New ultra-low phase noise OCXO launched

Update: September 30, 2021

RFX has released its new high-performance OS936-10 series OCXO that provides close-in phase noise at 130dBc/Hz @10Hz and far-out phase noise as low as -178dBc/Hz @ 100kHz. Phase noise in systems is an essential parameter, for instance, high-performance radar systems rely on the detection of extremely faint return signals from the target and the lower the phase noise the sharper the return and greater the range. Digital systems recognise the effect of phase noise in the time domain as jitter, the lower the phase noise the lower the jitter and communication systems see the effect of phase noise in signal bandwidth, the lower the phase noise, the lower the bandwidth required, which can influence channel width.

Offered at the industry standard 10MHz frequency and includes a high-performance noise-optimised SC-Cut crystal, short term ageing over 30 days is ±0.1ppb maximum per day while long term ageing is ±50ppb maximum per year after 30 days’ continuous operation. With an optimised control and heating circuit design, the device offers frequency stability of ±10ppb over the wide -40C to 70C operating temperature range.

The standard device is offered with a supply voltage of 12VDC and sine wave output compatibility, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. However, due to the flexible nature of the design, alternative supply voltages (3.3VDC, 5VDC or 24VDC) and output compatibilities to suit virtually any application can be easily developed to satisfy individual customer demands.

Housed in a 36mm x 26.5mm package with a height of just 10mm, the new model also includes an electronic trim option of ±0.5ppm minimum (2.25±2.25VDC). Fully RoHS compliant, the series meets vibration, mechanical and thermal shock to MIL standard 202F.

Typical applications include base stations, instrumentation, defence communications, optical networking, radar, repeater stations, satellite test and measurement equipment.