MCXOs deliver OCXO-level stability and high radiation tolerance
According to Q-Tech, microcomputer-compensated crystal oscillators (MCXOs) deliver superior size, weight, and power over comparable oven-controlled (OCXO) devices for space applications. The company has introduced the QT2021 series of MCXOs which provide OCXO-level temperature stability (up to ±20ppb over -40 to +85 degrees C) while consuming a maximum of 90mW. This, said the company is 30 orders of magnitude lower than comparable OCXOs.
Key features of the QT2021 series are radiation tolerance to 50kRad(Si) TID, single event latch-up (SEL) of 75MeV-cm2/mg (min) and high shock and vibration tolerance with G-sensitivity of 1ppb/g.
The QT2021 small form factor package weighs just 50g, whereas comparable oven-controlled (OCXO) units weigh 100g or more, said Q-Tech. The “significant” improvement in size, weight, and power (SWaP) makes the oscillators an option for a wide array of advanced and demanding space applications, said the company.
Q-Tech’s QT2021 MCXO uses a high-stability overtone SC-cut crystal with microprocessor-controlled compensation. The self-temperature sensing resonator, using a dual-mode oscillator, which virtually eliminates thermometry-related errors, claimed Q-Tech and it is this which results in OCXO-level stability.
“When MCXOs were first developed in the early 2000s, space- and rad hard-level digital components were very costly, which meant an MCXO space-level product would be prohibitively expensive,” said Scott Sentz, Q-Tech’s director of marketing and sales. He added that the company’s “engineering expertise” and use of “advanced microcontrollers and other digital devices that are rad tolerant” has enabled it to break “the barrier of space limitations for MCXOs”.
The series is offered with standard frequencies of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 80MHz, with either CMOS or Sine wave logic outputs with low phase noise and jitter.
Q-Tech was founded in 1972 to provide crystal clock oscillators and frequency control solutions for companies with demanding applications. It claims to be the leading US manufacturer of qualified products to MIL-PRF-55310 as well as high reliability standards such as Aerospace Corporation TOR (GPS III) and NASA GSFC specifications. Q-Tech services the military, aerospace, down-hole and deep space industries. It is certified to the AS9100 and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems. The Company maintains sales capabilities throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
