Signal Hound PNCS-1 User manual

PNCS-1 1 GHz Phase Noise Clock Standard
Product Manual

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Signal Hound PNCS-1 User Manual
2018, Signal Hound
35707 NE 86th Ave
La Center, WA
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
This information is being released into the public domain in accordance with the Export Administration
Regulations 15 CFR 734

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Contents
1 Overview............................................................................................................................................................ 4
2 Preparation........................................................................................................................................................ 4
3 Understanding the PNCS-1 Hardware............................................................................................................ 4
4 Calibration and Adjustment ............................................................................................................................ 5
5 PNCS-1 Typical Performance.......................................................................................................................... 5
6 Warranty and Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................. 6

Overview |Initial Inspection
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1Overview
This document outlines the operation and functionality of the PNCS-1 1 GHz phase noise clock
standard.
The PNCS-1 is an ultra-low phase noise oscillator. It can be mechanically tuned to 1 GHz ±25 Hz
using the included adjustment tool. The output power is +10 dBm ±2 dB.
2Preparation
2.1 INITIAL INSPECTION
Check your package for shipping damage before opening. Your box should contain a PNCS-1 and a
13.5V AC-DC power adapter.
2.2 CONNECTING YOUR PNCS-1
Plug the power jack into the PNCS-1 DC power in. Wait 3 minutes for the OCXO to warm up. For
best stability, leave the PNCS-1 plugged in for 30 minutes before use.
3Understanding the PNCS-1Hardware
The PNCS-1 uses an ultra-low phase noise, 100 MHz OCXO. It doubles the frequency to 200 MHz,
filters, multiplies the frequency by 5, filters using a 1 GHz SAW filter, and then amplifies it to +10 dBm.
3.1 SPURIOUS SIGNALS
Harmonics of 1 GHz will be present at the output. Typically these will be more than 30 dB down.
Smaller spurs at multiples of 100 MHz will be present at high frequencies as well.

Calibration and Adjustment |Spurious Signals
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4Calibration andAdjustment
The output frequency may be mechanically adjusted using the included slotted adjustment tool.
Contact Signal Hound for more information regarding calibration, or to schedule a calibration.
5PNCS-1 Typical Performance
Frequency Range 1 GHz ± 1 kHz, mechanically adjustable
Output Power +10 dBm ± 2 dB
Timebase Accuracy ±5 x 10-9 per day for aging;
Typical SSB Phase Noise at 1 GHz Center Frequency (see chart below)
Offset Frequency
Typical dBc/Hz
10Hz
-83
100 Hz
-118
1 kHz
-138
10 kHz
-146
100 kHz
-150
1 MHz
-151

Warranty and Disclaimer |Warranty
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Operating Temperature (ambient) 32°F to 122°F (0°C to +50°C)
Power Consumption 6.5 watts warmup, 4.5 watts after 3 minutes from included 13.5 volt
power supply
Spurious Signals
Harmonics < -30 dBc typical
Non-harmonic spurious < -50 dBc typical (100 MHz multiples)
6Warranty and Disclaimer
©2017 Signal Hound. All rights reserved.
Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior written permission is prohibited, except as
allowed under the copyright laws.
6.1 WARRANTY
The information containedin this manual is subject to change without notice. Signal Houndmakes no
warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties or
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Signal Hound shall not be liable for errors
contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material. This Signal Hound product has a warranty against defects in
materialandworkmanshipforaperiodoftwoyearsfrom date of shipment. Duringthe warrantyperiod,
Signal Hound will, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective.
6.2 WARRANTY SERVICE
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to Signal Hound. The Buyer shall pay
shipping charges to Signal Hound and Signal Hound shall pay UPS Ground, or equivalent, shipping
charges to return the product to the Buyer. However, the Buyer shall pay allshipping charges, duties,
and taxes, to and from Signal Hound, for products returned from another country.
6.3 LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper use by the Buyer, Buyer-
supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the
environmental specifications for the product. No other warranty is expressed or implied. Signal Hound
specifically disclaims the implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

Warranty and Disclaimer |Exclusive Remedies
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6.4 EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES
The remedies provided herein are the Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies. Signal Hound shall not
be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages, whether based on
contract, tort, or any other legal theory.
6.5 CERTIFICATION
Signal Hound certifies that, at the time of shipment, this product conformed to its published
specifications.