the input attenuator (Option 001) has been set by the phase noise software, which will occur when the connection diagram appears.
AM Noise Measurement Examples 12 Table 47 Test set signal input limits and characteristics Limits Frequency • 50 kHz to 1.6 GHz (Std.) • 50 kHz to 26.5 GHz (Option 001) • 50 kHz to 26.
12 AM Noise Measurement Examples Making the measurement 5 Press the Continue button when you are ready to make the measurement. • The system is now ready to make the measurement. The measurement results are updated on the computer screen after each frequency segment has been measured. For more information about various calibration techniques, refer to Chapter 11, “AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals.
AM Noise Measurement Examples 12 Table 48 Parameter data for the AM noise using an N5500A Option 001 Step 1 Parameters Data Type and Range Tab Measurement Type Start Frequency Stop Frequency Averages FFT Quality Swept Quality • • • • • • • • • • • • 2 Sources Tab • Carrier Source Frequency • Carrier Source Power • Carrier Source Output is connected to: • Detector Input Frequency 3 Cal Tab Detector Constant Known Spur Parameters Offset Frequency Amplitude • • • • 4 5 Block Diagram Tab • Source
12 AM Noise Measurement Examples Table 48 Parameter data for the AM noise using an N5500A Option 001 (continued) Step 7 Parameters Data Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a: Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of: • Shift trace data DOWN by: • Trace Smoothing Amount • Power present at input of DUT • • • • • • • • AM Noise Measurement of an RF Signal AM Noise (dBc/Hz) 10 Hz 100E + 6 Hz 0 dBc/Hz - 180 dBc/Hz 1 Hz ban
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 13 Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Baseband Noise with Test Set Measurement Example 316 Baseband Noise without Test Set Measurement Example 320 Agilent Technologies 315
13 Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Baseband Noise with Test Set Measurement Example This measurement example will help you measure the noise voltage of a source. NOTE To ensure accurate measurements allow the DUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least 30 minutes before making the noise measurement. Defining the measurement 1 From the File menu, select Open. 2 If necessary, choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored. 3 In the File Name box, choose “BBnoise_with_testset.
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples 13 Beginning the measurement 1 From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement See Figure 250. . Figure 250 Selecting a new measurement 2 When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes. Figure 251 Confirm measurement dialog box 3 When the Connect Diagram dialog box appears, click on the hardware drop-down arrow and select “N5500A option 001 test set only” configuration from the list. See Figure 252 on page 318.
13 Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Figure 252 Connect diagram dialog box Making the measurement 1 Press Continue. • Figure 253 shows a typical phase noise curve for a baseband noise measurement using a test set. Figure 253 Typical phase noise curve for a baseband using a test set measurement.
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples 13 Table 49 lists the parameter data used for this measurement example.
13 Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Baseband Noise without Test Set Measurement Example This measurement example will help you measure the noise voltage of a source. NOTE To ensure accurate measurements allow the DUT and measurement equipment to warm up at least 30 minutes before making the noise measurement. Defining the measurement 1 From the File menu, choose Open. 2 If necessary, choose the drive or directory where the file you want is stored.
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples 13 Beginning the measurement 1 From the Measurement menu, choose New Measurement See Figure 255. . Figure 255 Selecting a new measurement 2 When the Do you want to perform a New Calibration and Measurement? prompt appears, click Yes. Figure 256 Confirm measurement dialog box 3 The Instrument Connection dialog box appears. (See Figure 258 on page 322.) At this time, connect your DUT and an FFT analyzer with the system as shown in Figure 257 on page 321.
13 Baseband Noise Measurement Examples Figure 258 Instrument connection dialog box Making the measurement 4 Press the Continue button. (There is no need to select a connection diagram from the drop-down list. The instrument connections for a baseband-noise-without-test-set measurement is not represented in the diagrams.) • Figure 259 on page 322 shows a typical phase noise curve for a baseband noise measurement without using a test set.
Baseband Noise Measurement Examples 13 Table 50 Parameter data for the baseband without using a test set measurement Step 1 Parameters Data Type and Range Tab Measurement Type Start Frequency Stop Frequency Averages Quality • • • • • • • • • • 2 3 5 Cal Tab • Gain preceding noise input Block Diagram Tab • Noise Source Graph Tab Title Graph Type X Scale Minimum X Scale Maximum Y Scale Minimum Y Scale Maximum Normalize trace data to a: Scale trace data to a new carrier frequency of: • Shift trace d
13 Baseband Noise Measurement Examples 324 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Evaluating the Results 326 Gathering More Data 330 Outputting the Results 331 Graph of Results 332 Omit Spurs 334 Problem Solving 337 Agilent Technologies 325
14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Evaluating the Results This chapter contains information to help you evaluate and output the results of your noise measurements. The purpose of the evaluation is to verify that the noise graph accurately represents the noise characteristics of your DUT. To use the information in this chapter, you should have completed your noise measurement, and the computer should be displaying a graph of its measurement results.
Evaluating Your Measurement Results 40 14 High small angle noise 20 0 Spurs -20 -40 -60 High noise level -80 -100 Breaks -120 -140 -160 1 10 100 E5505a_noise_curve_problems 02 Mar 04 rev 1 1K 10K 100K L ( f ) = -[dBc/Hz] vs. f [Hz] 1M 10M 40M Figure 260 Noise plot showing obvious problems Comparing against expected data If none of the problems listed appears on your graph, there still may be problems or uncertainties that are not obvious at first glance.
14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results The reference source It is important that you know the noise and spur characteristics of your reference source when you are making phase noise measurements. (The noise measurement results provided when using this technique reflect the sum of all contributing noise sources in the system.) The best way to determine the noise characteristics of the reference source is to measure them.
Evaluating Your Measurement Results 14 0 -20 -40 -60 -80 -100 -120 7 dB difference Measured reference at 10 kHz source noise Measurement results -140 -160 10 E5505a_meas_results_ref_source 02 Mar 04 rev 1 100 1K L ( f ) = -[dBc/Hz] vs.
14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Gathering More Data Repeating the measurement Making phase noise measurements is often an iterative process. The information derived from the first measurement will sometimes indicate that changes to the measurement setup are necessary for measuring a particular device.
Evaluating Your Measurement Results 14 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.
14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Graph of Results Use the Graph of Results to display and evaluate your measurement results. The Graph of Results screen is automatically displayed as a measurement is being made. However, you can also access the Graph of Results functions from the main graph menu. You can load a result file using the File/System functions, and then display the results.
Evaluating Your Measurement Results 14 Figure 265 Add and delete markers Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 333
14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results 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 266. e5505a_user_nav_display_pref 24 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 266 Select display preferences 2 In the Display Preferences dialog box, uncheck Spurs. See Figure 267. Click OK. Figure 267 Uncheck spurs 3 The Graph will be displayed without spurs (Figure 268 on page 335).
