At the European Microwave Conference in Paris this week, Aeroflex unveiled a new test capability for phase noise test system PN9500. Labeled PN95-DSM, it brings spectrum analyzer features to its low-noise PN9500 phase noise and jitter testing system with digital spectrum monitoring (DSM) as an option.

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The addition of digital spectrum monitoring simplifies and lowers the cost of RF and microwave testing by eliminating the need to purchase a separate spectrum analyzer for spectral purity applications.

The PN9500 with DSM performs a much wider range of high-frequency measurements within one modular system. The DSM option allows the user to view the spectrum of a signal in the same way as a spectrum analyzer. The user can perform narrowband spectrum analysis but can also opt to measure any wideband spectrum from dc to 18 GHz. The PN95-DSM measures power level, power variation, ACPR (adjacent channel power ratio), and harmonic distortion; more measurements are possible by setting markers. In addition to standard features found on spectrum analyzers, the DSM option also integrates specific processes that are ideal for radar testing. For radar pulsed signals, the PN95-DSM measures the spectral response of a pulsed signal and analyzes the power difference between the lobes—a feature not available on a normal spectrum analyzer.

The phase noise system provides a unique combination of high bandwidth and low-noise performance suitable for radar, microwave sources, commercial wireless, satellite terrestrial microwave links and calibration labs. The PN9500 test system incorporates other instruments within its modular test system including a frequency counter, a digital oscilloscope, a power meter, and now a digital spectrum monitor.

The DSM option is compatible with any Aeroflex PN9500 wideband jitter and noise analyzer system. The price for the PN95-DSM-00 is U.S. $5,850. The base price for a PN9500 wideband jitter and noise analyzer at 1MHz offset is U.S. $37,500.