Signal Hound announced the addition of the PN400 Phase Noise & VCO Tester to its expanding range of products. This powerful, all-in-one, phase noise test solution unlocks enterprise-grade accuracy and cutting-edge features in your test and measurement environment. Utilizing cross-correlation methodology and feature-rich software, the system provides a level of performance and sensitivity beyond the capabilities of a single spectrum analyzer.

PN400 Features:

• Phase noise testing and characterization
• VCO testing and characterization
• Production and manufacturing testing
• Source characterization
• System level debug
• All the power of Signal Hound's spectrum analysis capabilities.

“This phase noise test solution is incredibly versatile, and it can easily replace larger, more costly dedicated phase noise testers in the lab,” said Harrison Osbourn, CEO of Signal Hound. “Phase noise testing is critical across a broad range of industries. Outdated equipment and long lead times for repair of old systems are prohibitive factors to efficient test scenarios. The PN400 system performs comparably to similar products and is uniquely flexible due to the utilization of fully-featured spectrum analyzers. It is also compact enough to fit easily on a benchtop. This is an exciting new tool in the RF space, and it is going to streamline workflows for a wide segment of users.”

The introduction of the licensed Advanced Phase Noise Test Took Kit via the company’s powerful Spike™ spectrum analysis software brings a comprehensive suite of tools to this remarkable new product. This tool kit requires a separate purchase with an annual renewal. The software provides a hyper-focused collection of industry standard features that make the PN400 a reliable, high-value addition to any lab. Configurable automation, measurement of phase noise and amplitude noise (or a combination of both) and automatic signal detection are just some of the features packed into the PN400. With these capabilities and more, users can perform precise and reliable phase noise and VCO testing with ease.

The PN400 Phase Noise and VCO tester operates at an input frequency range of 1 MHz to 20 GHz or 43.5 GHz (depending on pairing of SM series spectrum analyzer). It utilizes two Signal Hound high frequency spectrum analyzers* to perform cross-correlation measurements. This method achieves phase noise floors 20-30 dB lower than the capabilities of a single SM series spectrum analyzer. Users must purchase PN400 hardware, the Advanced Phase Noise Test Tool Kit and two SM series spectrum analyzers for operation.

*Mix and match SM200 or SM435 products.

*SM spectrum analyzer purchase is not required if you already own.

With a standard operating temperature range of -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to +85°C), the PN400 weighs 1.2 lbs. (0.55 kg) and measures 7.21 x 3.74 x 1.78 (183 x 95 x 45 mm). It can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of test systems.