Lombardi, M.
(2008),
The Use of GPS Disciplined Oscillators as Primary Frequency Standards for Calibration and Metrology Laboratories, Measure: The Journal of Measurement Science, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=842479
(Accessed December 26, 2024)
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The Use of GPS Disciplined Oscillators as Primary Frequency Standards for Calibration and Metrology Laboratories
Published
Author(s)
Abstract
An increasing number of calibration and metrology laboratories now employ a Global Positioning System disciplined oscillator (GPSDO) as their primary standard for frequency. GPSDOs have the advantage of costing much less than cesium oscillators, and serve as "self-calibrating" standards that should not require adjustment or calibration. These attributes make them an attractive choice for many laboratories. However, a few of their characteristics can make a GPSDO less suitable than a cesium oscillator for some applications. This paper explores the use of GPSDOs in calibration laboratories. It discusses how GPSDOs work, how measurement traceability can be established with a GPSDO, and how their performance can vary significantly from model to model. It also discusses possible GPSDO failure modes, and why a calibration laboratory must be able to verify whether or not a GPSDO is working properly.Citation
Measure: The Journal of Measurement Science
Volume
3
Issue
3
Pub Type
Journals
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Keywords
calibration, frequency, GPS, traceability, uncertainty
Citation
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Created September 1, 2008, Updated February 17, 2017