The Keysight 11729B Carrier Noise Test Set is a specialized instrument for precise measurement and analysis of noise in RF and microwave signals. It upconverts external or internal reference signals and downconverts the signal under test to an intermediate frequency, enabling detailed characterization through phase detection and frequency demodulation methods. The system measures carrier-to-noise ratio, noise figure, phase noise, and AM noise across its full operating range, making it suitable for communication systems, radar, and electronic warfare applications where signal integrity is critical.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Coverage
• Frequency range: 5 MHz to 18 GHz (full coverage) or 2.5 GHz wide band configuration
• IF output frequency range: 5 to 1280 MHz
• IF output level: +7 dBm minimum
• Input power (downconverter): +7 dBm minimum
Measurement Methods
• Phase Detector Method — analyzes phase difference between two input signals; quadrature setting (90° phase difference) produces zero output voltage with phase fluctuations generating voltage variations
• Frequency Discriminator Method — employs frequency demodulation for phase noise analysis
• Internal Phase-Lock Loop (PLL) capability when paired with HP 8662A, with selectable bandwidths over a four-decade range
Noise Performance (11729B/8662A System)
• 10 GHz carrier: −90 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz offset
• 10 GHz carrier: −123 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset
– Key Features
• Replaces multiple specialized noise measurement systems in a single platform
• Low-phase-noise HP 8662A reference signal multiplied to microwave frequencies for low-noise downconversion
• Compatible with general-purpose lab spectrum analyzers for sensitive carrier noise measurements
• HP 8662A can function as PLL VCO via internal DC FM or electronically tunable crystal oscillator
– Typical Applications
• Signal source characterization and verification
• Communication system signal integrity analysis
• Radar and electronic warfare testing
• Phase noise and AM noise detailed analysis
– Compatibility & Integration
Works with HP 8662A signal source for enhanced PLL capability and low-noise reference performance.
