In this episode, we will discuss basic crystal oscillators, their functionality and how to supplement a crystal oscillator with a temperature sensor and feedback voltage to result in a TCXO. Finally, we’ll discuss some important considerations such as jitter and hysteresis for unheated oscillators.

We’ll look at oven-controlled oscillators and how they achieve such tight frequency control over temperature. We’ll discuss oven control circuitry, thermal design, frequency stabilities, construction topologies and gas backfill types. The episode will finish with a discussion of hysteresis, retrace and temperature coefficients.  

This episode will introduce disciplined modules using GPS satellites. We will discuss topics such as frequency, phase holdover and holdover estimation techniques. We’ll also explain the different Stratum levels and discuss how to integrate Chip Scale Atomic Clocks (CSACs), rubidium and cesium references into disciplined modules.

Phase noise is one of the most important parameters for many applications, especially radar systems. We will explain phase noise and how it consists of different noise sources between the crystal and the electronics. This discussion will consist of topics such as frequency and time domain, power law, short-term stability and noise mitigation.

Vibration is everywhere and the magnitude and frequency are critical to the impact on an oscillator. In this episode, we will discuss acceleration sensitivity in quartz oscillators and how to calculate phase noise under vibration. We’ll introduce active and passive methods to mitigate acceleration sensitivity and highlight a few of our products.

In this episode, we explore common challenges and compromises when designing quartz oscillators. We’ll look at the frequency budget for the life of the product, short- and long-term aging, frequency tolerances, load and voltage stability and how each is tested. Finally, we’ll discuss performance differences based on how the product is installed.

In this episode, we’ll cover the effects of radiation on both quartz and quartz oscillator circuitry and review the advantages and disadvantages of operating in a vacuum for various quartz oscillator types. At the end, we’ll review quartz oscillator reliability.

Many rugged conditions require oscillators to maintain their stability far outside normal conditions. In this episode, we’ll review the design approaches and construction techniques used to develop oscillators that can withstand shock, vibration and wide temperature ranges. We’ll also present an overview of military standards and how the products are tested.