Many electronic devices are subject to short-term, random fluctuations in phase, referred to as phase noise. This phenomenon impacts signal quality in communications systems by increasing symbol errors or reduces sensitivity in radar systems by masking low power return signals. Engineers can use phase noise analyzers to measure the phase noise performance of an entire system or individual components. In this application note, learn how high-performance phase noise analyzers are particularly effective in quantifying the magnitude of phase noise with absolute and additive measurements.

Phase noise is present in all electronic signals. Phase noise is caused by the unintentional phase modulation of an RF waveform, no RF signals are perfect. The phase noise component will then reduce the fidelity of an RF signal which can have significant effects, causing higher symbol errors in communications systems or masking returns in radar systems. To describe phase noise another way, the same phenomena in the time domain is called jitter. Like phase noise, it will affect the signal’s overall fidelity. One of the main ways to optimize system performance is by reducing phase noise as much as possible. Due to phase noise’s potential significant negative impacts, it is essential to be able to optimally measure phase noise throughout the testing process.

Phase Noise Analysis has traditionally been a smaller sector of the electronics test and measurement market, primarily being a parameter that was verified by defense RADAR systems providers. With the rapid growth of high-speed communications markets, everyone from chipset manufacturers to complete systems providers have been adopting phase noise as a key parameter for quantifying RF signal stability performance. Furthermore, phase noise can be quickly converted to jitter, enabling a reliable method for rapid jitter analysis in time domain applications.

UPDATED White Paper for the HA7000C Series Real Time Phase Noise Analysers. Oscillator manufacturers and engineers who frequently need to evaluate the performance of ultra low phase noise oscillators. They need to perform these tests both quickly and accurately...

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