[time-nuts] How do time-nuts measure phase noise?

iovane at inwind.it iovane at inwind.it
Mon Aug 17 14:35:06 UTC 2009


In order to simplify the project, and given that I wouldn't need to distinguish 
what source the noise comes from, I could use only S1 and X sources. And here is 
my last question. If I don't lock the sources to one another (say two HP 10811), 
what is the unconvenience? An additional signal in the spectrum, or something else 
that I don't figure now?

Thanks and kind regards,

Antonio I8IOV

> Some have commercial phase noise measurement systems like Symmetricoms
> 5115A, 5120A. 5125A.
> Some have older HP phase noise measurement systems like the 3048A etc.
> The rest of us have to build our own systems based around sound cards or
> surplus spectrum analysers together with the necessary mixers, low noise
> amplifiers etc.
> 
> Unless your sources are very noisy you wont be able to measure their
> phase noise with just a selective voltmeter or even an RF spectrum analyser.
> If you cant build it, then you need to acquire something like the HP3048
> or the NIST phase noise measurement box currently on ebay.(Item:
> 260423038423)
> 
> Bruce




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