Frequency signal source's PN (phase noise) measurements: Challenges and uncertainty

Abstract

This paper describes oscillator noise measurement techniques, challenges and associated measurement uncertainty. The cross-correlation method used in modern PN measurement equipments, can present erroneous result, depending upon phase-inversion, harmonics, o/p load mismatch, and cable length. This discussion is imperative for low phase noise signal sources, validated with 2.4 GHz SAW oscillator, and discussed steps for mitigating these issues by using filtering/phase-matching N/W.