Evaluating Your Measurement Results 14 Figure 268 Graph without spurs Parameter summary The Parameter Summary function allows you to quickly review the measurement parameter entries that were used for this measurement. The parameter summary data is included when you print the graph. 1 On the View menu, click Parameter Summary (Figure 269).
14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results 2 The Parameter Summary Notepad dialog box appears (Figure 270). The data can be printed or changed using standard Notepad functionality.
Evaluating Your Measurement Results 14 Problem Solving Table 51 List of topics that discuss problem solving in this chapter If you need to know: Refer to: What to do about breaks in the noise graph Discontinuity in the Graph How to verify a noise level that is higher than expected High Noise Level How to verify unexpected spurs on the graph Spurs on the Graph How to interpret noise above the small angle line Small Angle Line Discontinuity in the graph Because noise distribution is continuous, a
14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Table 52 Potential causes of discontinuity in the graph (continued) (continued) Circumstance Description Recommended Action Break at the upper edge of the segment below PLL Bandwidth ³ 4. Accuracy degradation of more than 1 or 2 dB can result in a break in the graph at the internal changeover frequency between the phase detector portion of the measurement and the voltage controlled oscillator tune line measurement.
Evaluating Your Measurement Results 14 Table 53 Spurs on the graph . Offset Frequency < 100 kHz >100 kHz Number of Averages Upward Change for Marking Spurs (dB) <4 30 ≥4 17 ≥8 12 ≥30 6 Any 4 To list the marked spurs A list of spurs can be displayed by accessing the Spurs List function in the View menu. Forest of spurs A so called forest of spurs is a group of closely spaced spurs on the phase noise plot.
14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results Table 54 Actions to eliminate spurs (continued) Spur Sources Description Recommended Action Electrical Electrically generated spurs can be caused by electrical oscillation, either internal or external to the measurement system. The list of potential spur sources is long and varied. Many times the spur will not be at the fundamental frequency of the source, but may be a harmonic of the source signal.
Evaluating Your Measurement Results 14 40 20 0 -20 Small angle phase noise limit -40 -60 -80 -100 -120 -140 -160 1 10 E5505a_valid_noise_levels 02 Mar 04 rev 1 Figure 271 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 100 1K 10K 100K L ( f ) = -[dBc/Hz] vs.
14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results 342 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 15 Advanced Software Features Introduction 344 Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression 345 Ignore-Out-Of-Lock Mode 348 PLL Suppression Verification Process 349 Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Graph 355 Agilent Technologies 343
15 Advanced Software Features Introduction The E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System software feature Advanced Functions allows you to manipulate the test system or to customize a measurement using the extended capabilities of the E5500 software. This chapter describes each of these advanced functions. Agilent recommends that only users who understand how the measurement and the test system are affected by each function use the Advanced Functions feature.
Advanced Software Features 15 Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression Selecting “PLL Suppression Graph” on the View menu causes the software to display the PLL Suppression Curve plot, as shown in Figure 272, when it is verified during measurement calibration. The plot appears whether or not an accuracy degradation occurs. Figure 272 PLL suppression verification graph PLL suppression parameters The following measurement parameters are displayed along with the PLL Suppression Curve.
15 Advanced Software Features Max error This is the measured error that still exists between the measured Loop Suppression and the Adjusted Theoretical Loop Suppression. The four points on the Loop Suppression graph marked with arrows (ranging from the peak down to approximately ––8 dB) are the points over which the Maximum Error is determined. An error of greater than 1 dB results in an accuracy degradation. Closed PLL bandwidth This is the predicted Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth for the measurement.
Advanced Software Features 15 Detector constant This is the phase Detector Constant (sensitivity of the phase detector) used for the measurement. The accuracy of the Phase Detector Constant is verified if the PLL suppression is verified. The accuracy of the phase Detector Constant determines the accuracy of the noise measurement. The phase Detector Constant value, along with the LNA In/Out parameter, determines the Agilent E5505A system noise floor, exclusive of the reference source.
15 Advanced Software Features Ignore-Out-Of-Lock Mode The Ignore Out Of Lock test mode enables all of the troubleshooting mode functions, plus it causes the software to not check for an out-of-lock condition before or during a measurement. This allows you to measure sources with high close-in noise that normally would cause an out-of-lock condition and stop the measurement. When Ignore Out Of Lock is selected, the user is responsible for monitoring phase lock.
Advanced Software Features 15 PLL Suppression Verification Process When “Verify calculated phase locked loop suppression” is selected, it is recommended that “Always Show Suppression Graph” also be selected. Verifying phase locked loop suppression is a function which is very useful in detecting errors in the phase detector constant or tune constant, the tune constant linearity, limited VCO tune port bandwidth conditions, and injection locking conditions.
15 Advanced Software Features There are four different curves available for this graph: a “Measured” loop suppression curve (Figure 274 on page 350)—this is the result of the loop suppression measurement performed by the E5505A system. b “Smoothed” measured suppression curve (Figure 275 on page 351)—this is a curve-fit representation of the measured results, it is used to compare with the “theoretical” loop suppression.
Advanced Software Features 15 Figure 275 Smoothed loop suppression curve Figure 276 Theoretical loop suppression curve Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 351
15 Advanced Software Features Figure 277 Smoothed vs. theoretical loop suppression curve Figure 278 Smoothed vs.
Advanced Software Features 15 Figure 279 Adjusted theoretical vs.
15 Advanced Software Features PLL gain change PLL gain change is the amount in dB by which the theoretical gain of the PLL must be adjusted to best match the smoothed measured loop suppression. The parameters of the theoretical loop suppression that are modified are Peak Tune Range (basically open loop gain) and Assumed Pole (for example a pole on the VCO tune port that may cause peaking).
Advanced Software Features 15 Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Graph C AU T I O N NOTE Implementing either of the “secured” levels described in this section is not reversible. Once the frequency or frequency/amplitude data has been blanked, it can not be recovered.
15 Advanced Software Features Unsecured: all data is viewable When “Unsecured all data is viewable” is selected, all frequency and amplitude information is displayed on the phase noise graph. See Figure 281 and Figure 282.
Advanced Software Features 15 Secured: Frequencies Cannot be Viewed When “Secured: Frequencies cannot be viewed” is selected, all frequency information is blanked on the phase noise graph. See Figure 283 through Figure 285.
15 Advanced Software Features e5505a_user_secured_not_found2 27 Jun 04 rev 3 Figure 285 Secured: frequencies cannot be found-2 Secured: Frequencies and Amplitudes cannot be viewed When “Secured: Frequencies and Amplitudes cannot be viewed” is selected, all frequency and amplitude information is blanked on the phase noise graph. See Figure 286 and Figure 287.
