Chip scale atomic clock uses CPT for stability
The coherent population trap (CPT) method is used to obtain a stable frequency in the latest member of IQD’s rubidium oscillator portfolio, the ICPT-1 atomic clock.
The chip scale atomic clock uses a laser to induce quantum transitions; conventional rubidium oscillators detect the atomic transition with the help of a rubidium discharge lamp (Rb lamp). One advantage of the laser is reduced power consumption. Additionally, the life cycle of a Rb lamp is very limited – typically around 10 years – whereby the laser has a much longer life expectancy, says IQD.
Users can connect either an external 1 PPS input or take the internal clock for a 1 PPS output for synchronisation, according to the application. Whilst in free running mode, it relies on the internal clock of the ICPT-1 as the source of the 1 PPS signal for holdover. Digital frequency adjustment and optional one second time of day (TOD) counter can be accessed via a UART serial communication interface.
Housed in a 36.0 x 45.0 x 14.5mm package, the ICPT-1 is smaller compared to traditional rubidium oscillators and comes with a current consumption of only 500mA at 3.3V (typical). Other characteristics are a frequency tolerance of 0.05 ppb, short term stability of 0.09 ppb at Tau = 1s and ageing of only 0.03 ppb per day.
The ICPT-1 is suitable for synchronisation or as reference clock in satellite and secure communications, navigation systems and also in financial, utility, security and communications timing applications.
Backed by over 40 years’ experience in the manufacture of frequency products, IQD specialises in the frequency control market and is part of the Würth Elektronik eiSos Group. IQD has active customers in over 80 countries and offers a range of frequency products, from low cost commercial grade product to those used in high reliability industrial and automotive applications. The portfolio includes quartz crystals, clock oscillators, AEC-Q200 crystals and oscillators, VCXOs, TCXOs, OCVCSOs and OCXOs, GPS disciplined OCXOs, and rubidium oscillators.
Würth Elektronik eiSos Group is a manufacturer of electronic and electromechanical components for the electronics industry. It is active in 50 countries and has production sites in Europe, Asia and North America.
Its product range includes EMC components, inductors, transformers, RF components, varistors, capacitors, resistors, quartz crystals, oscillators, power modules, wireless power transfer, LEDs, sensors, connectors, power supply elements, switches, push-buttons, connection technology, fuse holders and wireless data transmission products.
