Phase-Noise Profiles Aid System TestingMaxim > App Notes > BASESTATIONS / WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE WIRELESS, RF, AND CABLE Keywords: Phase Noise, PLL, Phase Locked Loop, VCO, Voltage Controlled Oscillator, Oscillator, Impairment, System Testing May 05, 2006 APPLICATION NOTE 3822 Phase-Noise Profiles Aid System Testing Abstract: Noise is present in every system. Phase noise, in particular, is commonly found in oscillators and phaselocked loops can degrade the performance of a system. Phase noise in the oscillator of a wireless communication system degrades the receiver's sensitivity in reciprocal mixing conditions. Phase noise in a telecommunications system causes time jitter in the signal chain. Although engineers usually try to minimize phase noise, sometimes for test purposes they degrade the phase noise intentionally. Th……