Phase noise measurement techniques, associated uncertainty, and limtations

This paper focuses on key phase noise measurement techniques for oscillators and reviews their advantages and disadvantages. Several test methods and test instruments are investigated. There's no “one size fits all” solution, for e.g., measuring a phase noise value of -130dBc/Hz at 1Hz offset from the carrier, and achieving a measurement noise floor better than -200dBm is challenge, using existing test equipment and methods.