Synthesized local oscillators (LOs) for frequency conversion exist everywhere that communications and wireless radios live. The synthesized oscillator (synthesizer) is essentially a PLL (Phase-LockLoop) that is made up of a VCO (Voltage-Controlled-Oscillator) to generate a carrier signal, a PLL-IC to control the carrier frequency, and a crystal oscillator to provide a low-noise reference signal to the PLL. The latest developments in the wireless communication systems for PCS, DECT, and others demand the absolute best design effort for LOs to ensure quality communication. However, characterizing VCO and PLL performance of LOs is a critical and time-consuming job for design and manufacturing test engineers in those radio companies, as well as VCO suppliers. Now, the Agilent 4352S VCO/PLL Signal Test System makes it simple and easy to evaluate VCO and PLL performance, and dramatically improve the efficiency of quality oscillator design as well as VCO testing productivity.
The Agilent 4352B is a simple and multi-functional test system
The 4352S VCO/PLL signal test system is a simple configuration and multi-functional system which provides both comprehensive analyzing capabilities for designers and high test throughput for the production line. The 3 GHz standard system consists of only two instruments, the 4352B VCO/PLL signal analyzer and a signal generator controlled via GPIB. When the 43521A downconverter unit is added to the standard system, the system can achieve the same multi-function capability up to 12.6 GHz.
The Agilent 4352B combines analyzing and testing capabilities with ease of use
The system has two operating modes, “Signal Analyzer” and “VCO Tester” mode. The “Signal Analyzer” mode offers the following measurement functions. In this mode, the 4352S gives you the trace curve of each parameter on the display with a single cabling hookup.
Product Summary
• RF power level vs. dc control (tuning) voltage characteristic (VCO)
• Frequency vs. dc control (tuning) voltage characteristic (VCO)
• Tuning sensitivity (VCO)
• Phase noise
• RF transient
• Spectrum
The “VCO Tester” mode offers the following parameters measurement capability. In this mode, a specified parameter is measured quickly with numeric annotation shown on the display.
• RF power level
• Frequency
• DC Power Current
• FM deviation/Residual FM
• Phase noise (Carrier-to-Noise ratio)
These powerful measurement capabilities improve your test productivity. By saving test time, more comprehensive testing is possible and reduce instrument rack space.
