Ultrastable Oscillators for Space Applications

Abstract

The requirements for high-stability ovenized quartz oscillators have been increasing in space applications. These devices provide attractive size, weight, power, and reliability for use in space missions; they also exhibit short-term frequency stability that rivals that of the best atomic-based signal sources. Symmetricom has delivered flight oscillators for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and other military programs that have demonstrated 1 x 10(exp -13) Allan deviation for time intervals of 10 to 100 seconds and sub 2 x 10(exp-13) stability to 10,000 seconds. The oscillator, the model 9500, which was developed in 1995, has undergone improvements, including the use of higher stability glass-encapsulated quartz resonators to increase performance for current scientific and military applications. Our presentation will describe the oscillator, the measured performance of various units, and data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA503433

Entities

People

  • Don Emmons
  • Johan Welgemoed
  • Peter Cash

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Crystal Oscillators
  • Dose Rate
  • Electronic Components
  • Environment
  • Frequency
  • Intervals
  • Laser Altimeters
  • Manufacturing
  • Military Applications
  • Oscillators
  • Radiation
  • Radiation Effects
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Space Environments
  • Time Intervals
  • Vibration

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Space