An Improved 5 MHz Reference Oscillator for Time and Frequency Standard Applications

An improved 5 MHz reference oscillator for use in time and frequency standards has been developed. This oscillator, using an improved crystal unit, reaches a long term drift rate of less than 1×10-11 per day in a few days. The design includes precautions for reduction of effects of conducted electrical noise on the output frequency. Modular design of functional circuits provides ease of manufacture and uniformity of the product. Stabilized temperature control circuits have been utilized to provide improved oven performance. The oscillator has been tested for the effects on frequency and phase stability of power supply variation, changes in thermal environment, modulation by electrical noise, and mechanical vibration. Phase noise within the range of 100 Hz through 5.0 kHz varies from -120 dB to -125 dB.