Somewhere in this discussion, Juan has asked basically, "what is
acceptable phase noise at what offset?" This is similar to a question
I asked Bob McGwier some months ago, as I contemplate various options
for my 6m to 10 GHz terrestrial station. The question arises because
so many texts have different opinions and the manufacturers each choose
a different offset for their specs, carefully avoiding evaluation of
the phase noise of their device on whatever communications mode.
I think I remember Bob's answer as -110dbc at 10 KHz offset.
If I remember Bob's answer correctly (Which I may NOT, Bob, please
correct me) then the picture Juan shows, which is the composite of his
signal generator, his SDRIQ, and the U-band downconverter doesn't look
too bad -- close, but maybe not close enough, but maybe so. John,
Matt, & Phil: What is your evaluation of this phase noise on our
intended uses of the receiver?