A Look at Navigation and Secure AJ Communications Technology and their Relation to Precision Oscillators

Since the advent of miniature Rubidium atomic oscillators, the long sought-after concepts of one-way ranging systems have become fully realized. From the decade-old OMEGA concepts to the future NAVSTAR-GPS network, the miniature atomic oscillator has become, and will continue to be, the heart of the navigation systems. In recent years, however, the spread spectrum communication technology has surfaced and is also becoming more and more integrated with atomic oscillators, reaching formidable A-J (antijam) and systems C³/NAV capabilities through the use of such devices. This paper describes the types of precision oscillators available and compares all the major parameters to help designers select the proper hardware for such systems. In addition, some applications of precision oscillators in existing C³/NAV systems will be given as well as what systems designers can expect from this technology in the near future.