The difference between the time server is equipped with rubidium clock and OCXO

In modern communication, data processing, industrial control and other systems, the stability and accuracy of clock signals are crucial. As the core component of time synchronization in the system, the optional hardware equipment of the clock server directly affects the reliability and accuracy of the system's operation. Among them, rubidium clocks and OCXO are two common clock sources, and they have significant differences in performance, accuracy, and application scenarios. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the differences between rubidium clocks and OCXO from the aspects of basic principles, performance comparison, application scenarios, etc., to help readers better choose the right clock device.

1. Rubidium clock: high-precision time source

(1)Principle and characteristics

Rubidium bells are based on the physical properties of rubidium atoms and achieve frequency stability through photoelectric conversion. Its frequency stability is extremely high, usually up to ±10^-14, and it is a commonly used reference time source in high-precision time synchronization systems.

(2)Pros:

High precision: Rubidium clocks are one of the most accurate time synchronization devices at present, suitable for scenarios with extremely high requirements for time synchronization, such as finance, power systems, scientific research and other fields.

Strong stability: The frequency stability of rubidium clocks is high, and the long-term operation error is extremely small, making it suitable for long-term operation systems.

No external compensation: rubidium clocks themselves do not need temperature compensation, so they have good environmental adaptability.

(3)Cons:

Higher cost: The manufacturing cost of rubidium clocks is relatively high, making them suitable for occasions with extremely high requirements for time accuracy.

Large power consumption: rubidium clocks have relatively high power consumption, making them unsuitable for devices with strict power consumption requirements.

2. OCXO: temperature compensation type clock　

(1)Principle and characteristics

OCXO is oscillator based on quartz crystals, which achieve frequency stability through temperature compensation circuits. Its frequency error can be compensated for when the temperature changes, so as to maintain good long-term stability.

(2)Pros:

Lower cost: Compared to rubidium clocks, OCXO is less expensive to manufacture, making them suitable for large-scale applications.

Good temperature stability: OCXO passes through the temperature compensation circuit, so that the frequency remains stable when the temperature changes, which is suitable for environments with large temperature differences.

Suitable for Various Environments: OCXO is suitable for a wide range of fields such as industry, communications, and consumer electronics.

(3)Cons:

The accuracy is slightly lower than that of rubidium bells: the frequency stability of OCXO is slightly inferior to rubidium clocks, which is suitable for occasions where accuracy is generally required.

External compensation is required: OCXO usually need to be used with temperature compensation circuits, otherwise the frequency error will increase with temperature changes.

3. When to choose rubidium clock and when to choose OCXO?

Choosing rubidium clocks: suitable for systems that require extremely high time accuracy and must use standard time sources, such as financial transaction systems, power dispatching systems, scientific research experiments, etc.

Choose OCXO: suitable for systems that are cost-sensitive, have large ambient temperature changes, and require general time accuracy, such as industrial control, communication equipment, consumer electronics, etc.

4. Conclusion

In the process of clock server selection, the selection of rubidium clock and OCXO needs to be comprehensively considered according to specific needs. rubidium clocks have excellent performance in terms of accuracy and stability, suitable for high-end application scenarios; OCXO, on the other hand, have more advantages in terms of cost and adaptability, making them suitable for low-to-mid-range applications. With the advancement of technology, high-precision, low-cost clock sources will become more popular in the future, providing more reliable clock support for various systems.

For more information about time server options, please contact our professional suppliers for customized solutions.