Mike wrote:
Being new to this, I don't actually know what I need to see with it. However, I see charts that show the "spurs" on the output of an oscillator. I assume that I will want to do similar tasks.
I can measure frequency to a point (7 digits, uncalibrated - 8 once I have a frequency standard).
I understand that the quality of the OCXOs can vary widely. What tools do I need to determine the quality of output? I assumed that a spectrum analyzer would be a first step
No, a spectrum analyzer (with much support from ancillary equipment, as I said in my last message) is the last step. Actually, it is beyond the last step for all but a very few time-nuts -- mostly ones who design precision oscillators. You are trying to step from nowhere near time-nuts capability (7 or 8 digit counter) to post-doctoral time-nuts capability. I believe you would be much better served by doing it in steps (and probably leaving out that last step).
First, you need a time interval counter (reciprocal counter) with 12+ digits. With that (and some creativity), you can take series (plural) of time-stamped "phase" (time interval) data, which you can then analyze (post-process) for phase noise (short-term instability) and xDEV (long-term instability). The list archives are full of discussions of exactly these procedures. The phase noise analyses will give you a good picture of how the oscillator will multiply. The TI analyzer will also give you the frequency of your oscillator to time-nuts levels of precision.
The usual suspects are the HP 5370A or B, the Stanford Research SR620, and the HP 5345A. There are others, but those three are the likely value leaders.
Best regards, Charles _______________________________________________ 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.
