The U.S. Air Force's Metrology and Calibration (AFMETCAL) Authority has ordered signal source analyzers (SSAs) from Rohde & Schwarz for use in its precision measurement equipment laboratories (PMELs) and Air Force primary standards laboratory (AFPSL). The SSAs enable calibration of phase noise analog and digital modulation measurements. The SSAs (see the figure) are based on the firm’s model FSWP phase noise and voltage-controlled- oscillator (VCO) tester and provide high sensitivity by means of low internal noise sources.
The SSAs, which are capable of measuring amplitude as well as phase noise and displaying both results simultaneously, meet the U.S. Air Force’s measurement requirements by merit of a sensitivity of -166 dBc/Hz offset 10 kHz from a 1-GHz carrier. The SSAs include signal and spectrum analysis capabilities with preselection to 50 GHz and signal analysis bandwidths as wide as 80 MHz. The instruments are equipped with various optional features, including pulsed phase noise measurement capabilities, to meet Air Force test requirements.