Agilent Technologies E5500A User manual

Agilent Technologies

E5500
Phase Noise Measurement System
Version A.02.00
User’s Guide for E5500A/B

ii E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0
Notices
Warranty
The material contained in
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including, but not limited to,
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not be liable for errors
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or use of this material.
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customer assistance
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Agilent Technologies
products.
For assistance, call your
nearest Agilent Technologies
ales and ervice Office (see
Table 2 on page vi).
WARNING: A WARNING notice
denotes a hazard. It calls attention to
an operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING notice
until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
CAUTION: A CAUTION notice
denotes a hazard. It calls attention to
an operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result
in damage to the product or loss of
important data. Do not proceed
beyond a CAUTION notice until the
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COPYRIGHT © 2000 AGILENT
TECHNOLOGIE , INC. ALL RIGHT
RE ERVED.
NO PART OF THI DOCUMENT MAY BE
REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM OR BY
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LANGUAGE) WITHOUT PRIOR
AGREEMENT AND WRITTEN CON ENT
OF AGILENT TECHNOLOGIE , INC.,
A GOVERNED BY UNITED TATE
AND INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT
LAW .
DOCUMENT PART NO. E5500-90024
PRINTED IN U A
MARCH 2002
EDITION ED. 1.0

Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 iii
Safety summary
The following general safety
precautions must be observed
during all phases of operation of
this instrument. Failure to
comply with these precautions
or with specific warnings
elsewhere in this manual
violates safety standards of
design, manufacture, and
intended use of the instrument.
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
assumes no liability for the
customer's failure to comply
with these requirements.
General
This product is a afety Class 1
instrument (provided with a
protective earth terminal). The
protective features of this
product may be impaired if it is
used in a manner not specified
in the operation instructions.
All light emitting diodes (LEDs)
used in this product are Class 1
LEDs as per IEC 60825-1.
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE
IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE
Do not operate the instrument in the
presence of flammable gases or
flames.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE
THE INSTRUMENT COVER
Operating personnel must not
remove instrument covers.
Component replacement and
internal adjustments must be made
only by qualified service personnel.
Instruments that appear damaged or
defective should be made
inoperative and secured against
unintended operation until they can
be repaired by qualified service
personnel.
Environmental conditions
Unless otherwise noted in the
specifications, this instrument
or system is intended for indoor
use in an installation category
II, pollution degree 2
environment. It is designed to
operate at a maximum relative
humidity of 95% and at altitudes
of up to 2000 meters. Refer to
the specifications tables for the
ac mains voltage requirements
and ambient operating
temperature range.
Before applying power
Verify that the product is set to
match the available line voltage,
the correct fuse is installed, and
all safety precautions are taken.
Note the instrument's external
markings described in Table 1.

iv E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0
Ground the instrument
To minimize shock hazard, the
instrument chassis and cover
must be connected to an
electrical protective earth
ground. The instrument must be
connected to the ac power mains
through a grounded power cable,
with the ground wire firmly
connected to an electrical
ground (safety ground) at the
power outlet. Any interruption
of the protective (grounding)
conductor or disconnection of
the protective earth terminal
will cause a potential shock
hazard that could result in
personal injury.
Fuses
Use only fuses with the required
rated current, voltage, and
specified type (normal blow,
time delay). Do not use repaired
fuses or short-circuited fuse
holders. To do so could cause a
shock or fire hazard.
Safety symbols and
instrument markings
ymbols and markings in
manuals and on instruments
alert you to potential risks,
provide information about
conditions, and comply with
international regulations.
Table 1 defines the symbols and
markings you may find in a
manual or on an instrument.
Table 1 Safety symbols and instrument markings
Safety symbols
Warning: risk of electric shock.
Warning: hot surface
Caution: refer to accompanying documents.
Laser radiation symbol: marked on products that have a laser output.
Alternating current.
Both direct and alternating current.
Three-phase alternating current.
Earth (ground) terminal
Protective earth (ground) terminal

Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 v
Frame or chassis terminal
Terminal is at earth potential. Used for measurement and control
circuits designed to be operated with one terminal at earth potential.
Terminal for neutral conductor on permanently installed equipment.
Terminal for line conductor on permanently installed equipment.
Standby (supply); units with this symbol are not completely
disconnected from ac mains when this switch is off. To completely
disconnect the unit from ac mains, either disconnect the power cord, or
have a qualified electrician install an external switch.
Instrument markings
The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community. If it
is accompanied by a year, it indicates the year the design was proven.
The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association.
The C-tick mark is a registered trademark of the Spectrum Management
Agency of Australia. This signifies compliance with the Australian EMC
Framework regulations under the terms of the Radio Communications
Act of 1992.
1SM1-A This text indicates that the instrument is an Industrial Scientific and
Medical Group 1 Class A product (CISPER 11, Clause 4).
Table 1 Safety symbols and instrument markings (continued)
Safety symbols
N10149

vi E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0
Service and Support
Any adjustment, maintenance,
or repair of this product must be
performed by qualified
personnel. Contact your
customer engineer through your
local Agilent Technologies
ervice Center.
Agilent on the Web
You can find information about
technical and professional
services, product support, and
equipment repair and service on
the Web:
http://www.agilent.com/
contacts/English/noscript.html
Double-click the link to Tes t &
Measurement. elect your
country from the drop-down
menus. The Web page that
appears next has contact
information specific for your
country.
Agilent by Phone
If you do not have access to the
Internet, call one of the numbers
in Table 2.
Table 2 Agilent Call Centers and Regional Headquarters
United States and Canada: Test and Measurement Call Center
[phone] (toll-free in US)
Europe: (41 22) 780 8111
Japan: Measurement Assistance Center
(81) 0426 56 7832
Latin America: 305 269 7548
Asia-Pacific: (85 22) 599 7777

Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Contents-1
1 Getting Started with the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement
System
Introduction 1-2
Training Guidelines 1-3
2 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System
Introducing the Graphical User Interface 2-2
System Requirements 2-4
3 Your First Measurement
Designed to Meet Your Needs 3-2
As You Begin 3-2
E5500 Operation; A Guided Tour 3-3
Required Equipment 3-3
How to Begin 3-3
Starting the Measurement Software 3-4
Making a Measurement 3-6
Beginning the Measurement 3-7
Making the Measurement 3-9
Sweep-Segments 3-10
Congratulations 3-10
To Learn More 3-11
4 Phase Noise Basics
What is Phase Noise? 4-2
5 Expanding Your Measurement Experience
Starting the Measurement Software 5-2
Using the Asset Manager to Add a Source 5-3
Using the Server Hardware Connections to Specify the Source 5-8
Testing the Agilent 8663A Internal/External 10 MHz 5-11
Defining the Measurement 5-12
Selecting a Reference Source 5-14
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 5-14
Setup Considerations for the Agilent 8663A
10 MHz Measurement 5-15
Beginning the Measurement 5-17
Sweep-Segments 5-21
Checking the Beatnote 5-21

Contents-2 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0
Making the Measurement 5-23
Testing the Agilent 8644B Internal/External 10 MHz 5-28
Defining the Measurement 5-28
Selecting a Reference Source 5-31
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 5-31
Setup Considerations for the Agilent 8663A
10 MHz Measurement 5-32
Beginning the Measurement 5-34
Sweep-Segments 5-38
Checking the Beatnote 5-38
Making the Measurement 5-39
Viewing Markers 5-44
Omitting Spurs 5-46
Displaying the Parameter Summary 5-48
Exporting Measurement Results 5-50
Exporting Trace Data 5-51
6 Absolute Measurement Fundamentals
The Phase Lock Loop Technique 6-2
Understanding the Phase-Lock Loop Technique 6-2
The Phase Lock Loop Circuit 6-2
What Sets the Measurement Noise Floor? 6-6
The System Noise Floor 6-6
The Noise Level of the Reference Source 6-7
Selecting a Reference 6-9
Using a Similar Device 6-9
Using a Signal Generator 6-10
Tuning Requirements 6-10
Estimating the Tuning Constant 6-12
Tracking Frequency Drift 6-13
Evaluating Beatnote Drift 6-13
Changing the PTR 6-15
The Tuning Qualifications 6-15
Minimizing Injection Locking 6-17
Adding Isolation 6-17
Increasing the PLL Bandwidth 6-17
Inserting a Device 6-19
An Attenuator 6-19
An Amplifier 6-19
Evaluating Noise Above the Small Angle Line 6-21
Determining the Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth 6-21

Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Contents-3
7 Absolute Measurement Examples
Stable RF Oscillator 7-2
Required Equipment 7-2
Defining the Measurement 7-3
Selecting a Reference Source 7-5
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 7-5
Setup Considerations for the Stable RF Oscillator Measurement 7-6
Beginning the Measurement 7-9
Checking the Beatnote 7-12
Making the Measurement 7-13
Free-Running RF Oscillator 7-18
Required Equipment 7-18
Defining the Measurement 7-19
Selecting a Reference Source 7-21
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 7-22
Setup Considerations for the Free-Running RF Oscillator Measurement 7-23
Beginning the Measurement 7-25
Checking the Beatnote 7-28
Making the Measurement 7-30
RF Synthesizer using DCFM 7-35
Required Equipment 7-35
Defining the Measurement 7-36
Selecting a Reference Source 7-39
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 7-40
Setup Considerations for the RF Synthesizer using DCFM Measurement 7-40
Beginning the Measurement 7-42
Checking the Beatnote 7-45
Making the Measurement 7-46
RF Synthesizer using EFC 7-51
Required Equipment 7-51
Defining the Measurement 7-51
Selecting a Reference Source 7-54
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 7-55
Setup Considerations for the RF Synthesizer using EFC Measurement 7-56
Beginning the Measurement 7-58
Checking the Beatnote 7-61
Making the Measurement 7-63
Microwave Source 7-68
Required Equipment 7-68
Defining the Measurement 7-69
Selecting a Reference Source 7-71
Selecting Loop Suppression Verification 7-72
Setup Considerations for the Microwave Source Measurement 7-72
Beginning the Measurement 7-73
Checking the Beatnote 7-76
Making the Measurement 7-79

Contents-4 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0
8 Residual Measurement Fundamentals
What is Residual Noise? 8-2
The Noise Mechanisms 8-2
Basic Assumptions Regarding Residual Phase Noise Measurements 8-4
Frequency Translation Devices 8-4
Calibrating the Measurement 8-6
Calibration and Measurement Guidelines 8-7
Calibration Options 8-9
User Entry of Phase Detector Constant 8-9
Measured +/- DC Peak Voltage 8-13
Measured Beatnote 8-15
Procedure 8-16
Synthesized Residual Measurement using Beatnote Cal 8-18
Procedure 8-18
Double-Sided Spur 8-19
Single-Sided Spur 8-22
Measurement Difficulties 8-26
System Connections 8-26
9 Residual Measurement Examples
Amplifier Measurement Example 9-2
Required Equipment 9-2
Defining the Measurement 9-3
Setup Considerations 9-7
Beginning the Measurement 9-8
Making the Measurement 9-10
When the Measurement is Complete 9-14
10 FM Discriminator Fundamentals
The Frequency Discriminator Method 10-2
Basic Theory 10-2
The Discriminator Transfer Response 10-3
11 FM Discriminator Measurement Examples
Introduction 11-2
FM Discriminator Measurement using Double-Sided Spur Calibration 11-3
Required Equipment 11-3
Determining the Discriminator
(Delay Line) Length 11-4
Defining the Measurement 11-5
Setup Considerations 11-10
Beginning the Measurement 11-11

Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Contents-5
Making the Measurement 11-14
When the Measurement is Complete 11-17
Discriminator Measurement using FM Rate
and Deviation Calibration 11-20
Required Equipment 11-20
Determining the Discriminator
(Delay Line) Length 11-21
Defining the Measurement 11-22
Setup Considerations 11-27
Beginning the Measurement 11-28
Making the Measurement 11-31
When the Measurement is Complete 11-34
12 AM Noise Measurement Fundamentals
AM-Noise Measurement Theory of Operation 12-2
Basic Noise Measurement 12-2
Phase Noise Measurement 12-2
Amplitude Noise Measurement 12-3
AM Noise Measurement
Block Diagrams 12-3
AM Detector 12-4
Calibration and Measurement General Guidelines 12-7
Method 1: User Entry of Phase Detector Constant 12-9
Method 1, example 1 12-9
Method 1, Example 2 12-11
Method 2: Double-Sided Spur 12-14
Method 2, Example 1 12-14
Method 2, Example 2 12-16
Method 3: Single-Sided-Spur 12-19
13 AM Noise Measurement Examples
AM Noise using an Agilent 70420A Option 001 13-2
Defining the Measurement 13-3
Beginning the Measurement 13-8
Making the Measurement 13-11
When the Measurement is Complete 13-11
14 Baseband Noise Measurement Examples
Baseband Noise using a Test Set Measurement Example 14-2
Defining the Measurement 14-2
Beginning the Measurement 14-3
Making the Measurement 14-3

