MODULATION DOMAIN ANALYZER WITH PICOSECOND RESOLUTION

The analyzer is intended for digital analysis of signals that may be r epresented by time intervals, and the frequency and phase of the signa l, by irregularly time-digitized functions. It employs a nontraditiona l method of continuous measurement of time intervals yielding a resolu tion of up to 20 picoseconds (mean-square estimator) and response of u p to 25 x 10(6) measurements per second. The analyzer is constructed a s a component part of a multi-functional system for digital analysis o f radio-frequency signals. The essential core of the method of measure ment, the principles followed in the construction of the;analyzer, and the analyzer's functional capabilities are described. An example illu strating the application of the analyzer for investigation of the shor t-term frequency deviation of a stabilized signal source is presented.