GPS Block IIF Rubidium Frequency Standard Life Test

F. Vannicola, R. Beard, J. White, K. Senior, T. Kubik, D. Wilson, and J. Buisson

Abstract:	Since August 2008, two production PerkinElmer Rubidium Frequency Standards (RFS) built for the GPS Block IIF satellites have been under test at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Precision Clock Evaluation Facility (PCEF). NRL, in conjunction with the GPS Wing, GPS Block IIF prime contractor Boeing, and the RFS manufacturer PerkinElmer, is conducting a minimum 3-year life test on the GPS IIF RFS units, serial numbers 5 and 25. The primary objectives of the program will be the verification of the design’s life and reliability. A secondary objective will be the long-term characterization and evaluation of the GPS IIF RFS performance parameters. The two units are being operated in independent thermal vacuum chambers with high-resolution monitoring of the clock’s frequency compared to the NRL hydrogen maser references. The units’ internal monitors that would normally be sent as telemetry and environmental test conditions are monitored and recorded with high resolution. A status will be presented of the GPS IIF RFS units under test.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 41st Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting November 16 - 19, 2009 Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico
Pages:	449 - 456
Cite this article:	Vannicola, F., Beard, R., White, J., Senior, K., Kubik, T., Wilson, D., Buisson, J., "GPS Block IIF Rubidium Frequency Standard Life Test," Proceedings of the 41st Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, November 2009, pp. 449-456.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In