[time-nuts] Phase noise test set reference articles
Charles Steinmetz
csteinmetz at yandex.com
Thu Mar 31 22:11:39 UTC 2016
The articles described below are now available individually on
Didier's site (thanks, Didier !!), at:
<http://www.ko4bb.com/getsimple/index.php?id=manuals&dir=03_App_Notes_-_Proceedings/2_Phase_noise_measurement_references_Steinmetz>
Attila has them available as a single, ~32MB ZIP file (probably
temporarily -- thanks, Attila !!), at:
<http://time.kinali.ch/Phase_noise_measurement_references.zip>
Enjoy!
Charles
>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.
>
>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.
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