Advanced Software Features 5505 d f t i 15 d Figure 287 Secured: frequencies and amplitudes cannot be viewed Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 359
15 Advanced Software Features 360 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 16 Reference Graphs and Tables Approximate System Noise Floor vs. R Port Signal Level 362 Phase Noise Floor and Region of Validity 363 Phase Noise Level of Various Agilent Sources 364 Increase in Measured Noise as Ref Source Approaches DUT Noise Approximate Sensitivity of Delay Line Discriminator 366 AM Calibration 367 Voltage Controlled Source Tuning Requirements 368 Tune Range of VCO for Center Voltage 369 Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth vs.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables Approximate System Noise Floor vs. R Port Signal Level The sensitivity of the phase noise measurement system can be improved by increasing the signal power at the R input port (Signal Input) of the phase detector in the test set. Figure 288 illustrates the approximate noise floor of the N5500A test set for a range of R input port signal levels from –15 dBm to +15 dBm.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 Phase Noise Floor and Region of Validity Caution must be exercised when L(f) is calculated from the spectral density of the phase fluctuations, Sφ(f) because of the small angle criterion. The –10 dB/decade line is drawn on the plot for an instantaneous phase deviation of 0.2 radians integrated over any one decade of offset frequency. At approximately 0.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables Phase Noise Level of Various Agilent Sources The graph in Figure 290 indicates the level of phase noise that has been measured for several potential reference sources at specific frequencies. Depending on the sensitivity that is required at the offset to be measured, a single reference source may suffice or several different references may be needed to achieve the necessary sensitivity at different offsets.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 Increase in Measured Noise as Ref Source Approaches DUT Noise Increase in measured noise due to reference noise (dB) The graph shown in Figure 291 demonstrates that as the noise level of the reference source approaches the noise level of the DUT, the level measured by the software (which is the sum of all sources affecting the test system) is increased above the actual noise level of the DUT. 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables Approximate Sensitivity of Delay Line Discriminator The dependence of a frequency discriminator's sensitivity on the offset frequency is obvious in the graph in Figure 292. By comparing the sensitivity specified for the phase detector to the delay line sensitivity, it is apparent the delay line sensitivity is “tipped up” by 20 dB/decade beginning at an offset of 1/2πτ.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 AM Calibration The AM detector sensitivity graph in Figure 293 is used to determine the equivalent phase Detector Constant from the measured AM Detector input level or from the diode detector's DC voltage. The equivalent phase detector constant (phase slope) is read from the left side of the graph while the approximate detector input power is read from the right side of the graph. . e5505a_user_AM_cal.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables Voltage Controlled Source Tuning Requirements Peak Tuning Range (PTR) ≈ Tune Range of VCO x VCO Tune Constant. Min. PTR = 0.1 Hz Max. PTR = Up to 200 MHz, depending on analyzer and phase detector LPF. Drift Tracking Range = Allowable Drift During Measurement The tuning range that the software actually uses to maintain quadrature is limited to a fraction of the peak tuning range (PTR) to ensure that the tuning slope is well behaved and the VCO Tune Constant remains accurate.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 Tune Range of VCO for Center Voltage The graph in Figure 295 outlines the minimum to maximum Tune Range of VCO that the software provides for a given center voltage. The Tune range of VCO decreases as the absolute value of the center voltage increases due to hardware limitations of the test system. e5505a_user_tune_range_VCO.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables Peak Tuning Range Required by Noise Level The graph in Figure 296 provides a comparison between the typical phase noise level of a variety of sources and the minimum tuning range that is necessary for the test system to create a phase lock loop of sufficient bandwidth to make the measurement. Sources with higher phase noise require a wider Peak Tuning Range. e5505a_user_peak_tune_range.ai rev2 10/24/03 Figure 296 Typical source noise level vs.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth vs. Peak Tuning Range The graph in Figure 297 illustrates the closed Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth (PLL BW) chosen by the test system as a function of the Peak Tuning Range of the source. 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. e5505a_user_phase_band_peak_tune_range.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables Noise Floor Limits Due to Peak Tuning Range The graph in Figure 298 illustrates the equivalent phase noise at the Peak Tuning Range entered for the source due to the inherent noise at the test set Tune Voltage Output port. (A Tune Range of VCO ±10 V and phase Detector Constant of 0.2V/Rad is assumed.) e5505a_user_noise_floor_peak.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 Tuning Characteristics of Various VCO Source Options Table 55 Tuning parameters for several VCO options VCO Source Carrier Freq.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables 8643A Frequency Limits Table 56 8643A frequency limits Note: Special Function 120 must be enabled for DCFM Minimum Recommended PTR (Peak Tune Range) PTR =FM Deviation x VTR1 Model Number Option Band Minimum (MHz) Band Maximum (MHz) Mode 22 Mode 13 8643A 002 1030 2060 2000000 20000000 8643A 002 515 1029.99999999 1000000 10000000 8643A Standard 515 1030 1000000 10000000 8643A Both 257.5 514.99999999 500000 5000000 8643A Both 128.75 257.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 Table 57 Operating characteristics for 8643A modes 1, 2, and 3 Characteristic Synthesis Mode Mode 1 Mode 2 RF Frequency Switching Time 90 ms 200 ms FM Deviation at 1 GHz 10 MHz 1 MHz Phase Noise (20 kHz offset at 1 GHz) –120 dBc –130 dBc How to access special functions Press the Special key and enter the special function number of your choice. Access the special function key by pressing the Enter key.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables 125: Wide FM deviation (8643A only) Mode 1 operation can be selected using this special function, which allows you to turn on wide FM deviation. The 8643 defaults to Mode 2 operation. Wide FM deviation provides the maximum FM deviation and minimum RF output switching time. In this mode, the maximum deviation is increased, by a factor of 10, to 10 MHz (for a 1 GHz carrier). The noise level of the generator is also increased in this mode, however.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 8644B Frequency Limits Table 58 8644B frequency limits Note: Special Function 120 must be enabled for DCFM Minimum Recommended PTR (Peak Tune Range) PTR =FM Deviation x VTR1 Model Number Option Band Minimum (MHz) Band Maximum (MHz) Mode 3 Mode 2 Mode 1 8644B 002 1030 2060 200000 2000000 20000000 8644B 002 515 1029.99999999 100000 1000000 10000000 8644B Standard 515 1030 100000 1000000 10000000 8644B Both 257.5 514.