Contents-6 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0
Baseband Noise without using a Test Set Measurement Example 14-6
Defining the Measurement 14-6
Beginning the Measurement 14-7
Making the Measurement 14-8
15 Evaluating Your Measurement Results
Evaluating the Results 15-2
Looking For Obvious Problems 15-2
Comparing Against Expected Data 15-3
Gathering More Data 15-6
Repeating the Measurement 15-6
Doing More Research 15-6
Outputting the Results 15-7
Using a Printer 15-7
Graph of Results 15-8
Marker 15-8
Omit Spurs 15-10
Parameter Summary 15-11
Problem Solving 15-13
Discontinuity in the Graph 15-13
Higher Noise Level 15-14
Spurs on the Graph 15-14
Small Angle Line 15-16
16 Advanced Software Features
Introduction 16-2
Phase Lock Loop Suppression 16-3
PLL Suppression Parameters 16-3
Ignore Out Of Lock Mode 16-6
PLL Suppression Verification Process 16-7
PLL Suppression Information 16-8
PLL Gain Change 16-13
Maximum Error 16-13
Accuracy Degradation 16-13
Supporting an Embedded VXI PC: 16-13
Blanking Frequency and Amplitude Information on the Phase Noise Graph 16-14
Security Level Procedure 16-14
17 Reference Graphs and Tables
Approximate System Phase Noise Floor vs. R Port Signal Level 17-3
Phase Noise Floor and Region of Validity 17-4

Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Contents-7
Phase Noise Level of Various Agilent Sources 17-5
Increase in Measured Noise as Ref Source Approaches UUT Noise 17-6
Approximate Sensitivity of Delay Line Discriminator 17-7
AM Calibration 17-8
Voltage Controlled Source Tuning Requirements 17-9
Tune Range of VCO vs. Center Voltage 17-10
Peak Tuning Range Required Due to Noise Level 17-11
Phase Lock Loop Bandwidth vs. Peak Tuning Range 17-12
Noise Floor Limits Due to Peak Tuning Range 17-13
Tuning Characteristics of Various VCO Source Options 17-14
Agilent 8643A Frequency Limits 17-15
Agilent 8643A Mode Keys 17-15
How to Access Special Functions 17-16
Description of Special Functions 120 and 125 17-16
Agilent 8644B Frequency Limits 17-17
Agilent 8644B Mode Keys 17-17
How to Access Special Functions 17-18
Description of Special Function 120 17-18
Agilent 8664A Frequency Limits 17-19
Agilent 8664A Mode Keys 17-19
How to Access Special Functions 17-20
Description of Special Functions 120 17-20
Agilent 8665A Frequency Limits 17-21
Agilent 8665A Mode Keys 17-21
How to Access Special Functions 17-22
Description of Special Functions 120 and 124 17-22
Agilent 8665B Frequency Limits 17-23
Agilent 8665B Mode Keys 17-23
How to Access Special Functions 17-24
Description of Special Functions 120 and 124 17-24
18 Connect Diagrams
19 System Specifications
Specifications 19-2
Reliable Accuracy 19-2
Measurement Qualifications 19-2
Tuning 19-3

