A Modular Multiple Use System for Precise Time and Frequency Measurement and Distribution

Victor S. Reinhardt, William A. Adams, Grace M. Lee

Abstract:	A modular CAMAC based system is described which has been developed at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center to meet a variety of precise time and frequency measurement and distribution needs. The system is based on a generalization of the dual mixer concept. By using a 16 channel 100 ns event clock, the system can intercompare the phase of 16 frequency standards with sub-picosecond resolution. The system has a noise floor of 26 fs and a long term stability on the order of 1 ps or better. The system also uses a digitally controlled crystal oscillator in a control loop to provide an offsettable 5 MHz output with sub-picosecond phase tracking capability. A detailed description of the system is given including theory of operation and performance. Also discussed is a method to improve the performance of the dual mixer technique when phase balancing of the two input ports cannot be accomplished.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 10th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting November 28 - 30, 1978 Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland
Pages:	293 - 315
Cite this article:	Reinhardt, Victor S., Adams, William A., Lee, Grace M., "A Modular Multiple Use System for Precise Time and Frequency Measurement and Distribution," Proceedings of the 10th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Greenbelt, Maryland, November 1978, pp. 293-315.
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