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August 11, 2020 - Vista, California -
Axiom Test Equipment, an
electronic test equipment rental and sales company has published a new blog post
entitled "Practical Solutions for Measuring Phase Noise" that examines
phase noise, what it is, why too much noise and frequency instability can be a problem
in testing, and how to find the right method and equipment for measuring it.
Phase noise can often be measured directly using different measurement approaches
such as residual and cross-correlation techniques, which are explored more in-depth
in the blog. Most importantly, the blog explains what specifications to look for
in a spectrum or signal analyzer to ensure the best fit for the job. A few equipment
examples are given as guides. Click the link below to read the full blog post.
It is part of the performance of almost every signal source, even active components,
such as amplifiers. It is phase noise, and, at sufficiently high levels, it can
prevent a radar or communications system from operating effectively. Fortunately,
it can be measured quickly and accurately constant improvements in test hardware
and software are making the task of determining a high-frequency source's phase
noise easier even as signal bandwidths continue to reach into millimeter-wave frequency
bands.
What is phase noise?
Phase noise consists of fluctuations in the phase of an oscillator, frequency
synthesizer, or other signal source as measured in the frequency domain. It is also
known as jitter when it is associated with timing deviations in a system clock.
A sine wave without noise or change in frequency would go from one period to the
next without variations in phase or amplitude. However, real-world signals exhibit
some deviations in phase and amplitude which can occupy more of the spectrum than
originally intended. Too much noise can be problematic, for example, in a crowded
communications spectrum or an operating environment with many closely spaced channels
or communication signals, where the noise can block or obscure some signals from
reaching an intended receiver. The phase/frequency instability can also cause errors
in communication systems that transmit and receive signals based on phase or frequency
modulation.
How can it be measured?
Fortunately, the phase noise of a signal source can often be measured directly,
with one of the most versatile of high-frequency instruments, the spectrum analyzer.
The phase noise of a source is usually expressed as the amount of signal power within
a 1-Hz bandwidth at some offset frequency from the carrier frequency (dBc/Hz). Because
a real-world signal will deviate above and below a nominal tuned carrier frequency
with some variations in amplitude and phase, it can fill more of the frequency spectrum
than intended. On a spectral plot, phase noise appears as sidebands above and below
the carrier and is measured and calculated as the single-sideband phase noise—the
amount of noise contained within a 1-Hz bandwidth lying at a specific spectral distance
from the carrier frequency.
Whatever your project requires testing of, rent or buy quality test equipment
from Axiom Test Equipment. For over 15 years Axiom Test Equipment has rented, sold,
repaired and accepted trade-in of test equipment to support your test & measurement
needs. If you would like help selecting any type of test equipment for your next
project, contact Axiom Test Equipment's sales department at sales@transcat.com,
call 760-806-6600, or browse Axiom Test Equipment's inventory online at www.axiomtest.com.
If you would like help selecting any type of test equipment for your project,
contact Axiom Test Equipment's sales department at
sales@transcat.com,
call 760-806-6600, or browse Axiom Test Equipment's inventory online at
www.axiomtest.com.
About Axiom Test Equipment
Get Exactly What You Need. Rent - Buy
- Repair - Trade-In
Established in 2005, Axiom Test Equipment strives to continually improve itself
and offer the best value for its customers. We offer our customers several practical,
efficient and cost effective solutions for their business or projects' test equipment
needs. Whether you need to
rent &
buy test equipment, repair test equipment, sell or trade equipment, we are committed
to providing superior customer service and high quality electronic test equipment.
At Axiom Test Equipment we provide several services. We
rent electronic
test and measurement equipment. We also sell test equipment. If you have a piece
of malfunctioning or broken test equipment we also have an in-house repair lab.
For anyone seeking a way to offload their surplus or obsolete equipment, we offer
a trade-in program or we can buy the equipment from you.
We stock a comprehensive inventory of equipment and can use our extensive network
to find you those hard to get items. We believe in getting equipment to you quickly
and at a competitive price.
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August 11, 2020 - Vista, California -
Get Exactly What You Need. Rent - Buy
- Repair - Trade-In