Optimizing Frequency Settling Time Measurements

Frequency settling time is an essential measurement in the design and evaluation of RF synthesizers, programmable oscillators, phase locked loop circuits, and more. This technical brief highlights the steps taken to reduce the noise/variation on a demodulated frequency vs time trace.  Narrowing the tolerance band makes it possible to measure the settled frequency, a process made easier with the settling time option for Tektronix Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers and SignalVu-PC software (for analyzers and oscilloscopes).

A video presentation of this content can be also be viewed.