[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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