SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002
(Main)Methods of measurement for radio equipment used in satellite earth stations -- Part 2: Measurements for sub-systems -- Section 5: Frequency modulators
- Abstract
Methods are given for the measurement of the electrical characteristics of frequency modulators. Furthermore, where possible, only measurements involving the basic modulator are considered, excluding the baseband section comprising the pre-emphasis network and the networks associated with sound sub-carrier signals, pilot signals and auxiliary signals.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Sep-2002
- Technical Committee
- OMS - Equipment used in mobile services and satelite comunication systems
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 01-Oct-2002
- Due Date
- 01-Oct-2002
- Completion Date
- 01-Oct-2002
SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 is a Slovenian standard from SIST for measuring frequency modulators used in satellite earth stations. It gives measurement methods for the electrical characteristics of the basic modulator, mainly for analogue intermediate frequency (i.f.) performance, and is meant for engineers, test labs and equipment makers who need a common way to measure and compare these subsystems. The standard is identical to EN 60510-2-5:1994 and aligns with IEC 60510-2-5:1992.
What does SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 specify?
SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 specifies methods for measuring the electrical characteristics of frequency modulators in satellite earth station radio equipment. Where possible, it focuses on the basic modulator and leaves out the baseband section with pre-emphasis, sound sub-carrier, pilot and auxiliary signal networks.
The document is organized into clauses that move from general definitions to specific measurement methods, then to reference material. Its main structure is:
- Clause 1 - Scope
- Clause 2 - Definition
- Clause 3 - General
- Clause 4 - I.F. output characteristics
- Clause 5 - Baseband input impedance and return loss
- Clause 6 - Deviation sensitivity
- Clause 7 - Sense of modulation
- Clause 8 - Differential gain/non-linearity and differential phase/group-delay
- Clause 9 - Unwanted amplitude modulation
- Clause 10 - Baseband amplitude/frequency characteristic
- Clause 11 - Frequency division multiplex (f.d.m.) telephony measurements
- Clause 12 - Television measurements
- Clause 13 - Carrier-energy dispersal sub-system
- Clause 14 - References
Figure 1 shows a typical modulator sub-system, and Figure 2 shows the simplified arrangement used for several of the measurements.
What are the key requirements of SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002?
SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 is mainly a measurement standard. Its practical value is that it tells users how to test a modulator, what test setup to use, and what results to record for specification or comparison.
General measurement approach
Clause 3 separates the checks into three groups: baseband or i.f. non-transfer measurements, baseband-to-i.f. transfer measurements, and baseband-to-baseband transmission checks made with a measurement demodulator. This matters because the modulator should be judged on its own contribution, not hidden by a matching demodulator.
The standard also says the measurement demodulator should perform better than the modulator under test. In practice, that means the test receiver must not become the limiting factor.
I.F. output checks
Clause 4 covers return loss, level, carrier frequency, and i.f. spurious and harmonic signals. For spurious and harmonic signals, the modulator is checked with no modulation and with the energy-dispersal generator disabled, using a spectrum analyzer or selective level-meter.
That makes the result easier to interpret: the engineer is checking the modulator output itself, not modulation side effects. The clause also says results may be shown as a calibrated spectrum display or as levels in decibels relative to the wanted signal.
Deviation sensitivity
Clause 6 defines deviation sensitivity as the ratio of frequency deviation to baseband input voltage. It uses the Bessel zero method, where the carrier first disappears at a modulation index of 2.40483.
This is important because it gives a repeatable way to determine how strongly the modulator responds to input drive. The clause also notes that the method can be limited by occupied bandwidth, so a calibrated measurement demodulator may be used instead.
Sense of modulation
Clause 7 checks whether a positive input change produces an increase in i.f. The document gives two practical methods: using an asymmetrical waveform with a measurement demodulator, or examining the i.f. spectrum with a television-style baseband signal.
This matters in television transmission, where incorrect polarity can create a system compatibility problem. The result tells the user whether the modulator’s polarity matches the expected system sense.
Differential gain, differential phase and unwanted amplitude modulation
Clause 8 measures differential gain (DG), non-linearity, differential phase (DP) and group-delay using a sweep signal and a test signal. A measurement demodulator is needed, and the arrangement is similar to a link analyzer or system analyzer.
Clause 9 uses the same general test arrangement, but an i.f. envelope detector is used to measure unwanted amplitude modulation. In practice, these tests show how the modulator behaves over the chosen sweep range, which helps when setting acceptance limits and verifying that the modulator does not introduce extra distortion.
Baseband amplitude/frequency characteristic
Clause 10 measures the ratio of i.f. deviation to a reference deviation as a function of baseband modulation frequency. If the pre-emphasis network cannot be separated, the document calls for a corresponding de-emphasis network in the measurement demodulator.
That means the result can represent either the basic modulator or the combined modulator and pre-emphasis path, depending on how the equipment is built. The clause also stresses low baseband signal levels to avoid higher-order sidebands.
f.d.m., television and carrier-energy dispersal checks
Clauses 11 and 12 explain how f.d.m. telephony and television measurements are usually handled when the demodulator contribution cannot be separated from the modulator contribution. Clause 13 covers carrier-energy dispersal sub-systems, including waveform, amplitude, synchronization, frequency stability and level variation with baseband loading.
These checks matter in real systems because they help confirm that the modulator works correctly in the full satellite earth station chain, not just as an isolated unit.
What terms does SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 define?
- Frequency modulator - A sub-system that modulates an intermediate frequency carrier by a baseband signal by analogue means.
- Intermediate frequency (i.f.) - The carrier frequency range used between baseband processing and the final radio output stage.
- Deviation sensitivity - The ratio of frequency deviation to baseband input voltage, used to show how much the carrier shifts for a given input.
- Sense of modulation - The polarity relationship between the baseband input change and the resulting i.f. change.
- Differential gain (DG) - The change in output deviation magnitude of the test signal as the sweep signal changes.
- Differential phase (DP) - The change in output deviation phase of the test signal as the sweep signal changes.
- Unwanted amplitude modulation - Unintended amplitude variation in the frequency modulator output that can create later distortion.
- Frequency division multiplex (f.d.m.) - A baseband signal format used for multichannel telephony tests in this standard.
Who uses SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002?
SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 is used by manufacturers of satellite earth station equipment, test laboratories, and system integrators who need to measure modulator performance in a consistent way. Quality managers and buyers use it when they need a technical basis for acceptance tests or supplier specifications.
It is also relevant to engineers working on radio relay and fixed-satellite communications systems, especially where the modulator must be checked with television or f.d.m. telephony signals. The document is useful whenever the modulator has to be compared with a measurement demodulator or with the rest of a modem assembly.
What changed in SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 from the previous edition?
SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 is identical to EN 60510-2-5:1994 and corresponds to IEC 60510-2-5:1992. It carries forward the same subject matter for measuring frequency modulators in satellite earth stations.
Which standards are used with SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002?
The document refers to several companion publications that support related measurement tasks:
- IEC 510-1-3 with Amendment 1 - Measurements in the i.f. range common to sub-systems and combinations of sub-systems.
- IEC 510-1-4 - Measurements in the baseband.
- IEC 510-2-6 - Measurements for frequency demodulators.
- IEC 510-3 - Methods of measurement for combinations of sub-systems.
- IEC 510-3-4 - Measurements for frequency division multiplex (f.d.m.) transmission.
- CCIR Recommendation 464 - Pre-emphasis characteristics for f.d.m. telephony in the fixed satellite service.
- CCIR Recommendation 405-1 - Pre-emphasis characteristics for television frequency modulation systems.
- CCIR Recommendation 446-2 - Carrier energy dispersal for systems using angle modulation.
These references tell the user where to look for the related baseband, i.f., demodulator, multiplex and pre-emphasis methods that support the measurements in this part.
What does the SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 document contain?
The document contains measurement methods, test arrangements, formulas and result-presentation guidance for modulator testing. It includes a typical sub-system block diagram in Figure 1 and a simplified test arrangement in Figure 2.
It also gives practical instructions for spectrum analyzer measurements, sweep-based DG and DP measurements, envelope detection for unwanted amplitude modulation, and carrier-energy dispersal checks. Several clauses say what should be stated in the detailed equipment specification, so the standard is useful both for testing and for writing procurement or acceptance requirements.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 03-Feb-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Methods of measurement for radio equipment used in satellite earth stations -- Part 2: Measurements for sub-systems -- Section 5: Frequency modulators". This standard covers: Methods are given for the measurement of the electrical characteristics of frequency modulators. Furthermore, where possible, only measurements involving the basic modulator are considered, excluding the baseband section comprising the pre-emphasis network and the networks associated with sound sub-carrier signals, pilot signals and auxiliary signals.
Methods are given for the measurement of the electrical characteristics of frequency modulators. Furthermore, where possible, only measurements involving the basic modulator are considered, excluding the baseband section comprising the pre-emphasis network and the networks associated with sound sub-carrier signals, pilot signals and auxiliary signals.
SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 33.060.30 - Radio relay and fixed satellite communications systems. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 1364-1:1999, SIST EN 60510-3-4:2002, SIST EN 60510-2-6:2002. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN 60510-2-5:2002 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2002
Methods of measurement for radio equipment used in satellite earth stations - Part
2: Measurements for sub-systems - Section 5: Frequency modulators (IEC 60510-2
-5:1992)
Methods of measurement for radio equipment used in satellite earth stations -- Part 2:
Measurements for sub-systems -- Section 5: Frequency modulators
Meßverfahren für Funkgerät in Satelliten-Erdfunkstellen -- Teil 2: Messungen an
Untersystemen -- Hauptabschnitt 5: Frequenzmodulatoren
Méthodes de mesure pour les équipements radioélectriques utilisés dans les stations
terriennes de télécommunication par satellites -- Partie 2: Mesures sur les sous-
ensembles -- Section 5: Modulateurs de fréquence
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60510-2-5:1994
ICS:
33.060.30 Radiorelejni in fiksni satelitski Radio relay and fixed satellite
komunikacijski sistemi communications systems
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
NORME CEI
INTERNATIONALE IEC
60510-2-5
INTERNATIONAL
Première édition
STAN DARD
First edition
1992-05
Méthodes de mesure pour les équipements
radioélectriques utilisés dans les stations
terriennes de télécommunication par satellites
Deuxième partie:
Mesures sur les sous-ensembles
Section cinq – Modulateurs de fréquence
Methods of measurements for radio equipment
used in satellite earth stations
Part 2:
Measurements for sub -systems
Section Five – Frequency modulators
Droits —
© IEC 1992 de reproduction réservés Copyright - all rights reserved
Aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in
utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
procédé, électronique ou mécanique, y compris la photo- including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in
copie et les microfilms, sans l'accord écrit de l'éditeur. writing from the publisher.
International Electrotechnical Commission 3, rue de Varembé Geneva, Switzerland
e-mail: inmail@iec.ch
Telefax: +41 22 919 0300 IEC web site http: //www.iec.ch
CODE PRIX
Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
N
PRICE CODE
International Electrotechnical Commission
IEC MemayHapoaHaR 3rleKTpoTexHH4OcKaR
KOMHCCHA
Pour prix, vigueur
voir catalogue en
• • For price, see current catalogue
510-2-5 ©I EC - 3 -
CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD 5
SECTION FIVE: FREQUENCY MODULATORS
Clause
1 Scope 7
2 Definition 7
3 General 7
4 I.F. output characteristics 9
5 Baseband input impedance and return loss 11
6 Deviation sensitivity 11
7 Sense of modulation 15
8 Differential gain/non-linearity and differential phase/group-delay 15
9 Unwanted amplitude modulation 19
10 Baseband amplitude/frequency characteristic 21
11 Frequency division multiplex (f.d.m.) telephony measurements 23
12 Television measurements 23
13 Carrier-energy dispersal sub-system 25
14 References 27
Figures 28
510-2-5 © IEC - 5 -
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
METHODS OF MEASUREMENT FOR RADIO EQUIPMENT
USED IN SATELLITE EARTH STATIONS
Part 2: Measurements for sub-systems
Section five: Frequency modulators
FOREWORD
1)
The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters, prepared by Technical Committees on
which all the National Committees having a special interest therein are represented, express, as nearly as
possible, an international consensus of opinion on the subjects dealt with.
2) They have the form of recommendations for international use and they are accepted by the National
Committees in that sense.
3)
In order to promote international unification, the IEC expresses the wish that all National Committees
should adopt the text of the IEC recommendation for their national rules in so far as national conditions will
permit. Any divergence between the IEC recommendation and the corresponding national rules should, as
far as possible, be clearly indicated in the latter.
This standard has been prepared by Sub-Committee 12E: Radio relay and fixed-satellite
communications systems, of IEC Technical Committee No. 12:
Radiocommunications.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
Six Months' Rule
Report on Voting
12E(CO)119 12E(CO)130
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the Voting
Repo rt
indicated in the above table.
The following IEC publications are quoted in this standard:
Publications Nos. 510-1-3 (1980): Methods of measurement for radio equipment used in satellite earth
stations - Part 1: Measurements common to sub-systems and combina-
tions of sub-systems - Section three: Measurements in the i.f. range.
Amendment 1 (1988).
510-1-4 (1986): Section four: Measurements in the baseband.
510-2-6 (1992): Part 2: Measurements for sub-systems Section six: Frequency
demodulators.
510-3: Part 3: Methods of measurement for combinations of sub-systems.
510-3-4 (1992): Section four: Measurements for frequency division multiplex (f.d.m.)
transmission.
510-2-5 ©IEC — 7 —
METHODS OF MEASUREMENT FOR RADIO EQUIPMENT
USED IN SATELLITE EARTH STATIONS
Part 2: Measurements for sub-systems
Section five: Frequency modulators
1 Scope
Methods are given in this section for the measurement of the electrical characteristics of
frequency modulators. Furthermore, where possible, only measurements involving the
basic modulator are considered, that is excluding the baseband section comprising the
pre-emphasis network and the networks associated with sound sub-carrier signals,
pilot signals and auxiliary signals.
Methods of measurement for frequency demodulators are given in section six of pa rt 2 of
this publication. Measurements between baseband terminals of modulator/demodulator
assemblies are covered by various sections of pa rt 3 of this publication.
2 Definition
For the purpose of this standard, a frequency modulator is a sub-system which, by
analogue means, modulates an intermediate frequency (i.f.) carrier by a baseband signal:
this may be a multi-channel f.d.m. telephony signal or television signal with associated
sound sub-carrier signals, pilot signals and auxiliary signals.
Such baseband signals are normally analogue but digital signals are not excluded. How-
ever the methods of measurement described in this section are intended for assessing the
performance of the modulator when analogue signals are transmitted.
A modulator sub-system usually comprises the following three main sections:
a baseband section;
a baseband to i.f. section (modulator);
an i.f. section.
3 General
A block diagram for a typical modulator sub-system is shown in figure 1. The characteris-
tics to be measured can be divided into three principal categories:
non-transfer characteristics;
baseband to i.f. characteristics;
certain baseband-to-baseband transmission characteristics in conjunction with a
measurement demodulator.
510-2-5 © IEC — 9 —
The first category concerns measurements at the baseband port only or at the i.f. po rt only
including frequency and spurious/harmonic signal measurements at the i.f. output. These
measurements are described elsewhere in this publication.
The second category of measurements forms an essential part of this section because of
the nature of the device under test - transfer from baseband to i.f.
The third category of measurements includes those to be carried out on a complete
modulator/demodulator (modem) assembly except that the actual or system demodulator
is replaced by a measurement demodulator.
It is very impo rtant to know the separate contribution of a modulator to the total permitted
tolerances of performance characteristics because in an operational situation, modulators
of one design or manufacturer may have to work with demodulators of another design or
manufacturer. Compensation effects between modulator and demodulator are therefore
undesirable and each modulator should fulfill the prescribed specification in association
with a measurement demodulator. This procedure requires the measurement demodulator
rf
to have a better pe ormance than that specified for the modulator under test.
4 I.F. output characteristics
4.1 Return loss
See pa rt 1, section three of this publication: Measurements in the i.f. range.
The measurement shall be made without the modulator output signal being present. This
can be achieved, for example, by disabling the oscillator within the modulator.
4.2 Level
See pa rt 1, section three of this publication: Measurements in the i.f. range.
4.3 Carrier frequency
See part 1, section three of this publication: Measurements in the i.f. range
(Amendment 1).
4.4 I.F. spurious and/or harmonic signals
4.4.1 Method of measurement
The i.f. output of the modulator shall be checked by means of a suitable spectrum
analyzer or selective level-meter to verify that the level of any i.f. spurious and/or harmo-
nic signals is within specified limits. It shall be noted that the measurement of i.f. spurious
and harmonic signals shall be made without modulation and with the energy-dispersal
generator disabled.
510-2-5 © I EC - 11 -
4.4.2 Presentation of results
The results should be presented preferably as a photograph, plot or X-Y record of the
calibrated spectrum analyzer display. Alternatively, the more significant spurious and/or
harmonic levels may be expressed in decibels relative to the level of the wanted signal.
4.4.3 Details to be specified
The following items should be included as required in the detailed equipment specification:
a)
permitted maximum level of spurious signals in decibels relative to the wanted
signal;
b) permitted maximum level of harmonics in decibels relative to the wanted signal;
c) the frequency range over which measurements are required;
d) the level of the wanted signals.
5 Baseband input impedance and return loss
See part 1, section four of this publication: Measurements in the baseband.
6 Deviation sensitivity
6.1 Definition and general considerations
The deviation sensitivity (Sm ) of a modulator for a sinusoidal signal of a given frequency is
expressed as the ratio of the frequency deviation (At) to the value of the baseband input
voltage (Vb):
4f
Sm =— (MHz/V)
(6-1)
Vb
Vb
and Af are both expressed either in peak values or in r.m.s. values.
