Test & Measurement


Caesium atomic clock provides autonomous precise time

28 June 2023 Test & Measurement

From everyday applications such as mobile phones and banking to complex defence missions, the need for synchronised precise timing and frequency solutions is critical to safeguard and process data as intended. Many of these applications rely on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to provide that precise time and frequency, but GNSS is susceptible to jamming and spoofing attacks. To provide multiple industries – including telecommunications, data centres, metrology, aviation and defence – with a long-term and precise timing and frequency solution, Microchip Technology has announced the 5071B caesium atomic clock that can perform autonomous timekeeping for months, in the event of GNSS denials.

Microchip’s 5071B is the next-generation commercial caesium clock to the existing 5071A, which has been the primary contributor to international time for more than three decades. The 5071B is available in a three-unit height (3U) 19-inch rackmount enclosure, providing a compact product to work in environments where it can be easily transported and secured versus a larger alternative designed specifically for laboratory environments.

The 5071B has upgraded electronic components to address possible obsolescence or non-RoHS circuitry. The product provides 100 ns holdover for more than two months, maintaining system synchronisation when GNSS signals like GPS are denied. For example, this capability would enable a 5G network to remain fully operational for months without GNSS.

As a caesium beam tube product with no deterministic long-term frequency drift, the 5071B provides absolute frequency accuracy of 5E-13 or 500 quadrillionths over all specified environmental conditions for the life of the product.

For military applications requiring rapid deployments for system radars, 5E-13 stability eliminates the need for the acquisition of external synchronisation sources prior to radiating. In satellite communications, this enables the user to broadcast and transmit over very small frequency bands without drifting out of band for the entire duration of the product.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

AI Experts provide product-specific intelligence
Measuretest Test & Measurement
VIAVI Solutions has announced AI Experts, the first addition to its NITRO AI portfolio of AI-driven capabilities with each Expert providing product-specific intelligence.

Read more...
Rugged spectrum analyser
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The HAROGIC PXR Series is designed for maximum durability and performance in the most demanding environments.

Read more...
Setting a new benchmark for high-power DC load testing
Conical Technologies Test & Measurement Power Electronics / Power Management
The new ITECH IT8900G/L high-speed, high-power DC electronic load offers a powerful combination of speed, scalability, precision and high-power density.

Read more...
Locate underground cable faults faster with the Fluke AF2082 A-Frame
Comtest Editor's Choice Test & Measurement
Underground cable faults can lead to costly downtime, service disruptions, and extensive excavation if the fault location is uncertain. The AF2082 simplifies this process by guiding operators directly to the fault point.

Read more...
Compact low-power 32-bit platform
EBV Electrolink DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip’s PIC32CM PL10 microcontroller family expands the company’s Arm Cortex-M0+ portfolio, delivering a compact, low-power 32-bit platform designed for cost-sensitive embedded applications.

Read more...
Precision power for electronics testing
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The PeakTech 6168 switching power supply is a versatile and reliable solution designed for professional applications in laboratories, development environments, service centres, and training facilities.

Read more...
12-bit 1-wire temperature sensing
RS South Africa Test & Measurement
The DS18B20 digital thermometer from Analog Devices provides 9-bit to 12-bit Celsius temperature measurements in the range -55°C to 125°C.

Read more...
Edge AI improves condition monitoring
EBV Electrolink AI & ML
STMicroelectronics has introduced the IIS3DWB10IS, an intelligent MEMS vibration sensor designed for high-performance industrial condition monitoring applications.

Read more...
Ultra-fast wideband RF insight
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The Harogix PXE-200 is a high-performance real-time spectrum analyser designed for demanding RF environments up to 20 GHz.

Read more...
Field calibration made easy
Instrotech Test & Measurement
Built around modern component technology, an intuitive interface, and a rugged IP54-rated housing, Instrotech’s Calog series is engineered for the demands of real industrial field calibration work.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved