Agilent Technologies E1420B User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent E5505A
Phase Noise
Measurement System
User’s Guide
First edition, June 2004

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E5505--90003
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First edition, June 2004
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Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 3
Contents
1 Getting Started
Introduction 26
Documentation Map 27
Table 1. E5505A user’s guide map 27
Additional Documentation 28
Figure 1. Navigate to system documentation 28
System Overview 29
Figure 2. E5505A benchtop system, typical configuration 30
Table 2. Equivalent system/instrument model numbers 30
2 Introduction and Measurement
Introducing the GUI 32
Figure 3. E5500 graphical user interface (GUI) 33
Designing to Meet Your Needs 34
Beginning 34
E5505A Operation: A Guided Tour 35
Required equipment 35
How to begin 35
Powering the System On 36
To power on a racked system 36
To power on a benchtop system 36
Starting the Measurement Software 37
Figure 4. Navigation to the E5500 user interface 37
Figure 5. Phase noise measurement subsystem main screen 38
Performing a Confidence Test 39
Figure 6. Opening the file containing pre-stored parameters 39
Figure 7. Navigating to the Define Measurement window 40
Beginning a measurement 40
Figure 8. Navigating to the New Measurement window 40
Figure 9. Confirm new measurement 41
Figure 10. Setup diagram displayed during the confidence test. 41
Figure 11. Connect diagram example 42
Making a measurement 42
Figure 12.Typical phase noise curve for test set confidence test 43
Sweep segments 43

4Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
Congratulations 43
Learning more 44
Table 3. Parameter data for the N5500A confidence test example 44
Powering the System Off 45
To power off a racked system 45
To power off a benchtop system 45
Using the E5500 Shutdown Utility 45
Figure 13. Shutdown utility icon 45
3PhaseNoiseBasics
What is Phase Noise? 48
Figure 14. RF sideband spectrum 49
Phase terms 49
Figure 15. CW signal sidebands viewed in the frequency domain 50
Figure 16. Deriving L(f) from a RF analyzer display 51
Figure 17. L(f) Described Logarithmically as a Function of Offset Frequency 51
Figure 18. Region of validity of L(f) 52
4 Expanding Your Measurement Experience
Starting the Measurement Software 54
Figure 19. Navigate to E5500 user interface 54
Using the Asset Manager 55
Configuring an asset 55
Figure 20. Navigate to Asset Manager 55
Figure 21. Navigate to Add in Asset Manager 56
Figure 22. Select source as asset type 56
Figure 23. Choose source 57
Figure 24. Select I/O library 57
Figure 25. Enter asset and serial number 58
Figure 26. Enter comment 58
Figure 27. Click check-mark button 59
Figure 28. Confirmation message 59
Using the Server Hardware Connections to Specify the Source 60
Figure 29. Navigate to server hardware connections 60
Figure 30. Select Sources tab 60
Figure 31. Successful I/O check 61
Figure 32. Failed I/O check 61
Setting GPIB Addresses 63
Table 4. Default GPIB addresses 63

Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 5
Figure 33. Asset Manager on System menu 64
Figure 34. Asset Manager window 64
Figure 35. GPIB address dialog box 65
Testing the 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz 66
Required equipment 66
Defining the measurement 66
Figure 36. Select the parameters definition file 66
Figure 37. Enter Source Information 67
Table 5.Tuning characteristics for various sources 68
Selecting a reference source 68
Figure 38. Selecting a reference source 68
Selecting loop suppression verification 69
Figure 39. Selecting loop suppression verification 69
Setting up for the 8663A 10 MHz measurement 69
Figure 40. Noise floor for the 8663 10 MHz measurement 70
Figure 41. Noise floor example 70
Beginning the measurement 71
Figure 42. Selecting new measurement 71
Figure 43. Confirm new measurement 71
Figure 44. Connection diagram 72
Table 6.Test set signal input limits and characteristics 73
Sweep segments 75
Figure 45. Oscilloscope display of beatnote from test set monitor port 76
Making the measurement 76
Figure 46. Selecting suppression 77
Figure 47. Typical phase noise curve for an 8663A 10 MHz measurement 78
Table 7. Parameter data for the 8663A 10 MHz measurement 79
Testing the 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz 81
Required equipment 81
Defining the measurement 81
Figure 48. Select the parameters definition file 81
Figure 49. Sources tab in define measurement window 82
Table 8.Tuning characteristics for various sources 83
Selecting a reference source 83
Figure 50. Selecting a reference source 84
Selecting loop suppression verification 84
Figure 51. Selecting loop suppression verification 85
Setting up the 8663A 10 MHz measurement 85
Figure 52. Noise floor for the 8644B 10 MHz measurement 85
Figure 53. Noise floor example 86
Beginning the measurement 87

6Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
Figure 54. Selecting a new measurement 87
Figure 55. Confirm measurement dialog box 87
Figure 56. Connect diagram dialog box 88
Table 9.Test set signal input limits and characteristics 89
Figure 57. Oscilloscope display of beatnote from test set monitor port 91
Making the measurement 92
Figure 58. Suppression selections 92
Figure 59. Typical phase noise curve for an 8644B 10 MHz measurement. 93
Table 10. Parameter data for the 8644B 10 MHz measurement 94
Viewing Markers 96
Figure 60. Navigate to markers 96
Figure 61. Adding and deleting markers 96
Omitting Spurs 97
Figure 62. Navigate to display preferences 97
Figure 63. Uncheck spurs 97
Figure 64. Graph displayed without spurs 98
Displaying the Parameter Summary 99
Figure 65. Navigate to parameter summary 99
Figure 66. Parameter summary 100
Exporting Measurement Results 101
Figure 67. Export results choices 101
Exporting Trace Data 102
Figure 68.Trace data results 102
Exporting spur data 103
Figure 69. Spur data results 103
Exporting X-Y data 104
Figure 70. X-Y data results 104
5 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals
The Phase-Lock-Loop Technique 106
Understanding the Phase-Lock-Loop Technique 106
Figure 71. Simplified block diagram of the phase lock loop configuration 106
The Phase-Lock-Loop Circuit 106
Figure 72. Capture and drift-tracking range with tuning range of VCO 107
Figure 73. Capture and drift-tracking ranges and beatnote frequency 108
What Sets the Measurement Noise Floor? 110
The System Noise Floor 110
Table 11. Amplitude ranges for L and R ports 110
Figure 74. Relationship between the R input level and system noise floor 110

Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 7
The Noise Level of the Reference Source 111
Figure 75. Reference source noise approaches DUT noise 111
Selecting a Reference 112
Figure 76. DUT noise approaches reference noise 112
Using a Similar Device 112
Using a Signal Generator 113
Tuning Requirements 113
Table 12. Tuning Characteristics of Various VCO Source Options 113
Figure 77.Voltage tuning range limits relative to center voltage of the VCO tuning
curve 114
Estimating the Tuning Constant 115
Table 13. VCO tuning constant calibration method 115
Tracking Frequency Drift 116
Evaluating beatnote drift 116
Changing the PTR 118
Figure 78. Peak tuning range 118
The Tuning Qualifications 118
Minimizing Injection Locking 120
Adding Isolation 120
Increasing the PLL Bandwidth 120
Figure 79. Peak tuning range (PTR) Required by injection locking. 121
Inserting a Device 122
An attenuator 122
Figure 80. Measurement noise floor relative to R-Port signal level 122
An amplifier 123
Figure 81. Measurement noise floor as a result of an added attenuator 123
Evaluating Noise Above the Small Angle Line 124
Determining the Phase-Lock-Loop bandwidth 124
Figure 82. Phase lock loop bandwidth provided by the peak tuning range 125
Figure 83. Graph of small angle line and spur limit 126
Figure 84. Requirements for noise exceeding small angle limit 127
6 Absolute Measurement Examples
Stable RF Oscillator 130
Required equipment 130
Defining the measurement 130
Figure 85. Select the parameters definition file 130
Figure 86. Enter source information 131
Table 14.Tuning characteristics for various sources 132

8Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
Selecting a reference source 132
Figure 87. Selecting a reference source 133
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 133
Figure 88. Selecting loop suppression verification 134
Setup considerations for stable RF oscillator measurement 134
Figure 89. Noise floor for the stable RF oscillator measurement 135
Figure 90. Noise floor calculation example 135
Beginning the measurement 136
Figure 91. Selecting a new measurement 136
Figure 92. Confirm new measurement 136
Figure 93. Connect diagram for the stable RF oscillator measurement 137
Table 15.Test set signal input limits and characteristics 138
Checking the beatnote 139
Figure 94. Oscilloscope display of beatnote from test set Monitor port 140
Making the measurement 140
Figure 95. Selecting suppressions 141
Figure 96.Typical phase noise curve for a stable RF oscillator 142
Table 16. Parameter data for the stable RF oscillator measurement 143
Free-Running RF Oscillator 145
Required equipment 145
Defining the measurement 145
Figure 97. Select the parameters definition file 146
Figure 98. Enter source information 147
Table 17.Tuning characteristics for various sources 147
Selecting a reference source 148
Figure 99. Selecting a reference source 148
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 148
Figure 100. Selecting loop suppression verification 149
Setup considerations for the free-running RF oscillator measurement 149
Figure 101. Noise floor for the free-running RF oscillator measurement 150
Figure 102. Noise floor calculation example 150
Beginning the measurement 151
Figure 103. Selecting a new measurement 151
Figure 104. Confirm measurement dialog box 151
Figure 105. Connect diagram for the free-running RF oscillator measurement 152
Table 18.Test set signal input limits and characteristics 153
Checking the beatnote 153
Figure 106. Oscilloscope display of beatnote from test set Monitor port 154
Making the measurement 155
Figure 107. Selecting suppressions 156
Figure 108.Typical phase noise curve for a free-running RF oscillator 157

Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 9
Table 19. Parameter data for the free-running RF oscillator measurement 158
RF Synthesizer Using DCFM 160
Required equipment 160
Defining the measurement 160
Figure 109. Select the parameters definition file 160
Figure 110. Enter source information 161
Table 20.Tuning characteristics for various sources 162
Selecting a reference source 162
Figure 111. Selecting a reference source 162
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 163
Figure 112. Selecting loop suppression verification 163
Setup considerations for the RF synthesizer using DCFM measurement 163
Figure 113. Noise floor for the RF synthesizer (DCFM) measurement 164
Figure 114. Noise floor calculation example 164
Beginning the measurement 165
Figure 115. Selecting a new measurement 165
Figure 116. Confirm measurement dialog box 165
Figure 117. Connect diagram for the RF synthesizer (DCFM) measurement 166
Table 21.Test set signal input limits and characteristics 167
Checking the beatnote 167
Figure 118. Oscilloscope display of beatnote from the test set Monitor port 168
Making the measurement 169
Figure 119. Selecting suppressions 169
Figure 120.Typical phase noise curve for an RF synthesizer using DCFM 170
Table 22. Parameter Data for the RF Synthesizer (DCFM) Measurement 171
RF Synthesizer Using EFC 173
Required equipment 173
Defining the measurement 173
Figure 121. Select the parameters definition file 173
Figure 122. Enter Source Information 175
Table 23.Tuning Characteristics for Various Sources 175
Selecting a reference source 176
Figure 123. Selecting a reference source 176
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 176
Figure 124. Selecting Loop suppression verification 177
Setup considerations for the RF synthesizer using EFC measurement 177
Figure 125. Noise floor for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement 178
Figure 126. Noise floor calculation example 178
Beginning the measurement 179
Figure 127. Selecting a new measurement 179
Figure 128. Confirm measurement dialog box 179

10 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
Figure 129. Connect diagram for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement 180
Table 24. Test set signal Input Limits and Characteristics 181
Checking the beatnote 181
Figure 130. Oscilloscope display of a beatnote from the test set Monitor port 182
Making the measurement 182
Figure 131. Selecting suppressions 183
Figure 132.Typical phase noise curve for an RF synthesizer using EFC 184
Table 25. Parameter data for the RF synthesizer (EFC) measurement 185
Microwave Source 187
Required equipment 187
Defining the measurement 187
Figure 133. Select the parameters definition file 187
Figure 134. Enter source information 189
Table 26.Tuning characteristics for various sources 189
Selecting a reference source 190
Figure 135. Selecting a reference source 190
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 190
Figure 136. Selecting loop suppression verification 191
Setup considerations for the microwave source measurement 191
Figure 137. Noise characteristics for the microwave measurement 191
Beginning the measurement 192
Figure 138. Selecting a new measurement 192
Figure 139. Confirm measurement dialog box 192
Figure 140. Connect diagram for the microwave source measurement 193
Table 27.Test set signal input limits and characteristics 194
Checking the beatnote 194
Figure 141. Oscilloscope display of a beatnote from the test set Monitor port 195
Making the measurement 196
Figure 142. Selecting suppressions 197
Figure 143.Typical phase noise curve for a microwave source 198
Table 28. Parameter data for the microwave source measurement 199
7 Residual Measurement Fundamentals
What is Residual Noise? 202
The noise mechanisms 202
Figure 144. Additive noise components 202
Figure 145. Multiplicative noise components 203
Assumptions about Residual Phase Noise Measurements 204
Figure 146. Setup for typical residual phase noise measurement 204
Frequency translation devices 205

Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 11
Figure 147. Measurement setup for two similar DUTs 205
Calibrating the Measurement 206
Figure 148. General equipment setup for making residual phase noise
measurements 206
Calibration and measurement guidelines 207
Calibration options 208
User entry of phase detector constant 209
Figure 149. Measuring power at phase detector signal input port 210
Table 29. Acceptable amplitude ranges for the phase detectors. 210
Figure 150. Phase detector sensitivity 211
Figure 151. Adjust for quadrature 212
Figure 152. Measuring power at phase detector reference input port 212
Measured ± DC peak voltage 213
Figure 153. Connection to optional oscilloscope for determining voltage peaks 214
Table 30. Acceptable Amplitude Ranges for the Phase Detectors 214
Measured beatnote 215
Table 31. Frequency ranges 215
Procedure 216
Figure 154. Measuring power from splitter 216
Table 32. Acceptable amplitude ranges for the phase detectors 216
Figure 155. Calibration source beatnote injection 217
Synthesized residual measurement using beatnote cal 217
Table 33. Frequency Ranges 217
Procedure 218
Figure 156. Synthesized residual measurement using beatnote cal 218
Double-Sided spur 218
Figure 157. Calibration setup 219
Table 34. Acceptable amplitude ranges for the phase detectors 220
Figure 158. Measuring carrier-to-sideband ratio of the modulated port 220
Single-Sided spur 221
Figure 159. Calibration setup for single-sided spur 222
Table 35. Acceptable Amplitude Ranges for the Phase Detectors 223
Figure 160. Carrier-to-spur ratio of modulated signal 223
Figure 161. Carrier-to-spur ratio of non-modulated signal 224
Measurement Difficulties 225
System connections 225
8 Residual Measurement Examples
Amplifier Measurement Example 228
Required equipment 228
Figure 162. Setup for residual phase noise measurement 229

12 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
Defining the measurement 229
Figure 163. Select the parameters definition file 229
Figure 164. Navigate to residual phase noise 230
Figure 165. Enter frequencies into source tab 231
Figure 166. Select constant in the cal tab 231
Figure 167. Select parameters in the block diagram tab 232
Figure 168. Select graph description on graph tab 233
Setup considerations for amplifier measurement 233
Beginning the measurement 234
Figure 169. Select meter from view menu 234
Figure 170. Selecting New Measurement 234
Figure 171. Confirm new measurement 235
Figure 172. Setup diagram for the 8349A amplifier measurement example 235
Table 36.Test set signal input limits and characteristics 236
Making the measurement 237
Table 37. Acceptable amplitude ranges for the phase detectors 237
Figure 173. Residual connect diagram example 238
Figure 174. Connection to optional oscilloscope for determining voltage peaks 238
Figure 175. Adjust phase difference at phase detector 239
Figure 176. Adjust phase shifter until meter indicates 0 volts 240
When the measurement is complete 240
Figure 177.Typical phase noise curve for a residual measurement 241
Table 38. Parameter data for the amplifier measurement example 241
9 FM Discriminator Fundamentals
The Frequency Discriminator Method 244
Figure 178. Basic delay line/mixer frequency discriminator method 244
Basic theory 244
The discriminator transfer response 245
Figure 179. Nulls in sensitivity of delay line discriminator 246
Table 39. Choosing a delay line 248
10 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples
Introduction 250
Figure 180.FM Discriminator measurement setup 250
FM Discriminator Measurement using Double-Sided Spur Calibration 251
Table 40. Required Equipment for the FM Discriminator Measurement Example 251
Determining the discriminator (delay line) length 251
Figure 181. Discriminator noise floor as a function of delay time 252
Defining the measurement 252
Figure 182. Select the parameters definition file 252

Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 13
Figure 183. Select measurement type 253
Figure 184. Enter frequencies in source tab 254
Figure 185. Enter parameters into the call tab 255
Figure 186. Select parameters in the block diagram tab 256
Figure 187. Select Graph Description on Graph Tab 256
Setup considerations 257
Beginning the measurement 258
Figure 188. Select meter from view menu 258
Figure 189. Selecting New Measurement 258
Figure 190. Confirm new measurement 259
Figure 191. Setup diagram for the FM discrimination measurement example 259
Table 41. Test Set Signal Input Limits and Characteristics 260
Figure 192. Connect diagram example 261
Making the measurement 261
Figure 193. Calibration measurement (1 of 5) 262
Figure 194. Calibration measurement (2 of 5) 262
Figure 195. Calibration measurement (3 of 5) 263
Figure 196. Calibration measurement (4 of 5) 263
Figure 197. Calibration measurement (5 of 5) 263
When the measurement is complete 264
Figure 198.Typical phase noise curve using double-sided spur calibration 264
Table 42. Parameter data for the double-sided spur calibration example 265
Discriminator Measurement using FM Rate and Deviation Calibration 267
Required equipment 267
Table 43. Required equipment for the FM discriminator measurement example 267
Determining the discriminator (delay line) length 268
Figure 199. Discriminator noise floor as a function of delay time 268
Defining the measurement 268
Figure 200. Select the parameters definition file 269
Figure 201. Select measurement type 269
Figure 202. Enter frequencies in Source tab 270
Figure 203. Enter parameters into the Cal tab 271
Figure 204. Enter parameters in the Block Diagram tab 272
Figure 205. Select graph description on Graph tab 273
Setup considerations 273
Beginning the measurement 274
Figure 206. Select meter from the View menu 274
Figure 207. Selecting New Measurement 274
Figure 208. Confirm new measurement 275
Figure 209. Setup diagram for the FM Discrimination measurement example 275
Table 44.Test set signal input limits and characteristics 276

14 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
Figure 210. System connect diagram example 277
Making the measurement 277
Figure 211. Calibration measurement (1 of 5) 278
Figure 212. Calibration measurement (2 of 5) 278
Figure 213. Calibration measurement (3 of 5) 279
Figure 214. Calibration measurement (4 of 5) 279
Figure 215. Calibration measurement (5 of 5) 279
When the measurement is complete 280
Figure 216.Typical phase noise curve using rate and deviation calibration 280
Table 45. Parameter data for the rate and deviation calibration example 281
11 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals
AM-Noise Measurement Theory of Operation 284
Basic noise measurement 284
Phase noise measurement 284
Amplitude Noise Measurement 285
AM noise measurement block diagrams 285
Figure 217. AM noise system with N5500A opt 001 285
Figure 218. AM noise system with external detector 285
Figure 219. AM Noise system with 70429A Opt K21 AM detector 286
Figure 220. AM noise system with N5507A downconverter 286
AM detector 286
Figure 221. AM detector schematic 286
Table 46. Maximum carrier offset frequency 287
Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines 289
Method 1: User Entry of Phase Detector Constant 290
Method 1, example 1 290
Figure 222. Phase detector constant AM noise setup (method1, example 1) 290
Figure 223. AM noise calibration setup 291
Figure 224. AM detector sensitivity graph 291
Method 1, example 2 292
Figure 225. Phase detector constant AM noise setup (method 1, example 2) 292
Figure 226. Modulation sideband calibration setup 293
Method 2: Double-Sided Spur 294
Method 2, example 1 294
Figure 227. Double-Sided spur AM noise setup (method 2, example 1) 294
Figure 228. Measuring the carrier-to-sideband ratio 295
Figure 229. Measuring the calibration constant 295
Method 2, example 2 296
Figure 230. Double-sided spur AM noise setup (method 2, example 2) 296

Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 15
Figure 231. Measuring power at the am detector 296
Figure 232. Measuring carrier-to-sideband ratio 297
Figure 233. Measuring the calibration constant 297
Method 3: Single-Sided Spur 299
Figure 234. AM noise measurement setup using single-sided spur 299
Figure 235. Measuring relative spur level 300
Figure 236. Measuring detector sensitivity 300
12 AM Noise Measurement Examples
AM Noise with N5500A Option 001 302
Required equipment 302
Figure 237. AM noise measurement configuration 302
Defining the measurement 303
Figure 238. Select the parameters definition file 303
Figure 239. Navigate to AM noise 304
Figure 240. Enter Frequencies in Source Tab 304
Figure 241. Enter parameters into the cal tab 305
Figure 242. Select parameters in the block diagram tab 305
Figure 243. Select graph description on graph tab 306
Beginning the measurement 307
Figure 244. Selecting a new measurement 307
Figure 245. Confirm measurement dialog box 307
Figure 246. Connect diagram for the AM noise measurement 308
Table 47.Test set signal input limits and characteristics 309
Figure 247. Connect diagram example 309
Making the measurement 310
When the measurement is complete 310
Figure 248. Typical AM noise curve 310
Table 48. Parameter data for the AM noise using an N5500A Option 001 311
13 Baseband Noise Measurement Examples
Baseband Noise with Test Set Measurement Example 314
Defining the measurement 314
Figure 249. Select the parameters definition file 314
Beginning the measurement 315
Figure 250. Selecting a new measurement 315
Figure 251. Confirm measurement dialog box 315
Figure 252. Connect diagram dialog box 316
Making the measurement 316
Figure 253. Typical phase noise curve for a baseband using a test set
measurement. 316

16 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
Table 49. Parameter data for the baseband using a test set measurement 317
Baseband Noise without Test Set Measurement Example 318
Defining the measurement 318
Figure 254. Select the parameters definition file 318
Beginning the measurement 319
Figure 255. Selecting a new measurement 319
Figure 256. Confirm measurement dialog box 319
Figure 257. Connect diagram for baseband without test set measurement 320
Figure 258. Instrument connection dialog box 320
Making the measurement 320
Figure 259.Typical curve for a baseband without test set measurement. 321
Table 50. Parameter data for the baseband without using a test set measurement 321
14 Evaluating Your Measurement Results
Evaluating the Results 324
Looking for obvious problems 324
Figure 260. Noise plot showing obvious problems 325
Comparing against expected data 325
Figure 261. Compensation for added reference source noise 326
Figure 262. Measurement results and reference source noise 327
Gathering More Data 328
Repeating the measurement 328
Figure 263. Repeating a measurement 328
Doing more research 328
Outputting the Results 329
Using a printer 329
Graph of Results 330
Marker 330
Figure 264. Navigate to marker 330
Figure 265. Add and delete markers 331
Omit Spurs 332
Figure 266. Select display preferences 332
Figure 267. Uncheck spurs 332
Figure 268. Graph without spurs 333
Parameter summary 333
Figure 269. Navigate to parameter summary 333
Figure 270. Parameter summary notepad 334
Problem Solving 335
Table 51. List of topics that discuss problem solving in this chapter 335

Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 17
Discontinuity in the graph 335
Table 52. Potential causes of discontinuity in the graph 335
Higher noise level 336
Spurs on the graph 336
Table 53. Spurs on the graph 337
Table 54. Actions to eliminate spurs 337
Small angle line 338
Figure 271. L(f) Is only valid for noise levels below the small angle line 339
15 Advanced Software Features
Introduction 342
Phase-Lock-Loop Suppression 343
Figure 272. PLL suppression verification graph 343
PLL suppression parameters 343
Ignore-Out-Of-Lock Mode 346
PLL Suppression Verification Process 347
PLL suppression information 347
Figure 273. Default PLL suppression verification graph 347
Figure 274. Measured loop suppression curve 348
Figure 275. Smoothed loop suppression curve 349
Figure 276. Theoretical loop suppression curve 349
Figure 277. Smoothed vs. theoretical loop suppression curve 350
Figure 278. Smoothed vs. Adjusted theoretical loop suppression curve 350
Figure 279. Adjusted theoretical vs. theoretical loop suppression curve 351
PLL gain change 352
Maximum error 352
Accuracy degradation 352
Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Graph 353
Security level procedure 353
Figure 280. Navigate to security level 353
Figure 281. Choosing levels of security 354
Figure 282. Unsecured: all data is viewable 354
Figure 283. Choosing levels of security 355
Figure 284. Secured: frequencies cannot be found-1 355
Figure 285. Secured: frequencies cannot be found-2 356
Figure 286. Choosing levels of security 356
Figure 287. Secured: frequencies and amplitudes cannot be viewed 357

18 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
16 Reference Graphs and Tables
Approximate System Noise Floor vs. R Port Signal Level 360
Figure 288. Noise floor for R input port 360
Phase Noise Floor and Region of Validity 361
Figure 289. Region of validity 361
Phase Noise Level of Various Agilent Sources 362
Figure 290. Noise level for various reference sources 362
Increase in Measured Noise as Ref Source Approaches DUT Noise 363
Figure 291. Reference source and DUT noise levels 363
Approximate Sensitivity of Delay Line Discriminator 364
Figure 292. Delay line discriminator sensitivity 364
AM Calibration 365
Figure 293. AM detector sensitivity 365
Voltage Controlled Source Tuning Requirements 366
Figure 294.Tuning voltage required for phase lock 366
Tune Range of VCO for Center Voltage 367
Figure 295.Tune range of VCO for center voltage 367
Peak Tuning Range Required by Noise Level 368
Figure 296.Typical source noise level vs. minimum tuning range 368
Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth vs. Peak Tuning Range 369
Figure 297. PLL BW vs. peak tuning range 369
Noise Floor Limits Due to Peak Tuning Range 370
Figure 298. Noise at source’s peak tuning range 370
Tuning Characteristics of Various VCO Source Options 371
Table 55.Tuning parameters for several VCO options 371
8643A Frequency Limits 372
Table 56. 8643A frequency limits 372
8643A mode keys 372
Table 57. Operating characteristics for 8643A modes 1, 2, and 3 373
How to access special functions 373
Figure 299. 8643A special function keys 373
Description of special functions 120 and 125 373
8644B Frequency Limits 375
Table 58. 8644B frequency limits 375
8644B mode keys 375
Table 59. Operating characteristics for 8644B modes 1, 2, and 3 376

Agilent E5505A User’s Guide 19
How to access special functions 376
Figure 300. 8644B special functions keys 376
Description of special function 120 377
8664A Frequency Limits 378
Table 60. 8664A frequency limits 378
8664A mode keys 378
Table 61. Operating characteristics for 8664A modes 2 and 3 378
How to access special functions 379
Figure 301. Special functions keys 379
Description of special functions 120 379
8665A Frequency Limits 380
Table 62. 8665A frequency limits 380
8665A mode keys 380
Table 63. Operating characteristics for 8665A modes 2 and 3 381
How to access special functions 381
Figure 302. 8665A special functions keys 381
Description of Special Functions 120 and 124 381
8665B Frequency Limits 383
Table 64. 8665B frequency limits 383
8665B mode keys 383
Table 65. Operating characteristics for 8665B modes 2 and 3 384
How to access special functions 384
Figure 303. 8665B Special functions keys 384
Description of special functions 120 and 124 385
17 System Specifications
Specifications 388
Table 66. Mechanical and environmental specifications 388
Table 67. Operating characteristics 388
Reliable accuracy 389
Table 68. RF phase detector accuracy 389
Table 69. AM detector accuracy 389
Measurement qualifications 389
Tuning 390
Computer 390
Power Requirements 391
Table 70. E5505A maximum AC power requirements 391

20 Agilent E5505A User’s Guide
18 System Interconnections
Making Connections 394
System Connectors 395
Table 71. E5505A connectors and adapters 395
System Cables 396
Table 72. E5505A cables and connections 396
Connecting Instruments 397
Figure 304. Connect adapter to PC digitizer card 397
Figure 305. PC to test set connection, standard model 398
Figure 306. PC to test set (options 001 and 201) and downconverter connection 399
Figure 307. E5505A system connections with standard test set 401
Figure 308. E5505A system connections with test set option 001 402
Figure 309. E5505A system connections with test set option 201 403
19 PC Components Installation
Overview 406
PC Digitizer Software: Phase 1 407
To install the PC digitizer software 407
Hardware Installation 408
Preparing for installation 408
Figure 310. Remove screws from side of CPU 408
Figure 311. Slide cover off 409
Figure 312. Remove hold-down bar 409
Accessing PC expansion slots 410
Figure 313.Vertically-Mounted expansion slots 410
Taking ESD p recautio ns 410
Installing the PC digitizer card 411
Figure 314. PC digitizer card 411
Figure 315. Insert PC digitizer card 411
Figure 316. Secure card with screw 412
Figure 317. Connect adapter to PC digitizer card 412
Installing the GPIB interface card 413
Figure 318. GPIB interface card 413
Figure 319. Insert GPIB card 413
Figure 320. Secure card with screw 414
Figure 321. Replace cover 414
System Interconnections 415
Table 73. E5505A connectors and adapters 415
Making Connections 415