Signal Hound, a designer and builder of powerful, affordable spectrum analyzers and signal generators, has introduced the PNCS-1 Phase Noise Clock Standard. This module provides a 1GHz sinewave with ultra-clean phase noise that can be used as a phase noise reference standard for testing spectrum analyzer phase noise performance.
The PNCS-1 is also well suited for use as a system clock for ADC’s and DAC’s, reducing unwanted system-created spurious signals, and thus achieving the best possible system performance from the ADC or DAC. The PNCS-1 can save a system engineer time during product development when working with high performance ADC’s or DAC’s. For low phase noise RF applications, the PNCS-1 can be used as a reference for high-speed PFDs or multiplied to higher frequencies for use in translation loop architectures.
Typical SSB Phase Noise at 1 GHz Center Frequency
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. The output frequency may be mechanically adjusted using the included slotted adjustment tool. Harmonics of 1 GHz will be present at the output and will typically be lower than 30 dB down (≤ -30dBc). Smaller spurs at multiples of 100 MHz will be present at high frequencies as well.
By being a clean, ready 1GHz clock source, the PNCS-1 allows the engineer to achieve advertised performance from the ADC’s or DAC’s they are designing into a new circuit or product.
Click here for more details on the PNCS-1 Phase Noise Clock Standard.
