Keysight Unveils Advanced N5511A Phase Noise Test System for Aerospace, Defense, and 5G Design

Keysight Technologies has launched the N5511A Phase Noise Test System, a next‑generation solution designed for engineers who demand precise validation of RF and microwave devices. By accurately measuring phase noise—unwanted phase modulation that degrades performance in oscillators, mixers, dividers, multipliers, and amplifiers—the system enables teams in aerospace, defense, and cutting‑edge wireless communications to optimize design, meet stringent operational requirements, and stay on schedule and budget.

The N5511A is available in three frequency ranges—up to 3 GHz, 26.5 GHz, or 40 GHz—covering offsets from 0.01 Hz to 160 MHz. It supports single‑ or dual‑channel operation and offers a suite of industry‑leading features:

• Flexible architecture that integrates external low‑noise reference sources, giving users the freedom to choose from a broad range of commercially available options.
• Quadrature phase‑detector technology that maximizes dynamic range and delivers consistent accuracy.
• Best‑in‑class absolute and residual measurements on both continuous‑wave and pulsed signals, ensuring reliable data across diverse test scenarios.
• Cross‑spectral averaging (cross‑correlation) to approach the fundamental thermal noise floor of kT (–177 dBm/Hz). By eliminating uncorrelated noise between two channels, users can observe the true performance of their device under test.

The system combines a phase‑detector module and high‑precision data‑conversion circuitry in a custom, low‑noise PXIe 4U mainframe, minimizing rack footprint while maximizing performance. Software runs on an integrated PC controller powered by Windows 10, providing a user‑friendly interface and robust data analysis tools.