[time-nuts] Phase noise test set reference articles
Charles Steinmetz
csteinmetz at yandex.com
Tue Mar 29 10:53:17 EDT 2016
Since there seems to be some interest in DIY phase noise test sets, I
put together the following list of references relevant to such a
project, with some comments. I have a ZIP file of these items (about
35MB), but so far have been unsuccessful in uploading it to Didier's
site. If anyone has suggestions for hosting it, please let me know
*offlist*.
For those who are in a rush, most of these should be easy to find on
the web with a search engine (but note that my file names are often
not the exact paper titles, so don't make your searches too literal).
Note that the "dual source" quadrature method is not the only
practical way to make sensitive phase noise measurements. Interested
DIY-ers should also look at the "delay line discriminator"
method. It is substantially simpler, although its ultimate noise
floor is typically not as good as the "dual source" method. But it
may well be good enough, depending on the PN of the oscillators you
are measuring.
(1) Correlation_based_PN_measurements_RUBIOLA_2000: Describes a
system for making interferometer-based PN measurements, for a lower
noise floor.
(2) HP_AN150-4_SA_noise_measurements_1974 [see especially pp.
19-25]: A good introduction to using a spectrum analyzer to
characterize the phase noise of oscillators.
(3) HP_AN246-2_PN_measurement_with_HP_3585A: A good introduction to
the advantages and limitations of using a spectrum analyzer to
characterize the phase noise of oscillators. For those fortunate
enough to own an HP 3585A or B, this reference provides much useful
information about using this particular instrument.
(4) HP_art_of_phase_noise_measurement_SCHERER_1985: An excellent
introduction to the subject. Explains the operation, advantages, and
disadvantages of the "dual source" and "delay line discriminator" methods.
(5) HP_Phase_Noise_Measurement_Techniques_2000: More detailed
treatment than the Scherer 1985 reference, including direct PN
measurements with SAs, as well as the "dual source" and "delay line
discriminator" methods. Provides specific sensitivity/noise floor
information about various HP instruments.
(6) HP_phase_noise_seminar_1985: Even more detail than the two
references above. Discusses four different measurement methods in
substantial detail and provides specific sensitivity/noise floor
information about various HP instruments.
(7) Low_cost_phase_noise_measurement_Wenzel: Describes a practical,
low-cost "dual source" PN measurement system, with links to
schematics of the building blocks. Provides useful insight into calibration.
(8) Measurement_of_frequency_PN_AM_noise_WALLS_NIST: More
theoretical treatment, discussing five PN measurement systems.
(9)
Phase_and_AM_noise_measurement_in_frequency_domain_LANCE_etal_1984:
Another theoretical treatment of both dual source and single source
measurement methods, including a dual delay line system to improve
the noise floor.
(10) Phase_detector_with_low_flicker_noise_BARNES_etal_NIST_2011:
Describes a DIY double-balanced mixer phase detector using
diode-connected 2N2222 transistors. [Note that only the flicker
noise is improved -- the white noise floor is actually significantly
higher than with DBMs using diodes. NB: There are much better
transistors than the 2N2222 for this application.]
(11)
Phase_Noise_Measurement_Using_Phase_Lock_Technique_Motorola_AN1639_1999:
A good general treatment of the "dual source" quadrature method,
including insights into avoiding a number of sources of error.
(12/13/14)
Phase_noise_measurement_with_amateur_instruments_2010_(Italian) [and
English translations]: Slides from a presentation by Eraldo
Sbarbati, I4SBX (SK) to Italian hams. Practical orientation.
(15) Phase_Noise_Measurements_NELSON_NIST_2011: Slides from a
conference presentation. More a discussion of the finer points of PN
measurements, less about the basics.
Oops, missed one:
(16) DEMPHANO_phase_noise_measurement_fixture_MAKHINSON_CQ_1999:
DIY construction article for a "dual source" quadrature test fixture
that the author uses as a front end for an HP 3585A spectrum analyzer.
Best regards,
Charles
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