THE CRYSTAL OSCILLATOR CHARACTERIZATION FACILITY AT THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION

At the present time, there is a need by the military for small, low-power, fast-warmup, and low g-sensitivity crystal oscillators for use in GPS receivers and transmitters in handheld survival radios and smart munitions. These units require a stable frequency source (crystal oscillators or small rubidium atomic clocks) for their operation. A variety of crystal oscillators are now on the market, and there is a need to evaluate the latest technology so that performance can be compared and evaluated. Insight into the characteristics of the various classes of crystal oscillators used by the contractors enables The Aerospace Corporation to identify the performance risks early in program development, which helps avoid schedule delays and later cost impacts. This paper describes a modernized clock-oscillator measurement facility that has been established at Aerospace to characterize these frequency sources in support of the military programs