Contents-8 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0
20 Connector Care and
Preventive Maintenance
Using, Inspecting, and Cleaning RF Connectors 20-2
Repeatability 20-2
RF Cable and Connector Care 20-2
Proper Connector Torque 20-3
Connector Wear and Damage 20-4
SMA Connector Precautions 20-4
Cleaning Procedure 20-4
Removing and Reinstalling Instruments 20-6
General Procedures and Techniques 20-6
GPIB Connectors 20-8
Precision 2.4 mm and 3.5 mm Connectors 20-8
Bent Semirigid Cables 20-9
Other Multipin Connectors 20-9
MMS Module Removal and Reinstallation 20-11
Touch-Up Paint 20-12

Document Part No. E5500-90024Ed. 1.0 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 1-1
1
Getting Started with the E5500
Phase Noise Measurement
System
●Introduction, page 1-2
●Training Guidelines, page 1-3

1 Getting Started with the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System
Introduction
1-2 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0
Introduction
Table 1-1 guide you to what chapters in this manual pertain to:
●Leaning about the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement ystem
●Learning about phase noise basics and measurement
fundamentals.
●Using the phase noise measurement system to make specific
phase noise measurements.
NOTE: Installation information for your system is provided in the
E5500A Installation Guide (part number E5500-90001)or E5500B
Installation Guide (part number E5500-90002).
NOTE: For application assistance, contact you local Agilent
Technologies sales representative.

Getting Started with the E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 1
Training Guidelines
Document Part No. E5500-90024Ed. 1.0 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 1-3
Training Guidelines
Tabl e 1- 1 Training Guidelines
Learning about the E5500 Phase
Noise System
Learning about Phase Noise Basics
and Measurement Fundamentals
Using the E5500 to Make Specific
Phase Noise Measurements
Chapter 2, “E5500 Phase Noise
Measurement System”
Chapter 3, “Your F irst Measureme nt”
Chapter 4, “Phase Noise Basics”
Chapter 5, “Expanding Your
Measurement Experience”
Chapter 6, “Absolute Measurement
Fundamentals”
Chapter 7, “Absolute Measurement
Examples”
Chapter 8, “Residual Measurement
Fundamentals”
Chapter 9, “Residual Measurement
Examples”
Chapter 10, “FM Discriminator
Fundamentals”
Chapter 11, “FM Discriminator
Measurement Examples”
Chapter 12, “AM Noise Measurement
Fundamentals”
Chapter 13, “AM Noise Measurement
Examples”
Chapter 14, “Baseband Noise
Measurement Examples”
Chapter 15, “Evaluating Your
Measurement Results”
Chapter 16, “Advanced Software
Features”
Chapter 17, “Reference Graphs and
Ta b l e s ”

Document Part No. E5500-90024Ed. 1.0 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 2-1
2
E5500 Phase Noise
Measurement System
●Introducing the Graphical User Interface, page 2-2
●System Requirements, page 2-4

2 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System
Introducing the Graphical User Interface
2-2 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 Document Part No. E5500-90024 Ed. 1.0
Introducing the Graphical User Interface
The graphical user interface gives the user instant access to all
measurement functions making it easy to configure a system and
define or initiate measurements. The most frequently used functions
are displayed as icons on a toolbar, allowing quick and easy access to
the measurement information.
The forms-based graphical interaction helps you define your
measurement quickly and easily. Each form tab is labeled with its
content, preventing you from getting lost in the define process.
Three default segment tables are provided. To obtain a quick look at
your data, select the “fast” quality level. If more frequency resolution
to separate spurious signals is important, the ‘normal’ and “high
resolution” quality levels are available. If you need to customize the
offset range beyond the defaults provided, tailor the measurement
segment tables to meet your needs and save them as a “custom”
selection.
You can place up to nine markers on the data trace, that can be
plotted with the measured data.
Other features include:
●Plotting data without spurs
●Tabular listing of spurs
●Plotting in alternate bandwidths
●Parameter summary
●Color printouts to any supported color printer
Figure 2-1 shows an example of the graphical user interface.
NOTE: Although this document contains screen captures titled “HP
E5500,” the E5500 is an Agilent Technologies product. In future
revisions of this document, all screen captures will be updated to
reflect Agilent Technologies E5500 rather than HP E5500.

E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System 2
Introducing the Graphical User Interface
Document Part No. E5500-90024Ed. 1.0 E5500 Phase Noise Measurement System Version A.02.00 2-3
Figure 2-1 E5500 Graphical User Interface