HP 3048A Phase Noise Measurement System w 11848A

The HP 3048A Phase Noise Measurement System with HP 11848A interface delivers calibrated characterization of phase and AM noise across oscillators, synthesizers, and signal sources from 5 MHz to 1.6 GHz, extending to 18 GHz with the optional microwave phase detector. This integrated measurement platform combines the HP 3561A Dynamic Signal Analyzer with the HP 11848A interface to provide absolute phase noise, residual two-port phase noise, AM noise, and pulse measurements with guaranteed accuracy of ±2 dB (0.01 Hz to 1 MHz offset) and ±4 dB (1 MHz to 40 MHz offset).

Technical Specifications

• Standard carrier range: 5 MHz to 1.6 GHz


• Extended range with Option 201 (microwave phase detector): Up to 18 GHz


• User-supplied external mixers: Beyond 18 GHz


• Offset frequency range (basic system): 0.01 Hz to 100 kHz


• Offset range with added spectrum analyzers: Up to 40 MHz Measurement Accuracy


• Random noise and spurious signals: ±2 dB (0.01 Hz to 1 MHz), ±4 dB (1 MHz to 40 MHz)


• Guaranteed repeatability


• Automatic corrections for signal path losses, phase lock loop effects, and phase detector nonlinearity Measurement Speed


• Typical calibration, measurement, and plot generation: Approximately 10 minutes (1 Hz to 40 MHz offset span)

Key Features

• Real-time analysis mode for dynamic noise characterization


• Continuous noise spectrum measurement with automatic PLL response correction


• Automated AM noise quantification via external crystal detector


• Two- and three-source device comparison capability


• Discrete spurious signal identification with frequency and amplitude listing


• Flexible output formatting: L(f), S(f), Sₓ(f) plots with spur exclusion option


• User-defined bandwidth selection for alternate measurement presentation

Typical Applications Oscillator spectral purity analysis, synthesizer phase noise characterization, signal source qualification, and multi-device phase noise comparison.

Compatibility & Integration Designed for HP 3561A Dynamic Signal Analyzer integration. Supports external spectrum analyzers (HP 8566B, 8567A, 8568B, 3585A, 71000S, 8590A) for extended offset range measurements.