TCXOs Raise Performance For GPS Receivers

A range of Global Positioning System (GPS) Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillators (TCXOs) promises to give GPS receivers superior performance. GPS receivers depend upon their local oscillator. They see it as a precise clock that accurately measures the time that it takes radio signals to reach the receiver. These signals are coming from four to five satellites, which are located 11,000 miles above the Earth. By measuring these times and multiplying them by the speed of light (with some corrections), a precise position can be determined.

This line of 5-×-7-mm GPS TCXOs features ultra-low Micro-Frequency Jumps—less than 5 parts per billion. This is measured over small increments of time (e.g., 100 ms). Some of these TCXOs also feature very low Frequency Perturbations, such as 0.40 parts per million peak to peak. These perturbations are measured during very small ambient-temperature changes (e.g., 2°C increments). Models also are available with Frequency Stabilities of +/−0.5 parts per million over an operating-temperature range as wide as −40°C to +85°C. These and other parameters are important in the design of existing and next-generation GPS products. Contact the company for pricing information.