I am looking for low phase noise benchtop signal generator for use in day-to-day phase noise measurements. I still haven't found what I'm looking for.
Here are my rough criteria:
10MHz..1GHz range. More is better
+7..+15dBm output
External frequency control (FM with DC coupling) or internal reference tuning input. 10Hz BW and few ppm is enough
10MHz carrier phase noise: 10dB better than attached chart
1GHz carrier phase noise:–90dBc/Hz at 10Hz, –120dBc/Hz at 1kHz offset, –150dBc/Hz at 100kHz offset
Higher carrier frequencies are OK to follow 20dB/decade degradation rule.
Not more than £2k from eBay in fully working shape (to be able to use two for cross-check tests)
I have a few Agilent ESG-AP and ESG-DP series but they are not very impressive below 250MHz where they start heterodyning the output. R&S SM300 and few Marconis that I have tested are way off too.
Would Aeroflex/IFR/Marconi 2040, 2041, 2042 or R&S be anywhere close?
If you have any generator phase noise graphs you took please drop it in this thread - even if they are noisy. This makes selection process much easier.
Cheers
Leo