The deviation sensitivity is usually a function of the baseband frequency due to the effect
of the pre-emphasis network [11* [2]*. When it is possible to gain access to the baseband
input point (see figure 1) after the pre-emphasis network, the measured deviation sensi-
tivity of the modulator is independent of the baseband frequency used.
6.2 Method of measurement
The method of measurement is known as the "Bessel zero" method which is based on the
fact that, in the case of sinusoidal modulation, the carrier frequency spectral line first dis-
appears at a modulation index (mf ) as follows:
Of
/Tit = — = 2,404 83
(6-2)
f
where of is the peak frequency deviation and
f is the modulating frequency.
The figures in square brackets indicate the references given in clause 14.
510-2-5 ©I EC — 13 —
The "zero", i.e. the point where the i.f. carrier first disappears, is observed on the spec-
trum analyzer, but a perfect zero may not be obtained due to residual harmonic distortion
of the baseband signal generator. However, a decrease in carrier level of 30 dB or more is
regarded as adequate.
Since there are many values of the modulation index at which a carrier-zero may be ob-
tained, the best way of ensuring that the first zero is used is by increasing the modulating
voltage smoothly from zero to the point where the carrier disappears for the first time.
The measurement procedure is as follows:
a) the baseband generator is set to the required frequency at which the deviation sen-
sitivity is to be measured;
b) the output level of the generator is set to zero and then smoothly increased until the
i.f. carrier on the spectrum analyzer first disappears;
c) the r.m.s. voltage (Vb) at the baseband input of the modulator is measured;
d) the modulator deviation sensitivity (S m) at modulation frequency f is then calculated
from equation 6-3:
2,404 83 f
MHz/V (6-3)
Sm
V-2-
Vb
NOTE - As a modulation index of 2,404 83 corresponds to an occupied i.f. bandwidth which increases line-
arly with modulation frequency, the use of this method is restricted to modulation frequencies which do not
cause the modulated signal spectrum to exceed the system bandwidth. An alternative method is to employ
a calibrated measurement demodulator.
6.3 Presentation of results
The results should be presented as in the following examples:
"The deviation sensitivity (S ) was (MHz/V)" or
m
"At a baseband input level of dBm, the r.m.s. frequency deviation
kHz".
was
6.4 Details to be specified
The following items should be included as required in the detailed equipment specification:
a) the method of measurement (see 6.2 or note);
b) the frequency of the baseband input signal;
c) the frequency deviation of the i.f. output signal;
d) the required deviation sensitivity or output deviation at the specified input level;
e) the baseband connection point (i.e. before or after pre-emphasis - see figure 1);
f) the pre-emphasis characteristic employed (if appropriate).
510-2-5 ©I EC — 15
7 Sense of modulation
7.1 Definition and general considerations
The sense of modulation of a frequency modulator is positive if a positive-going change of
the input voltage results in an increase in intermediate frequency. The sense of modula-
tion is important in television transmission.
7.2 Method of measurement
A simple method of checking the sense of modulation is to apply to the modulator under
test an assymetrical waveform and to apply the i.f. signal to a measurement demodulator
having a known sense of demodulation. If the demodulator output signal polarity and the
modulator input signal polarity are the same then the sense of modulation is the same as
the known sense of demodulation.
Another method is to observe the modulator i.f. spectrum as shown on a spectrum
analyzer with a signal comprising line synchronization pulse and a positive-going peak
luminance signal applied to the baseband input. The frequency of the highest level
spectral line will be higher than the carrier frequency for a positive sense of modulation.
8 Differential gain/non-linearity and differential phase/group-delay
8.1 Definition and general considerations
The modulator under test is driven by a baseband signal consisting of a small amplitude
relatively high frequency sinusoidal signal (test signal) of constant amplitude and phase,
superimposed on a low frequency relatively large amplitude signal (sweep signal). At the
i.f. output of the modulator, the frequency deviation due to the test signal corresponds to
a sinusoidal frequency shift, the amplitude and phase of which depend upon the instan-
taneous value of the sweep-signal voltage. The differential gain (DG) and differential
phase (DP) of the modulator under test are defined as functions of this instantaneous
value as given in the following equations:
DG(x) = (A (x) l Ao) — 1 (8-1)
DP(x) = y(x) — cpo (8-2)
where:
x is the instantaneous value of the input sweep signal
DG(x) is a function representing the differential gain of the modulator
A(x) is the output deviation magnitude due to the test signal as a function of x
A is the output deviation magnitude due to the test signal at zero value of the sweep signal
o
DP(x) is a function representing the differential phase of the modulator
cp(x) is the output deviation phase due to the test signal as a function of x
is the output deviation phase due to the test signal at z
...



