
SC5305A Operating & Programming Manual
53
LO related sideband spurious signals
(10)(11)
< 200 kHz .............................................................................................................................................................. -75 dBc
> 200 kHz .............................................................................................................................................................. -80 dBc
(10)
Sideband spurious signals are usually the result of the local oscillators in the device. Sources
of sideband spurious signals in the synthesized local oscillators are primarily due to
fractional-N spurious products in the PLL’s, DDS noise sources, and intermodulation between
oscillators within the multiple-loop PLL synthesizers. Fractional-N and DDS spurious
products affect spectral region below 200 kHz and intermodulation products affect spectral
regions out to a couple of MHz. SignalCore uses mathematical algorithms to properly select
the synthesizer parameters used in the multiple-loop fractional-N PLL to ensure that typical
sideband spurious products are better than the specifications.
(11)
Specifications are valid for all modes of frequency tuning, whether is it PLL only mode or DDS
driven mode. As the YIG oscillator is sensitive to magnetic fields, magnetic noise due to
electrical fans, supply transformers, and other magnetic field-producing devices may induce
sideband noise on the signals when they are placed in close proximity. It is recommended that
users exercise good technical judgment when such accessories are needed (e.g., mounting a
cooling fan directly onto the RF enclosure of the device).
(8)
Sideband phase noise as specified is based on measured sideband noise which includes both
phase noise and amplitude noise contributions. Sideband noise is specified for the
downconverter tune mode is set to NORMAL. See the appropriate sections in this manual for
further information how to set the device to NORMAL or FAST-TUNE modes.
(9)
These results are obtained with input signal levels of 0 dBm at the mixer (no RF
attenuation) and the output IF level set to 3 dBm. The source is an ultra-low noise 100 MHz
OCXO with noise floor of -176 dBc/Hz. The 1000 MHz and 3500 MHz signals were
multiplied up from the same OCXO. The floor of the multiplied up 3500 MHz signal was
about -143 dBc/Hz so a phase-locked YIG oscillator was used to complete the measurement
for offset frequencies greater than 500 kHz. The YIG oscillator noise floor was better than
-160 dBc/Hz. In FAST-TUNE mode the noise damping capacitor across the YIG tuning coil is
disengaged, and as a result the close-in phase noise degrades.