On Sat, 8 Nov 2008, Randy wrote:
> I was wondering if it is worthwhile or even feasible to compare an LPRO > Rubidium standard against a Z3801. Since their frequencies are probably > going to be extremely close anyway it would seem some special > method/equipment would be required for high precision. Suggestions? > > > Randy, W7HR > Port Orchard, WA The best way would be to compare the highest possible frequencies you can generate with these two sources. I use two 10GHz sources that are each phase locked to an external 10MHz reference. Then the 10GHz outputs can be compared using either of these easy methods: 1) look at the DC/IF output of a microwave mixer where the LO and RF ports are driven by the two 10GHz sources. Don't overdrive the RF input to a level that can burn out your mixer. 2) use a good microwave frequency counter to read one of the 10GHz outputs while driving the counter's 10MHz ext ref input with the 10MHz from the other 10MHz source. This is very fast but will only give you accuracy readings that are a function of the resolution of the counter plus the bounce of the last digit owing to sampling and triggering. 3) if you have access to a lab with one or two microwave synthesized signal generators, then you can apply the 10MHz sources to the ext ref inputs of each of these signal generators and then proceed as in 1) or 2) I have done comparison at 26GHz this way so I have a bit more resolution. 73, Jeffrey Pawlan WA6KBL _______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
