PMEL Forum

K Sections => K3/4 - Waveform Analysis & RF Generation => Topic started by: briansalomon on 08-02-2019 -- 17:27:55

Title: Frequency Standard
Post by: briansalomon on 08-02-2019 -- 17:27:55
I need to replace an old HP 5061A Cesium frequency standard.

I'd like to maintain a the stability of that unit ( 7X10-12)

What are you using that you like?
Title: Re: Frequency Standard
Post by: silv3rstr3 on 08-05-2019 -- 18:19:59
I'm still utilizing the Datum 9390-6000 and it's still locking on to 6-8 SV's everyday!  Good manufacturing.  We recently bought the Fluke 910R to replace the Datum. Still waiting on the maintenance department to run the cable and replace the antenna with Fluke's.  I think the 910R meets the specifications you require. It's a GPS that can also be used as a stand alone Rubidium standard that's pretty accurate itself. 

I find it very interesting how the cesium atomic resonance occurs and how stable cesium 133 works with the atomic clock.  I saw a picture of an old atomic clock in a huge laboratory.  It was pretty massive. It's incredible that every GPS satellite in space presently contains four atomic clocks!!

I calibrate and repair a bunch of Spirent (GNSS) GPS Simulators here that peak at 1575.42MHz.  They actually simulate satellite constellations. These simulators cost around $600,000! It's crazy to me to be working on a piece of equipment that is worth a massive house depending on where you live!       
Title: Re: Frequency Standard
Post by: silv3rstr3 on 08-06-2019 -- 09:48:28
I checked out the specifications to see what I'm going to be working with in the near future.  Attached is a PDF file of just the specification page in the 910R datasheet.
Title: Re: Frequency Standard
Post by: briansalomon on 08-08-2019 -- 13:24:04
I'd love to have that 910R.

In case anyone's interested, here's a link to NIST. Helpful if you're used to relying on stand-alone frequency standards.

https://www.nist.gov/publications/use-gps-disciplined-oscillators-primary-frequency-standards-calibration-and-metrology

I rather have the Fluke but did find an EndRun Meridian II GPS time base that has some quality documentation with it. NIST did a comparison of this model to the USNO.

I have noticed that fairly low end (~ $1000) GPS frequency standards appear to be widely accepted.