Practical Problems Involving Phase Noise Measurements

Warren F. Walls

Abstract:	RADAR systems, secure communications, space-based applications, precision navigation, and computer timing applications are among some of the increasingly large number of modern electronic systems with phase noise performance requirements. Making these measurements is not always as easy as using the ubiquitous multi-meter. The topology or measurement configuration can significantly impact the speed, level of accuracy, and noise floor of the measurement itself. Careful attention must be paid to many different details in order to ensure the best possible and most accurate measurement. The inherent presence of various noise types and the interaction of amplitude and phase noise can cause a user, who blindly characterizes signals, to possibly misrepresent or misinterpret the performance and other issues. A survey of various phase noise measurement techniques is presented with their associated qualities. A few specific measurement requirements are shown with examples of actual measurements in order to illustrate current technology capability. Drawbacks of various configurations, as well as typical “gotchas," are mentioned.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 33th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting November 27 - 27, 2001 Hyatt Regency Long Beach Long Beach, California
Pages:	407 - 416
Cite this article:	Walls, Warren F., "Practical Problems Involving Phase Noise Measurements," Proceedings of the 33th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Long Beach, California, November 2001, pp. 407-416.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In