Low Cost, Compact 1.8GHz Phase Noise Tester for Crystal Oscillator, Synthesizer and PLL Manufacturers
14 June 2005
There is good news for customers who need to do basic phase noise testing but haven’t been able to afford the cost of a high-end Phase Noise Test Set. Aeroflex brings high performance phase noise testing capability into a new era with the PN8000, a low cost automated phase noise test system. The PN8000 is designed for manufacturers of crystal oscillators, synthesizers and PLL (phase lock loop) components who do not need the additional performance of the options available in the PN9000 or PN9500.
Compared to modular phase noise test systems, the PN8000 test set is more compact—taking up just half the footprint and weight—and costs about 40% less.
About the PN8000 Phase Noise Test System
The Aeroflex PN8000 is part of the Aeroflex family of phase noise test systems designed to make extremely sensitive phase noise measurements on RF and microwave sources. To ensure that the performance of these devices is not degraded by any deficiencies in the components, it is essential that spectral purity parameters, such as phase noise and spurious content, are measured for quality verification of production units. The PN8000 is ideally suited to these requirements because it is an integrated system designed specifically to facilitate automated measurements for crystal oscillators and synthesizers.
The PN8000 demodulates the phase fluctuations of the source under test by using a quadrature-locked low-noise reference signal scheme. A balanced mixer operates as a phase comparator and produces a signal that comprises the time representation of the phase fluctuations of the source. The phase-locked loop includes proportional and integral gain that allows measurement on a frequency-drifting source. All necessary parameters are programmable and the system automatically verifies that the parameters are self-consistent.
PN8000 Basic System Specifications
- Detector Frequency Range: 2 MHz to 1.8 GHz (option 18GHz)
- Offset Analysis: 1Hz to 1MHz (20MHz option)
- Measurement Accuracy: ±2dB up to 20MHz
- Reference Tuning Voltage: ±20V with 5mV resolution
- Phase Lock Loop Gain: Proportional and Integral (DUT drift compensation)
- Loop Compensation: Automatic (can be disabled)
- Phase Noise: Typical values for nominal RF & LO input levels
Availability
Delivery for the PN8000 and options is eight weeks upon receipt of order.