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables Table 59 Operating characteristics for 8644B modes 1, 2, and 3 Characteristic Synthesis Mode Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode 3 RF Frequency Switching Time 90 ms 200 ms 350 ms FM Deviation at 1 GHz 10 MHz 1 MHz 100 kHz Phase Noise (20 kHz offset at 1 GHz) -120 dBc -130 dBc -136 dBc How to access special functions Press the Special key and enter the special function number of your choice. Access the special function key by pressing the Enter key.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 Description of special function 120 120: FM synthesis This special function allows you to have the instrument synthesize the FM signal in a digitized or linear manner. Digitized FM is best for signal-tone modulation and provides very accurate center frequency at low deviation rates. Linear FM is best for multi-tone modulation and provides a more constant group delay than the Digitized FM.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables 8664A Frequency Limits Table 60 8664A frequency limits Note: Special Function 120 must be enabled for the DCFM 1 Model Number Option Minimum Recommended PTR (Peak Tune Range) PTR =FM Deviation x VTR Band Minimum (MHz) Band Maximum (MHz) Mode 3 Mode 2 8664A 2060 3000 400000 10000000 8664A 1500 2059.99999999 200000 10000000 8664A 1030 1499.99999999 200000 5000000 8664A 750 1029.99999999 100000 5000000 8664A 515 749.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 How to access special functions Press the Special key and enter the special function number of your choice. Access the special function key by pressing the Enter key.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables 8665A Frequency Limits Table 62 8665A frequency limits Note: Special Function 120 must be enabled for DCFM Minimum Recommended PTR (Peak Tune Range) PTR =FM Deviation x VTR1 Model Number Option Band Minimum (MHz) Band Maximum (MHz) Mode 3 Mode 2 8665A 4120 4200 800000 20000000 8665A 3000 4119.99999999 400000 20000000 8665A 2060 2999.99999999 400000 10000000 8665A 1500 2059.99999999 200000 10000000 8665A 1030 1499.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 Table 63 Operating characteristics for 8665A modes 2 and 3 Characteristic Synthesis Mode Mode 2 Mode 3 RF Frequency Switching Time 200 ms 350 ms FM Deviation at 1 GHz 1 MHz 100 kHz Phase Noise (20 kHz offset at 1 GHz) -130 dBc -136 dBc How to access special functions Press the Special key and enter the special function number of your choice. Access the special function key by pressing the Enter key.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables 124: FM Dly equalizer This special function allows you to turn off FM delay equalizer circuitry. When [ON] (The preset condition), 30 μsec of group delay is added to the FM modulated signal to get better FM frequency response. You may want to turn [OFF] the FM Delay Equalizer circuitry when the signal generator is used as the VCO in a phase-locked loop application to reduce phase shift, of when you want to extend the FM bandwidth to 200 kHz.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 8665B Frequency Limits Table 64 8665B frequency limits Note: Special Function 120 must be enabled for DCFM Minimum Recommended PTR (Peak Tune Range) PTR =FM Deviation x VTR1 Model Number Option Band Minimum (MHz) Band Maximum (MHz) Mode 3 Mode 2 8665B 4120 6000 800000 20000000 8665B 3000 4119.99999999 400000 20000000 8665B 2060 2999.99999999 400000 10000000 8665B 1500 2059.99999999 200000 10000000 8665B 1030 1499.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables Table 65 Operating characteristics for 8665B modes 2 and 3 Characteristic Synthesis Mode Mode 2 Mode 3 RF Frequency Switching Time 200 ms 350 ms FM Deviation at 1 GHz 1 MHz 100 kHz Phase Noise (20 kHz offset at 1 GHz) -130 dBc -136 dBc How to access special functions Press the Special key and enter the special function number of your choice. Access the special function key by pressing the Enter key.
Reference Graphs and Tables 16 Description of special functions 120 and 124 120: FM synthesis This special function allows you to have the instrument synthesize the FM signal in a digitized or linear manner. Digitized FM is best for signal-tone modulation and provides very accurate center frequency at low deviation rates. Linear FM is best for multi-tone modulation and provides a more constant group delay than the Digitized FM.
16 Reference Graphs and Tables 388 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 17 System Specifications Specifications 390 Power Requirements 393 Agilent Technologies 389
17 System Specifications Specifications This section contains mechanical and environmental specifications, operating characteristics, power requirements, and PC requirements for the system. It also provides specifications for accuracy, measurement qualifications, and tuning. Table 66 contains the mechanical and environmental specifications for a system. Table 67 shows the system’s operating characteristics.
System Specifications 17 Table 67 Operating characteristics (continued) Phase detector input power (<1.6 GHz carrier frequency) R input = 0 to +23 dBm L input = +15 to +23 dBm Downconverter input range 1 GHz to 6 GHz 1 GHz to 18 GHz 1.5 GHz to 26.5 GHz External noise input port 0.01 Hz to 100 MHz Measurement accuracy ±2 dB (<1.
17 System Specifications If either of these conditions are not met, system measurement accuracy may be reduced. NOTE In addition, if you have a know source, the source’s uncertainties must bee added to the system specifications. Tuning The tuning range of the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) source must be commensurate with the frequency stability of the sources being used. If the tuning range is too narrow, the system will not properly phase lock, resulting in an aborted measurement.
System Specifications 17 Power Requirements The flexibility of the E5505A system configuration results in a significant range of power requirements, depending on the type and number of instruments in a system. Table 70 provides the maximum requirements for individual instruments so that you can determine the requirements of your specific system. It also provides the maximum current drawn by an E5505A system that contains one of each type of instrument listed in the table.
17 System Specifications 394 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 18 System Interconnections Making Connections 396 System Connectors 397 System Cables 398 Connecting Instruments 399 PC to test set connection, standard model 400 PC to test set (options 001 and 201) and downconverter connection 401 E5505A system connections with standard test set 403 E5505A system connections with test set option 001 404 E5505A system connections with test set option 201 405 This chapter contains information and diagrams for connecting t
18 System Interconnections Making Connections Use the information in this section to connect your system hardware. It contains cable and connector tables, connection diagrams, and guidelines for making connections. C AU T I O N Make all system hardware connections without AC power applied. Failure to do so may result in damage to the hardware. GPIB connections are an exception; they may be connected with power applied. Make connections in a properly grounded environment.
Agilent E5505A User’s Guide System Connectors Table 71 contains the connectors and adapters for the main E5505A system instruments. It includes the type and quantity for each instrument and option. (You receive the devices specific to the instruments in your system with your shipment; you may not receive every device shown in the table.) Table 71 E5505A connectors and adapters Part Number Description N5500A Standard N5500A Opt. 001 N5500A Opt.
Table 72 shows the E5505A system cables and their connections. Some cables are used only with specific system options; you may not receive all cables in the table. An additional GPIB cable is shipped with each optional instrument ordered.
