Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Compact Device for Precise Distribution of Time and Frequency Signal

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
MAPAN Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The present article describes the design and development of a universal device for precise and accurate distribution of time or frequency signal, i.e., one pulse per second (PPS) or 10 MHz and 5 MHz sinusoidal signal generated from an atomic clock or ensemble of atomic clocks. The frequency distribution unit provides four identical outputs of excellent stability along with suppression of all high harmonics by more than 50 dB with respect to the fundamental frequency. For time (PPS) distribution, all four outputs also provide very much similar signal as the input with excellent stability. The rising time of the output pulses is very much similar to the input pulse and stays within 3 ns.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. A. Bauch, Handbook on Selection and use of Precise Frequency and Time Systems, Radio Communication Bureau, (1997), 24–29.

  2. J. Zhiheng, V. Zhang, T.E. Parker, G. Petit, Y.J. Huang, D. Piester and A. Joseph, Improving two-way satellite time and frequency transfer with redundant links for UTC generation. Metrologia, 56 (2019) 025005.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  3. J. Savory, S. Romisch, L. Hernandez, K. Maurer, Local distribution and calibration of timing signals at NIST, Proc. 48th annual precise time and time interval systems and applications meeting, Monterey, California (2017), 326–334.

  4. J.A. Barnes, Atomic timekeeping and the statistics of precision signal generators. Proc. IEEE, 54 (1966) 207–220.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. D.D. McCarthy and P.K. Seidelmann, Time—from earth rotation to atomic physics. Wiley, Hoboken (2009), pp. 249–261.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  6. D. H. Phillips, R. E. Phillips and J. J. O'Neill, Time and frequency transfer via microwave link, Proc. 24th annual symposium on frequency control, Atlantic City (1970), 41–60.

  7. J. Savory, J. Sherman and S. Romisch, White rabbit-based time distribution at NIST, Proc. IEEE international frequency control symposium (IFCS), Olympic Valley, CA (2018), 1–5.

  8. K. Jungwon, J.A. Cox, C. Jian and X.K. Franz, Drift-free femtosecond timing synchronization of remote optical and microwave sources. Nat. Photon., 2 (2008) 733–736.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Y. Li, B. Noseworthy, J. Laird, T. Winters and T. Carlin, A study of precision of hardware time stamping packet traces, Proc. international symposium on precision clock synchronization for measurement, control, and communication (ISPCS), Austin, TX (2014), 102–107.

  10. R. Szplet, P. Kwiatkowski, K. Różyc, M. Sawicki and Z. Jachna, Modular time interval counter, Proc. European frequency and time forum (EFTF), Neuchatel, Switzerland (2014), 494–497.

  11. F. G. Ascarrunz, A high resolution phase and frequency offset generator, Proc. IEEE international frequency control symposium, Pasadena, CA (1998), 390–391.

  12. R. Szplet, Z. Jachna, K. Rozyc and J. Kalisz, High precision time and frequency counter for mobile applications. WSEAS Trans. Circ. Syst., 9 (2010) 399–409.

    Google Scholar 

  13. T. Patrizi and P. Gérard, Precise time scales and navigation systems: mutual benefits of timekeeping and positioning. Satell. Navig., 1 (2020) s43020.

    Google Scholar 

  14. A. Jeanmaire, P. Rochat and F. Emma, Rubidium atomic clock for Galileo, Proc. 31th annual precise time and time interval systems and applications meeting, Dana Point, California (1999), 627–636.

  15. J. Kim, F. O. Ilday, F. Kaertner, O. Muecke and M. Perrott, Large-scale timing distribution and RF-synchronization for FEL facilities, Proc. international free electron laser conference, Trieste, Italy (2004), 339–342.

  16. C. W. Nelson, F. L. Walls, M. Sicarrdi, and A. De Marchi, A new 5 and 10 MHz high isolation distribution amplifier, Proc. 48th annual symposium on frequency control, Boston, USA (1994), 567–571.

  17. F. L. Walls, S. R. Stein, J. E. Gray, and D. J. Glaze, Design considerations in state-of-the-art signal processing and phase noise measurement systems, Proc. 30th annual symposium on frequency control, Atlantic City, NJ, USA (1976), 269–274.

  18. D.W. Allan, Statistics of atomic frequency standards. Proc. IEEE, 54 (1966) 221–230.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  19. D. W. Allan and J. A. Barnes, A modified “Allan Variance” with increased oscillator characterization ability, Proc. 35th annual frequency control symposium, Philadelphia, USA (1981), 470–475.

  20. L. G. Bernier, Theoretical analysis of the modified Allan variance, Proc. 41st annual symposium on frequency control, Philadelphia, USA (1987), 116–121.

  21. Datasheet - Microsemi 5071A, https://www.microsemi.com/product-directory/cesium-frequency-references/4115-5071a-cesium-primary-frequency-standard.

Download references

Funding

H. K. Rathore and Neelam thank University Grants Commission (UGC) for providing fellowship for research and development work in this field. S. Utreja thanks to Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for research fellowship.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi, 110012, India

    H. K. Rathore, A. Roy,  Neelam, S. Utreja, Lakhi Sharma & S. Panja

  2. Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India

    H. K. Rathore,  Neelam, S. Utreja, Lakhi Sharma & S. Panja

  3. Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Staudtstr. 2, 91058, Erlangen, Germany

    A. Roy

  4. Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Post Bag 4, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411007, India

    S. De

Authors
  1. H. K. Rathore
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. A. Roy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Neelam
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. S. Utreja
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Lakhi Sharma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. S. De
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. S. Panja
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Panja.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Rathore, H.K., Roy, A., Neelam et al. A Compact Device for Precise Distribution of Time and Frequency Signal. MAPAN 36, 237–242 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12647-021-00460-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12647-021-00460-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation