Clock Technology

Stephen R. Cantor, Avinoam Stern, Benny Levy

Abstract:	This paper provides a description of the current tech-nologies in the areas of quartz crystal oscillators (the basic uncompensated crystal oscillator (XO), the temp-erature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO), the oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO), the microcomputer compensated crystal oscillator (MCXO)), and atomic frequency standards (cesium (Cs) beam frequency standard, rubidium (Rb) frequency standard, hydrogen maser frequency standard). A discussion of the Rb crystal oscillator is presented , as well as a discussion of GPS receivers as accurate frequency sources. The paper provides several examples of state-of-the-art oscillators, such as OCXOs, MCXOs, and Rb Frequency Standards. In particular, the paper describes a Rb Frequency Standard, manufactured by AccuBeat Ltd, which is the smallest known atomic oscillator (150 cc. in volume). That unit incorporates advanced techniques, whereby a microprocessor is embedded in a frequency lock loop; and, sophisticated software is used improve the frequency stability. Additionally, included in the paper is a description of emerging oscillator technologies which are currently under development. These new technologies include a miniature laser-pumped Cs cell atomic clock oscillator, a diode-laser-based low-power Rb frequency standard, and a Cs fountain. Finally, the paper provides information on major manufacturers of these devices.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 55th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1999) June 27 - 30, 1999 Royal Sonesta Hotel Cambridge, MA
Pages:	37 - 47
Cite this article:	Cantor, Stephen R., Stern, Avinoam, Levy, Benny, "Clock Technology," Proceedings of the 55th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation (1999), Cambridge, MA, June 1999, pp. 37-47.
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