Frequency switching speed measurement of frequency synthesizers

Application of the spread spectrum technique in communication, radar, and automatic test equipment (ATE) systems requires fast and accurate frequency switching, hopping, or stepping capabilities by the signal sources. This requirement has introduced a new market for high-speed frequency switching synthesizers. Although there are only a few instrument manufacturers producing synthesizers with frequency switching time capabilities of less than 1 ms, many others are in the developmental stages. The Metrology Laboratory at Rockwell International Corporation Anaheim, California implemented a technique for frequency switching speed measurements of microwave synthesizers. This paper describes the technique and results of the switching speed measurements performed on a series of microwave frequency synthesizers.