OCXOs
OCXO stands for Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator. It is a type of crystal oscillator that uses a temperature-controlled oven to maintain the crystal and oscillator circuit at a constant temperature, making it more stable and accurate than other types of crystal oscillators, such as XOs, VCXOs and TCXOs.
As experts in frequency control products and crystal oscillators of all types, Golledge Electronics can readily provide a wide range of OCXOs to suit the needs of your projects and builds.
All of our OCXO products have been carefully chosen due to their reliability, high-performance and large range of developed frequencies and specifications.
Please browse through our OCXO products below or use the search bar function to find the exact product you are looking for.
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What are Oven Controlled Oscillators (OCXOs) used for?
Similar to most crystal oscillators, OCXOs are commonly used in applications where extremely precise frequency control is required.
Some of the most common and well-known uses for OCXOs include:
- Telecommunications: OCXOs are used in telecom equipment for clock synchronization and RF signal stability across the network. They must retain the system timing in the event of loss of GPS derived timing signals, a feature called holdover.
- Instrumentation: OCXOs are used in laboratory and test equipment, such as signal generators and frequency counters, for stable and accurate frequency references.
- Broadcasting: Broadcast equipment utilizes OCXOs for accurate timing and synchronization of audio and video signals.
- Computing: OCXOs are used in high-performance computing systems, such as supercomputers and servers, for precise timing and synchronization of system events.
If you would like more information on OCXOs, how they are used or the range of products we have available, get in touch with one of our experts today.
How does an OCXO differ from other crystal oscillators?
OCXOs differ from other crystal oscillators, such as TCXOs (Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillators) and standard crystal oscillators, in their method of temperature stabilization. OCXOs maintain high stability by physically controlling the temperature of the crystal, whereas TCXOs adjust the frequency electronically in response to temperature changes. This makes OCXOs more stable but also larger and more power-hungry than TCXOs.
What are the typical applications of OCXOs?
OCXOs are commonly used in telecommunications, military, and aerospace applications where high frequency stability is crucial, regardless of environmental conditions. They are also employed in precise timing applications, such as GPS, network synchronization, and base stations.
What factors affect the performance of an OCXO?
The performance of an OCXO can be influenced by several factors, including the quality of the crystal, the design of the oven and temperature control system, ambient temperature fluctuations, power supply variations, and aging of the crystal.
How do I choose the right OCXO for my application?
Choosing the right OCXO involves considering several parameters, including frequency stability requirements, operating temperature range, power consumption, size constraints, and cost. It's essential to balance these factors against the specific needs of your application, possibly consulting with manufacturers or experts in frequency control solutions.
Can OCXOs be used in space applications?
Yes, OCXOs can be used in space applications, but they must meet specific requirements for radiation hardness, reliability, and power efficiency. MIL-COTS OCXOs are often selected for space missions due to their enhanced performance and durability under extreme conditions.
How do environmental conditions affect OCXO performance?
OCXOs are designed to minimize the impact of environmental conditions on frequency stability. However, extreme conditions beyond the specified operating range, such as very high or low temperatures, humidity, and mechanical shock or vibration, can still affect performance. Manufacturers typically specify the tolerance of their OCXOs to these conditions.
What maintenance do OCXOs require?
OCXOs generally require minimal maintenance due to their design. However, it is crucial to ensure that the power supply remains stable and to avoid exposing the device to environmental conditions outside its specified operating range. Additionally, recalibration might be necessary over time to account for the natural aging of the crystal.
What are Oven Controlled Oscillators (OCXOs) used for?
OCXOs are used in applications where extremely precise frequency control is required, such as telecommunications, instrumentation, broadcasting, and high-performance computing. They ensure stable and accurate frequency references in various systems.
What factors affect the performance of an OCXO?
Several factors can affect the performance of an OCXO, including the quality of the crystal, the design of the oven and temperature control system, ambient temperature fluctuations, power supply variations, and aging of the crystal.
How do I choose the right OCXO for my application?
Choosing the right OCXO involves considering parameters like frequency stability requirements, operating temperature range, power consumption, size constraints, and cost. It's important to balance these factors against the specific needs of your application.
How do environmental conditions affect OCXO performance?
OCXOs are designed to minimise the impact of environmental conditions on frequency stability. However, extreme conditions beyond the specified operating range, such as very high or low temperatures, humidity, and mechanical shock or vibration, can still affect performance.
What maintenance do OCXOs require?
OCXOs generally require minimal maintenance due to their design. However, it's important to ensure stable power supply and avoid exposing the device to environmental conditions outside its specified operating range. Recalibration might be necessary over time to account for natural crystal aging.
Are there different types of OCXOs available?
Yes, there are various types of OCXOs available to suit different applications and performance requirements. These include traditional OCXOs with analog temperature control circuits, digitally controlled OCXOs (DCXOs) with digital temperature compensation, and miniature OCXOs for space-constrained environments.
Can OCXOs be used in mobile devices or portable equipment?
While OCXOs provide exceptional frequency stability, they are typically larger and consume more power than other oscillator types like TCXOs. As a result, they are less suitable for mobile devices or portable equipment where size and power efficiency are prioritised.
What is holdover capability, and why is it important in OCXOs?
Holdover capability refers to an OCXO's ability to maintain accurate timing and frequency stability in the absence of an external reference signal, such as GPS. This feature is crucial in telecommunications and network synchronisation applications to ensure uninterrupted operation during signal loss or downtime.
How long does it take for an OCXO to reach its stable operating temperature?
The time it takes for an OCXO to reach its stable operating temperature depends on factors such as the design of the temperature control system and the ambient temperature conditions. Typically, most OCXOs stabilize within a few minutes to hours after power-on.
Can OCXOs operate in harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures or high humidity?
OCXOs are designed to operate reliably in a wide range of environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, high humidity, and mechanical shock or vibration.
However, it's essential to select OCXOs with appropriate environmental ratings and specifications for specific applications and operating environments.