Abstract
In this paper, we analyze and design a new type of servo system with noninteger voltage controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) for rubidium atomic frequency standard (RAFS), which does not require fractional frequency synthesizer. By the establishment of the loop equations with noises and drifts, we prove that all the components of the loop can affect its performance index, and in which, RAFS long-term frequency stability is mainly determined by frequency multiplier, quantum system, and servo amplifier; the short-term one is mostly decided by VCXO. Owing to the elimination of the frequency synthesizer and its additive mixing unit, we can reduce phase noise and stray of the servo system, and it is favorable for miniaturizing the RAFS system. In addition, we adopt some targeted optimization measures to improve the frequency stability index. The good short-term frequency stability index is also validated by the test results.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Dupuis R T, Lynch T J, Vaccaro J R, et al. Rubidium frequency standard for the GPS IIF program and modifications for the RAFSMOD program [C]//Proc 23rd International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of the Institute of Navigation. New York: IEEE Press, 2010: 781–788.
Godone A, Levi F, Micalizio S, et al. Frequency-stability performances of the pulsed optically pumped rubidium clock: recent results and future perspectives [J]. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 2007, 56(1): 378–381.
Zhong Da, Mei Ganghua. Study of a high performance rubidium atomic frequency standard [C]//Proc Frequency Control and the European Frequency and Time Forum (FCS), 2011 Joint Conference of the IEEE International. New York: IEEE Press, 2011: 1–3.
Suzuki K, Abe Y, Ishihara N, et al. Small-sized rubidium oscillator [C]//Proc 1998 IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium. New York: IEEE Press, 1998: 73–79.
Xia Baihua, Xie Yonghui, Wang Qin, et al. A Subminiature Microwave Cavity for Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard [C]// Proc 2007 IEEE Frequency Control Symposium. New York: IEEE Press, 2007: 599–601.
Robinson H G, Johnson C E. Narrow 87Rb hyperfine-structure resonances in an evacuated wall-coated cell [J]. Appl Phys Lett, 1982, 40(9): 771–773.
Wang Yiqiu. The Principle of Quantum Frequency Standard [M]. Beijing: Science Press, 1986 (Ch).
Chen Yongtai, Liu Quan. The Principle and Application of Electronics and Communications [M]. Beijing: Higher Education Press, 2011 (Ch).
Vanier J, Tetu M, Bernier L. Transfer of frequency stability from an atomic frequency reference to a quartz-crystal oscillator [J]. Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 1979, IM-28(3): 188–193.
Affolderbach C, Droz F, Mileti G. Experimental demonstration of a compact and high-performance laser-pumped rubidium gas cell atomic frequency standard [J]. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 2006, 55(2): 429–435.
GB/T 12498-1990, Generic Specification of Rubidium Frequency Standard [S]. Beijing: China Standard Press, 1990 (Ch).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Biography: CHEN Yongtai, male, Associate professor, research direction: wireless communication and RAFS electronic circuit.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chen, Y., Xu, D., Shen, Y. et al. Analysis and design of an improved servo system for rubidium atomic frequency standard. Wuhan Univ. J. Nat. Sci. 18, 67–72 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11859-013-0895-y
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11859-013-0895-y
Key words
- rubidium atomic frequency standard (RAFS)
- servo loop
- frequency stability
- non-integer voltage controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO)