Calnex Rb/GPS Reference Source laboratory time and frequency reference unit
Calnex / Timing & Synchronization
Rb/GPS Reference Source

Calnex Rb/GPS Reference Source Laboratory Time, Phase and Frequency Reference

Rubidium/GPS laboratory reference source providing stable 10MHz, 1pps and Time of Day (ToD) outputs, GPS locked or in holdover.

Output frequency accuracy/stability
5E-10 for frequency stability
Datasheet

Overview

The Calnex Rb/GPS Reference Source is a laboratory time, phase and frequency reference. It provides a stable 10MHz, 1pps and Time of Day (ToD) reference that can be used with Calnex test equipment or any other suitable laboratory equipment.

The unit combines a rubidium oscillator with a GPS receiver. It can lock to a GPS signal for stable frequency and timing, or keep running in holdover when the GPS signal is lost. It also operates in freerun mode when no GPS is connected, and outputs a ToD message.

Reference signals are delivered on a 10MHz BNC output, a 1pps BNC output and a ToD/RS-232 port on a DB9 connector. Front-panel indicators show Power On, Rb Locked and Track/Sync status. For additional frequency and connector options, the unit can be paired with the Calnex Frequency/Phase Converter.

Key Features

  • Highly stable laboratory time/phase/frequency reference source
  • Runs GPS connected or in holdover
  • Locks to a GPS signal for stable frequency and timing
  • Operating modes: Freerun (no GPS), GPS locked, Holdover, ToD message
  • 10MHz Reference Output (BNC), 1pps Reference Output (BNC), ToD/RS-232 (DB9)
  • Indicators/LEDs for Power On, Rb Locked and Track/Sync
  • Provides reference clock signals to Calnex devices or any other laboratory equipment
  • Can be paired with the Calnex Frequency/Phase Converter for additional frequency and connector options

Specifications

Freerun (No GPS)
Output frequency accuracy/stability 5E-10 for frequency stability
12 mins warm-up time @ 25oC
GPS Locked
Time to GPS lock needs 24 hrs to be GPS locked
Output frequency accuracy/stability (12 mins warm-up) 5E-10 for frequency stability
12 mins warm-up time @ 25oC
Output frequency accuracy/stability (24 hrs warm-up) 1E-12, typical
24 hrs warm-up time @ 25oC and GPS locked; requires a stable temperature of ±1oC
Output time accuracy/stability <50ns
24 hrs warm-up time @ 25oC and GPS locked; requires a stable temperature of ±1oC
Holdover (Lost GPS)
Output frequency accuracy/stability (12 mins warm-up) 5E-10 for frequency stability
12 mins warm-up time @ 25oC
Output frequency accuracy/stability (24 hrs warm-up) <3E-11/month
24 hrs warm-up time @ 25oC and Holdover (lost GPS); requires a stable temperature of ±2oC
Output time accuracy/stability <2µs/48hr or <1µs/24hr
24 hrs warm-up time @ 25oC and Holdover (lost GPS); requires a stable temperature of ±2oC
Outputs and Indicators
Output ports 10MHz Reference Output (BNC), 1pps Reference Output (BNC), ToD/RS-232 (DB9)
ToD message NMEA format $GPRMC
Indicators/LEDs Power On, Rb Locked, Track/Sync
General
Power supply 100-240Vac (nominal) at 50/60Hz
via external AC-DC adaptor
Operating temperature 5C to +45 oC
Vibration Unit must be used in a mechanically stable environment free from shock and vibration
Size 270 x 60 x 200mm (w x h x d)
Weight 2kg

Specifications are taken from the manufacturer's documentation. See the datasheet for complete and current values.

Applications

  • Laboratory frequency reference
  • Laboratory time and phase reference
  • Reference clock for Calnex test equipment
  • Timing and synchronization testing

Documents & Resources

Rb/GPS Reference Source Datasheet
datasheet · PDF