Six-Port-Based Architecture for Phase Noise Measurement in the UWB Band

Abstract EN

A six-port-based frequency discriminator for phase noise measurement is proposed.

This circuit makes use of a delay line discriminator configuration, thus not requiring reference oscillator.

Furthermore, the use of a six-port network allows an extremely simple and completely passive solution well suited for low power oscillator measurement.

A detailed study of the architecture is performed including the system noise sources.

Besides, a prototype of the proposed six-port based delay line frequency discriminator is evaluated.

Phase noise measurements of a commercial RF VCO are performed and compared with the results obtained with commercial metrology equipment with good agreement.