Signal Synthesizer SSB Phase Noise measurement using an old S. Anal.

[JBE]

I have available an old HP Spectrum Analyzer. Tuning frequency, Bandwidth, Scan Width and Input Attenuation controls are available on the HP 8554L RF section. The IF HP 8552B section provides bandwidth/gain selection and detection.

I would like to determine the SSB Phase Noise of a signal synthesizer.

Maybe somebody explain the procedure to follow using this Spectrum Analyzer?

 

[fil]

i don't think its possible with this instrument as you normally lock the spectrum analyser to the oscillator freq then look close in at the audio spectrum


good luck anyway

 

[uWaveFDL]

Set Fo to center line and top graticle line
Step Span down to 100 or 200 KHz (signal lock should kick in, if not automatic turn on signal lock)
Make sure signal is still at top graticle line
Step down to 20KHz Span
Reduce attenuation 20 to 30 dB (10dB steps)
for 10KHz measurement read level at either farthest left or right graticle line down to highest peak level of GRASS (10dB per graticle line)
Add the 20 or 30dB attenuation steps to the number arrived at measuring down the graticle line at 10KHz offset.
Read your resolution BW, is probably 300Hz, convert that to dB.
add that number to your sum in the last step.
That number is your phase noise in dBc/Hz @ 10KHz.
Adjust for another offset measurement using your answer @ 20dB per decade.
I don't believe I left anything out.