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Special Time/Frequency Measurements: Oscillators and Other Components
Special Time/Frequency Measurements: Oscillators and Other Components
Primary NIST Technical Contact:
Secondary NIST Technical Contact:
Phase noise measurement of devices
NIST provides calibration services for the phase modulation (PM) noise of oscillators, amplifiers, frequency multiplier/dividers, and other components. For frequencies ranging from 5 MHz to 110 GHz, the double-sideband phase noise, Sφ(ƒ), of oscillators and components can be measured for Fourier frequencies from 0.1 Hz to a maximum of 10 MHz, or 10% of the carrier frequency. The PM noise is typically calibrated at 3 points per decade. All PM noise measurements are made relative to 1 rad2/Hz. Typical noise floors of the measurements are shown in the table below.
Typical PM measurement noise floor at different carrier frequencies
|
Carrier Frequency |
5 MHz |
100 MHz |
10 GHz |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sφ(1 Hz), (dBrad2/Hz) |
-150 |
-145 |
-140 |
|
Sφ(Thermal), (dBrad2/Hz) |
-187 |
-187 |
-187 |
The 2-sigma uncertainty for the PM noise calibration is typically ±1 dB, but specific values depend on the carrier and offset frequencies.
In addition to PM noise, NIST also offers calibration services for the amplitude modulation (AM) noise of oscillators and other components. For frequencies ranging from 5 MHz to 110 GHz, the double-sideband AM noise, Sα(ƒ), of oscillators and components can be measured for Fourier frequencies from 1 Hz to a maximum of 10 MHz, or 10% of the carrier frequency. The AM noise is typically calibrated at 3 points per decade. All AM noise measurements are made relative to a normalized average amplitude of unity, or 1/Hz. Typical noise floors of the measurements are shown in the table below.
Typical AM measurement noise floor at different carrier frequencies
|
Carrier Frequency |
5 MHz |
100 MHz |
10 GHz |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sα(1 Hz), (dB/Hz) |
-137 |
-135 |
-130 |
|
Sα(Thermal), (dB/Hz) |
-177 |
-177 |
-177 |
Like the PM noise calibration, the 2-sigma uncertainty for AM noise calibration is typically ±1 dB, but specific values depend on the carrier and offset frequencies. It is important to discuss specific PM and AM noise measurement requirements prior to placing an order.
Furthermore, NIST can also provide special time/frequency measurements that are beyond the scope of the descriptions mentioned above. Please contact us to discuss your custom measurement requirements.
Secondary Standard for PM and AM Noise at 5, 10, and 100 MHz, F. L. Walls, IEEE Trans. I&M 42, 126 (Apr. 1993).
Calibration uncertainty for the NIST PM/AM noise standards, A. Hati, C.W. Nelson, N. Ashby, and D.A. Howe, NIST Spec. Publ. 250-90, (July 2102).
Properties of Signal Sources and Measurement Methods, D. A. Howe, D. W. Allan, and J. A. Barnes, in Characterization of Clocks and Oscillators, edited by D. B. Sullivan, D. W. Allan, D. A. Howe, and F. L. Walls, Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. Tech. Note 1337, 14-16 (1990).
Characterization of Clocks and Oscillators, D. B. Sullivan, D. W. Allan, D. A. Howe, and F. L. Walls, eds., NIST Tech. Note 1337 (Mar. 1990).
Frequency and Time-Their Measurement and Characterization, S. R. Stein, Precision Frequency Control, Vol. 2, edited by E. A. Gerber and A. Ballato (Academic Press, NY), 191-232 (1985).
Please contact us before sending your equipment for calibration. NIST Calibration Services ATTN: Mr. John Lomax 325 Broadway, 1/3046 Boulder, CO 80305 (303)497-3842 john.lomax@nist.gov