System Interconnections 18 Connecting Instruments This section provides guidelines for connecting your phase noise system instruments. When reconnecting all system instruments, first connect the PC, test set, and downconverter(s). Then connect the spectrum analyzer and remaining system instruments. Add any additional asset next. Lastly, connect power cords and apply power.
18 System Interconnections Test set rear panel connection Spectrum analyzer GPIB MULTIPLEXER TRACK GEN OUT IN ICES/NMB-001 ISM GRP.1 CLASS A CHIRP SOURCE SEE USERS MANUAL N10149 154258 TUNE VOLTAGE IN OUT SERIAL NUMBER LABEL LINE 115 V/3 A 230 V/2 A 50/60 Hz FUSE: T 3.15 A 250 V Standard test set N5500A 50 Ω load termination Test Set INPUT STATUS ACT ERR REF INPUT NOISE 50 kHz -1600 MHz 0.
System Interconnections 18 Test set rear panel connection Spectrum analyzer GPIB MULTIPLEXER TRACK GEN OUT IN ICES/NMB-001 ISM GRP.1 CLASS A CHIRP SOURCE SEE USERS MANUAL N10149 154258 TUNE VOLTAGE IN OUT GPIB SERIAL NUMBER LABEL LINE 115 V/3 A 230 V/2 A 50/60 Hz FUSE: T 3.15 A 250 V Test set (all options) 50 Ω load termination SIGNAL INPUT 0 VDC MAX MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz +23 dBm + ATTEN 1.2 GHz-26.
18 System Interconnections 4 Connect cables to other instruments with the appropriate connectors and adapters, using the tables and diagrams in this section. (Refer to Figure 307 on page 403 through Figure 309 on page 405.) • Install a GPIB extension on these system instruments before connecting the GPIB cable: N5500A/01A/02A/07A/08A. C AU T I O N NOTE Do not make a GPIB connection with an oscilloscope. Doing so causes the E5505A system to malfunction and may result in damage.
System Interconnections 18 Oscilloscope (recommended) GPIB NOTE: Optional frequency counter Standard test set N5500A Indicates optional cable Test Set SIGNAL INPUT GPIB RMT LSN TLK SRQ SIGNAL MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz +23 dBm INPUT STATUS ACT ERR REF INPUT NOISE 50 kHz -1600 MHz 0.
18 System Interconnections Oscilloscope (recommended) GPIB NOTE: Optional frequency counter Test set Opt. 001 Downconverter N5502A N5500A Opt 001 Indicates optional cable Test Set SIGNAL INPUT 0 VDC MAX MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz +23 dBm + ATTEN 1.2 GHz-26.5 GHz +10 dBm + ATTEN +30 dBm MAX WITH ATTENUATOR GPIB RMT LSN TLK SRQ SIGNAL INPUT NOISE Downconverter STATUS ACT ERR REF INPUT 50 kHz - 1600 MHz 1.2 - 26.5 GHz 50 kHz - 26.5 GHz MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz +23 dBm 1.2-26.
System Interconnections 18 Oscilloscope (recommended) Optional frequency counter GPIB NOTE: Test set Opt. 201 Downconverter N5507A N5500A Opt 201 Indicates optional cable Test Set SIGNAL INPUT GPIB RMT LSN TLK SRQ SIGNAL INPUT 5 MHz-26.5 GHz Microwave Downconverter STATUS ACT ERR REF INPUT NOISE 50 kHz - 1600 MHz 1.2 - 26.5 GHz MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz +23 dBm 50 kHz-1600 MHz 0.
18 System Interconnections 406 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 19 PC Components Installation Overview 408 Step 1: Uninstall the current version of Agilent Technologies IO libraries 408 Step 2: Uninstall all National Instruments products. 408 Step 3: Install the National Instruments VXI software. 408 Step 4: Install the National Instruments VISA runtime. 408 Step 5: Install software for the NI Data Acquisition Software. 408 Step 6: Hardware Installation 409 Step 7. Finalize National Instruments Software Installation.
19 PC Components Installation Overview Your E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System system arrives with all necessary phase noise components installed in the system PC. However, if you need to re-install the phase noise hardware and/or software in your E5505A system PC for any reason, use the procedures in this chapter. The chapter leads you through the process step-by-step.
PC Components Installation 19 To install the PC digitizer software Step Action 1 Make sure your PC and display are on. 2 Place the manufacturer’s installation DVD-R in the DVD-R drive of the PC. • The installation wizard dialog box should automatically appear after a few seconds. If it doesn’t, start it this way: • From the Start menu, select My Computer and the DVD-R drive. • Find and select the file setup.exe. Click OK. 3 Follow the instructions in the installation wizard. • Accept the defaults.
19 PC Components Installation Step 6a: Taking ESD precautions C AU T I O N The PC Digitizer and GPIB interface cards are static-sensitive devices. Wear a properly grounded wrist or foot strap while handling the cards and performing the procedures in this section. Failure to do so can result in damage to the electronic devices and assemblies involved. While inserting the cards, be sure to hold them by the edges.
PC Components Installation 19 b Carefully slide the cover away from the front of the unit then lift it off. Figure 311 Slide cover off c Uninstall the internal hold-down bar by removing the two screws that attach it and lift the bar out of the unit.
19 PC Components Installation Step 6c: Accessing PC expansion slots Figure 313 shows a view of the expansion slots vertically mounted; your computer’s expansion slots may be horizontally mounted, but the process is the same. 1 Look for suitable expansion slots for both the PC digitizer card and the GPIB interface card. Choose slots that provide good external access to the PC Digitizer and GPIB interface connectors. You may want to leave an empty expansion slot between the cards for easier internal access.
PC Components Installation 19 Figure 314 PC digitizer card 1 Insert the PC digitizer card edge connector into the PCI connector. Gently rock the card into place; do not force it. Make sure the card is fully seated by pushing firmly on the edge of the card with the palm of your hand.
19 PC Components Installation 2 Screw the mounting bracket to the PC back-rail panel to secure the card. Figure 316 Secure card with screw 3 Connect the digitizer adapter to the back of the PC digitizer card, as shown in Figure 317. Figure 317 Connect adapter to PC digitizer card While you have access to the expansion slots, also install the second piece of phase noise system hardware, the GPIB interface card.
PC Components Installation 19 Step 6e: Installing the GPIB interface card (PCB) NOTE Only Agilent Technologies PCI GPIB cards, 82350, are supported. Perform this installation with the PC disconnected from AC power. Figure 318 shows a GPIB interface card. Figure 318 GPIB interface card 1 Insert the GPIB card in the PCI connector. Gently rock the card into place; do not force it. Make sure the card is fully seated by pushing firmly on the edge of the card with the palm of your hand.
