Phase noise effect on frequency measurement error of IFM receivers

This paper presents phase noise effect on frequency measurement errors of an IFM (Instantaneous Frequency Measurement) receiver. In the paper, a calculation method of frequency measurement errors due to phase noise of a PLL synthesizer for an local oscillator is discussed. Calculated results indicate, (1) Phase noise effect on frequency measurement error is clarified, (2) Frequency measurement errors can be reduced by narrowing a noise bandwidth of the PLL synthesizer when integrated phase noise in the noise bandwidth remains constant. Moreover, calculated results are verified by measured results with a developed 5 to 10 GHz PLL synthesizer.