[time-nuts] Spectrum Analyzer Specifications

jimlux jimlux at earthlink.net
Thu Mar 24 04:25:43 UTC 2016


On 3/23/16 1:20 PM, Charles Steinmetz wrote:
> Peter wrote:
>
>> May I suggest the use of a software defined receiver (SDR) used with
>> suitable attenuators on its antenna input.
>
> The task the OP needs performed is to simultaneously receive a CW signal
> at ~ +13dBm, while at the same time resolving and differentiating
> sidebands as close as fractions of a Hz at ~ -80dBm and lower.  Yes, the
> signal can be attenuated (say, CW signal at -10dBm and close-in
> sidebands at -103dBm and below, or CW signal at -30dBm and close-in
> sidebands at -133dBm and below).  Anyway you cut it, that is a dynamic
> range of more than 90dB at frequency offsets of fractional Hz.  The
> phase noise of the receiver's LO will completely swamp the phase noise
> of the oscillator being tested, by tens of dB (called reciprocal mixing).
>

The SA44B isn't terrible
https://signalhound.com/sigdownloads/SA44B/AppNote-4.pdf

Using the internal TCXO
Around -100dBc (-90 to -110dBc) from 1-100 Hz out
<110dBc at 1kHz..

As with most synthesized sources, it depends on the external reference.







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