19 PC Components Installation Figure 319 Insert GPIB card NOTE You may need a GPIB connector extender to provide adequate clearance between the GPIB cable and the computer chassis. 2 Screw the mounting bracket to the PC back-rail panel to secure the card.
PC Components Installation 19 3 Replace the PC cover as described in the manufacturer’s documentation. For the system’s Advantech or Kontron PC, re-install the hold-down bar (with additional rubber bumpers if desired), then replace the cover. Figure 321 Replace cover Step 7. Finalize National Instruments Software Installation. When you power on the PC again, the installation wizard leads you through a few last steps of installing the National Instruments software.
19 PC Components Installation Table 73 E5505A connectors and adapters Part Number Description N5500A N5500A N5500A N5501A N5507A N5508A N5508A Standard Opt. 001 Opt. 201 N5502A Opt.
PC Components Installation 19 Test set rear panel connection Spectrum analyzer GPIB MULTIPLEXER OUT ICES/NMB-001 ISM GRP.1 CLASS A TRACK GEN IN CHIRP SOURCE SEE USERS MANUAL TUNE VOLTAGE IN OUT SERIAL NUMBER LABEL N10149 154258 LINE 115 V/3 A 230 V/2 A 50/60 Hz FUSE: T 3.15 A 250 V Standard test set N5500A 50 Ω load termination Test Set GPIB RMT LSN TLK SRQ SIGNAL SIGNAL INPUT INPUT MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz +23 dBm STATUS ACT ERR REF INPUT NOISE 50 kHz -1600 MHz 0.
19 PC Components Installation Test set rear panel connection Spectrum analyzer GPIB MULTIPLEXER TRACK GEN OUT IN ICES/NMB-001 ISM GRP.1 CLASS A CHIRP SOURCE SEE USERS MANUAL N10149 154258 TUNE VOLTAGE IN OUT GPIB SERIAL NUMBER LABEL LINE 115 V/3 A 230 V/2 A 50/60 Hz FUSE: T 3.15 A 250 V Test set (all options) 50 Ω load termination SIGNAL INPUT 0 VDC MAX MAXIMUM POWER 50 kHz -1600 MHz +23 dBm + ATTEN 1.2 GHz-26.
PC Components Installation NOTE 19 If you re-install or upgrade the Agilent I/O Libraries at a later date, you must also re-install the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement Software after the I/O Library installation. To install the Agilent I/O libraries Step Notes 1 Make sure your PC and display are on. 2 Place the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System software DVD-R in the PC’s DVD-R drive. • A window appears with the contents of the CD.
19 PC Components Installation To install the Agilent I/O libraries (continued) Step Notes 5 Select Custom Installation and follow the instructions in the Setup.exe wizard.
PC Components Installation 19 To install the Agilent I/O libraries (continued) Step Notes 6 Select Agilent VISA as the Primary VISA 7 Accept Default settings for the remainder of the screens.
19 PC Components Installation To install the Agilent I/O libraries (continued) Step Notes 8 This will rename the current visa file in “C:\ WINDOWS\system32” to “visa32.dll.bak” Continue with the installation. 9 If the PC has not gone through a reboot, then reboot it. 10 Navigate to the “C:\WINDOWS\system32” directory and rename the “visa32.dll.bak” file to “nivisa32.dll”.
PC Components Installation 19 Step 10b: Run the Agilent Connection Expert Step Notes 1 Select the second of the two GPIB Cards, “GPIB1”. Click the “Change Properties” button.
19 PC Components Installation Step Notes 2 Change the GPIB address to “22”, and unselect the “System Controller” tick box. Then click the “OK” button. You may be asked to re-boot the PC. 3 Right click the second of the two GPIB Cards, “GPIB1”, and select the “Ignored” state.
PC Components Installation Step 19 Notes 4 The ACE display should now look like… Step 11: Install the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement software. Use this procedure to re-install the E5500 software on your system PC. To install the E5500 software Step Note 1 Make sure your PC and display are on and the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System software DVD-R is in the PC’s DVD-R drive. 2 Navigate to the DVD-R contents folder using the menu selections Start/Run/Browse, and select the DVD-R drive.
19 PC Components Installation To install the E5500 software (continued) Step Note 4 Follow the instructions in the installation wizard. • Accept the default settings. 5 When finished, double-click the E5500 Phase Noise folder now on the PC desktop to open it. • The software places the E5500 Phase 6 Copy the E5500 User Interface (UI) shortcut and the E5500 Shutdown shortcut to the PC desktop. • This provides easy access to the E5500 Noise folder on the desktop as part of the installation process.
PC Components Installation 19 To install the E5500 software (continued) Step Note 7 Restart the PC. Step 12: Asset Configuration An asset is any piece of hardware that you want to configure for system use (N5500A, for example). An asset role is the general category of the hardware (test sets, downconverters, counters, and so on.) In the E5505A phase noise system, the Asset Manager serves to configure the system instruments. This section describes how to set up and use the Asset Manager.
19 PC Components Installation To set up Asset Manager (continued) Step Note 2 From the menu, select Options and deselect Demo Mode. • If the Asset Manager is in Demo Mode, the left pane shows a graphic with the word DEMO. If it is not in Demo Mode, the left pane shows a list of assets. 3 Close the Asset Manager. NOTE 430 When Asset Manager is invoked from the E5500 main menu, you must restart the E5500 software for any configurations changes to take effect.
PC Components Installation 19 Configuring the Phase Noise Test Set Now that you have taken the Asset Manager out of Demo Mode, use it to configure an instrument. This procedure shows you how to configure the phase noise test set. 1 Double-click on the E5500 Phase Noise desktop shortcut. • This invokes the E5500 software and the 2 From the menu, select System/Asset Manger. • This invokes the Auto Asset Wizard. main phase-noise-graph screen appears.
19 PC Components Installation 6 In the Interface field, select GPIBO from the pull-down list. • In the Select Interface and Address box • Table 74 on page 438 shows the default device addresses. 7 In the Address field, type 20, the default address for the test set. 432 8 In the Library field, keep the default and click Next. • The Library field does not apply to this 9 Type Agilent N5500A or Agilent 70420A, in the Asset Name field, depending on your model.
PC Components Installation 11 Type a comment in the Comment field, if desired. • The comment associates itself with the 12 Click Finish. • The Asset Manager window appears. Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 19 asset you have just configured.
19 PC Components Installation 13 View the test set information in the Asset Manager window and confirm that it is correct. • The left pane shows the list of asset roles and assets. The right pane shows the asset information. The right pane is information only. The left pane is active. 14 To change information about an asset, double-click on the asset in the left pane and change the information in the box that appears. You have just used the Asset Manager to configure the N5500A test set.
