Lombardi, M.
(2008),
The Use of GPS Disciplined Oscillators as Primary Frequency Standards for Calibration Laboratories, Proc. NCSLI Conf., Orlando, FL, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=842470
(Accessed April 25, 2024)
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The Use of GPS Disciplined Oscillators as Primary Frequency Standards for Calibration Laboratories
Published
Author(s)
Abstract
Many calibration and testing facilities now employ a Global Positioning System disciplined oscillator (GPSDO) as their primary frequency standard. GPSDOs have the advantage of being much less expensive than cesium oscillators, and in theory, serve as "self-calibrating" standards that should not require adjustment or calibration. This makes them an attractive choice for many laboratories. However, there are some performance characteristics that make a GPSDO less suitable for some applications than a cesium. This paper explores the use of GPSDOs in calibration laboratories. It discusses how GPSDOs work, how measurement traceability can be established with a GPSDO, and how their performance can vary significantly from model to model. It also discusses possible GPSDO failure modes, and why a calibration laboratory needs to be able to verify whether or not a GPSDO is working properly.Proceedings Title
Proc. NCSLI Conf.
Conference Dates
August 3-7, 2008
Conference Location
Orlando, FL
Pub Type
Conferences
Download Paper
Keywords
calibration, frequency, GPS, traceability, uncertainty
Citation
Created August 4, 2008, Updated February 17, 2017