PC Components Installation 19 Configuring the PC Digitizer This procedure shows how to configure the PC Digitizer using Asset Manager Wizard from within the Asset Manager. This is the most common way to add assets. 1 From Asset Manager click Asset, then click Add. See Figure 324. Figure 324 Add assets 2 From the Asset Type pull-down list (Figure 325 on page 435), select FFT Analyzer, then select Next. .
19 PC Components Installation 3 In the Choose Supporting ACM dialog, click on II PCI20428W-1, then click the Next button. See Figure 326. Figure 326 Select supporting ACM 4 In the Select Interface and Address dialog: a Select PCI From the Interface pull-down list. b Type 320, the default address for the II20428 PC Digitizer, in the Address box. Table 74 on page 438 shows the default device addresses. c The Library pull-down list does not apply to this example.
PC Components Installation 19 Figure 327 Choose the interface and address for the PC digitizer Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 437
19 PC Components Installation Default GPIB addresses Table 74 shows the default GPIB address for each instrument in the system.
PC Components Installation 19 Figure 328 Choose model and serial number 8 From the Baseband Source pull-down list in the Select FFT Analyzer Options box, select (internal). See Figure 329. This designates the noise source on the PC Digitizer board as the noise source to be used for loopsuppression verification suppression verification. Figure 329 Select (internal) in baseband source 9 Click the Next button.
19 PC Components Installation 10 You can type a comment in the Enter a Comment box (Figure 330). The comment associates itself with the asset you have just configured. Figure 330 Enter a comment about the configured asset 11 Click the Finish button. The Asset manager window appears. See Figure 331.
PC Components Installation 19 You have just used the Asset Manager to configure the PC digitizer. The process for configuring the test set and PC digitizer is the same process you use to add software-controlled assets to the phase noise measurement system. Configuring the Agilent E4411A/B (ESA-L1500A) Swept Analyzer 1 To configure the E4411A/B Swept Analyzer, follow the same steps you used to configure the test set. (Refer to “Configuring the Phase Noise Test Set" on page 431.
19 PC Components Installation Figure 333 Navigate to license keys NOTE The license key for your system is unique and may only be used with a specific N5500A test set serial number. The license key may be found both on your license-key document and in the file “license_key.txt” on the License_key floppy disk provided with your system. 4 Enter the license key for your phase noise test set and click the Set button. Use Licence_key.
PC Components Installation 19 Figure 334 License_key.txt c Highlight the keyword in the License_key.txt file and copy it to the dialog box as shown in Figure 335. . Figure 335 Copy keyword into license key field d Click the Set button. • The dialog box displays a message confirming licensing or indicating that there is a problem. See Figure 336 and Figure 337 on page 444.
19 PC Components Installation Figure 336 Licensing confirmation Figure 337 Licensing error 5 Perform the PC Digitizer Performance Verification procedure in Chapter 20 to ensure that the digitizer and adapter are functioning properly.
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 20 PC Digitizer Performance Verification Verifying PC Digitizer Card Output Performance 446 PC Digitizer Card Input Performance Verification 451 This chapter contains information and procedures for verifying the performance of the NI-DAQ PC digitizer card (PCI-6111) and PC digitizer card adapter.
20 PC Digitizer Performance Verification Verifying PC Digitizer Card Output Performance This procedure verifies the output performance of the PC digitizer card and adapter. Perform this procedure periodically to ensure the proper functioning of these two components, which affect measurement accuracy. Required equipment • Multimeter or oscilloscope (for reading output voltage) To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance Step Notes 1 Turn off the phase noise software.
PC Digitizer Performance Verification 20 To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) Step Notes E5505a_ni_daq1 11 Jun 04 rev 1 4 Double-click Devices and Interfaces in the Configuration content frame.
20 PC Digitizer Performance Verification To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) Step Notes 5 Double-click on Traditional NI-DAQ Devices, then select PCI-6111. 6 Click the Test Panels... button.
PC Digitizer Performance Verification 20 To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) Step Notes 7 Select the Analog Output Tab. 8 Select DC Voltage output mode.
20 PC Digitizer Performance Verification To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) Step Notes 9 Enter +10 V in the DC Voltage window. 0 di 6 10 Click the Update Channel button. 11 Confirm that the multimeter or oscilloscope reads +5 V (±10%). • PC digitizer adapter output specification is +5 V, ±10%. 12 Enter –10 V in the DC Voltage window. 13 Click the Update Channel button. 14 Confirm that the multimeter or oscilloscope reads –5 V (±10%).
PC Digitizer Performance Verification 20 PC Digitizer Card Input Performance Verification This procedure verifies the Input performance of the PC digitizer card and adapter. Perform this procedure periodically to ensure the proper functioning of these two components, which affect measurement accuracy.
20 PC Digitizer Performance Verification To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) (continued) Step Action 2 Open the E5505A phase noise software. • Path: Start\Programs\Agilent Subsystems\E5500 3 Click FFT Analyzer Check I/O button in Server Hardware Connections to verify the PC digitizer’s connectivity. • Path: System\Server Hardware Connections • A green check-mark appears on the button to 4 Configure the function generator using the appropriate keys on the instrument.
PC Digitizer Performance Verification 20 To verify the PC digitizer card input’s performance (continued) (continued) Step Action 5 Select the FFT Analyzer Asset Control Panel. • Path: System\Asset Control Panels\FFT Analyzer 6 Configure the FFT Analyzer’s Asset Control Panel. • • • • 7 Connect the PC digitizer adapter’s input connector to the output of the function generator. • See diagram in step 1 on page 451. 8 Click the Peak button.
20 PC Digitizer Performance Verification 454 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
E5505A Phase Noise Measurement System User’s Guide 21 Preventive Maintenance Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors General Procedures and Techniques 460 456 Agilent Technologies 455
21 Preventive Maintenance Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors Taking proper care of cables and connectors will protect your system’s ability to make accurate measurements. One of the main sources of measurement inaccuracy can be caused by improperly made connections or by dirty or damaged connectors. The condition of system connectors affects measurement accuracy and repeatability. Worn, out-of-tolerance, or dirty connectors degrade these measurement performance characteristics.
Preventive Maintenance 21 • Inspect the connectors before connection; look for dirt, nicks, and other signs of damage or wear. A bad connector can ruin the good connector instantly. • Clean dirty connectors. Dirt and foreign matter can cause poor electrical connections and may damage the connector. • Minimize the number of times you bend cables. • Never bend a cable at a sharp angle. • Do not bend cables near the connectors. • If any of the cables will be flexed repeatedly, buy a back-up cable.
21 Preventive Maintenance SMA Connector Precautions Use caution when mating SMA connectors to any precision 3.5 mm RF connector. SMA connectors are not precision devices and are often out of mechanical tolerances, even when new. An out-of-tolerance SMA connector can ruin a 3.5 mm connector on the first mating. If in doubt, gauge the SMA connector before connecting it. The SMA center conductor must never extend beyond the mating plane.
Preventive Maintenance 21 Table 76 Cleaning Supplies Available from Agilent WA R N I N G WA R N I N G Product Part Number Aero-Duster 8500-6460 Isopropyl alcohol 8500-5344 Lint-Free cloths 9310-0039 Small polyurethane swabs 9301-1243 Cleaning connectors with alcohol should only be performed with the instruments’ mains power cord disconnected, in a well ventilated area. Connector cleaning should be accomplished with the minimum amount of alcohol.
21 Preventive Maintenance General Procedures and Techniques This section introduces you to the various cable and connector types used in the system. Read this section before attempting to remove or install an instrument! Each connector type may have unique considerations. Always use care when working with system cables and instruments. GPIB Type Connector Figure 338 GPIB, 3.
Preventive Maintenance 21 Connector Removal GPIB Connectors These are removed by two captured screw, one on each end of the connector; these usually can be turned by hand. Use a flathead screwdriver if necessary. GPIB connectors often are stacked two or three deep. When you are removing multiple GPIB connectors, disconnect each connector one at a time.
21 Preventive Maintenance When reconnecting this type of cable: • Carefully insert the male connector center pin into the female connector. (Make sure the cable is aligned with the instrument connector properly before joining them.) • Turn the silver nut clockwise by hand until it is snug, then tighten with an 8 inch-lb torque wrench (part number 8720-1765). Bent Semirigid Cables Semirigid cables are not intended to be bent outside of the factory.
Preventive Maintenance 21 Instrument Removal To remove an instrument from the system, use one of the following procedures. Required tools • #2 Phillips screwdriver • #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver Standard instrument To remove an instrument from a rack Step Notes 1 Turn off system power, but leave the system computer turned on. • If you do plan to turn computer power off 2 Read “General Procedures and Techniques”, then disconnect all cables on the front and on the rear panel.
21 Preventive Maintenance Half-Rack-Width Instrument To remove a half-width instrument from a system rack 1 Power off the system. 2 • For details see the system installation guide. Remove the selected instrument’s power cord from the power strip in the rack. 3 The instrument is attached to the half-rack width instrument beside it; remove that instrument’s power cord from the power strip also.
Preventive Maintenance 21 Front links Rear links Inst_lock_links 24 Feb 04 rev 1 Figure 339 Instrument lock links, front and rear Benchtop Instrument To remove an instrument from a benchtop system 1 Power off each instrument in the system. 2 • For details, see “Powering the System Off" on page 45. Unplug the selected instrument’s power cord from the AC power supply. 3 Remove the power cord and other cables from the front and rear of the instrument.
21 Preventive Maintenance Instrument Installation To install or re-install an instrument in a system, use one of the following procedures. Required tools • #2 Phillips screwdriver • #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver • system installation guide Standard rack instrument To install an instrument Step Notes 1 Slide the instrument gently into the rack. 2 Insert the screws in the rack ears.
Preventive Maintenance 21 Half-Rack-Width instrument To install the instrument in a rack Step Note 1 Make sure the system is powered off. • For details, see “Powering the System 2 Re-attach the lock link that secures the front of the returned instrument to it’s partner half-rack-width instrument. • Use a #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver. • See Figure 339 on page 465. 3 Re-attach the lock link that secures the rear of the instruments together. • Use a #2 POZIDRIV screwdriver.
21 Preventive Maintenance 468 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
A Service, Support, and Safety Information Safety and Regulatory Information Service and Support 476 Return Procedure 477 470 This appendix provides safety and regulatory information, which you should review prior to working with your Agilent system. The information contained in it applies to all Agilent-supplied instruments in the system, and the system as a whole.
Service, Support, and Safety Information A Safety and Regulatory Information Safety summary The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation of this instrument or system. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of this instrument or system. Agilent Technologies, Inc. assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
Service, Support, and Safety Information WA R N I N G A DO NOT REMOVE AN INSTRUMENT COVER. Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers. Component replacement and internal adjustments must be made only by qualified service personnel. Instruments that appear damaged or defective should be made inoperative and secured against unintended operation until they can be repaired by qualified service personnel.
Service, Support, and Safety Information A Ground the instrument or system WA R N I N G WA R N I N G C AU T I O N C AU T I O N To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cover must be connected to an electrical protective earth ground. The instrument and/or system must be connected to the AC power mains through a grounded power cable, with the ground wire firmly connected to an electrical ground (safety ground) at the power outlet.
Service, Support, and Safety Information A Agilent system cabinet power strips are equipped with a thermal circuit breaker for each power phase. If one phase shorts or overloads, one or both of the circuit breakers in the power strip trip. Unplug the power strip before trying to locate and correct the electrical problem, then reset both circuit breakers on the power strip to restore power to the cabinet.
A Service, Support, and Safety Information Table 77 Safety symbols and instrument markings (continued) Safety symbols Definition Terminal is at earth potential. Used for measurement and control circuits designed to be operated with one terminal at earth potential. Terminal for neutral conductor on permanently installed equipment. Terminal for line conductor on permanently installed equipment.
Service, Support, and Safety Information A Regulatory Compliance EMC Complies with European EMC Directive 2004/108/EC IEC/EN 61326-2-1:2005 CISPR Pub 11 Group 1, class A AS/NZS CISPR11:2004 Safety Complies with European Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC IEC/EN 61010-1 2nd edition Canada: CSA C22.2 No. 61010-01-04 USA: UL std no. 61010-1 2nd edition Declaration of Conformity You may obtain a copy of the manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity at http://www.agilent-pra.com/DoC/search.
Service, Support, and Safety Information A Service and Support Any adjustment, maintenance, or repair of this product must be performed by qualified personnel. Contact your Agilent Technologies Service Center for assistance. WA R N I N G WA R N I N G There are no user serviceable parts inside the system. Any servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid electrical shock, do not perform any servicing unless you are qualified to do so.
Service, Support, and Safety Information A Return Procedure In any correspondence or telephone conversations with Agilent Technologies, please refer to the instrument by its model number (N5501A, for example) and serial number. With this information, the customer engineer can determine whether your instrument is still within its warranty period and provide accurate shipping information.
Service, Support, and Safety Information A Shipping the instrument Use the following procedure to package and ship your instrument for service. For instructions on removing an instrument from the system and re-installing it, refer to the system user’s guide. To package the instrument for shipping Step Notes 1 Place the instrument in its original packaging materials. • If the original packaging materials are not available, use a professional packaging service.
