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Inside Frequency Control

CMOS vs. LVCMOS: Which Is the Best Output Signal for Your Application?

Posted by Bliley Technologies on Sep 30, 2024 9:00:00 AM

One of the most important choices an RF engineer will make is deciding what kind of output signal is the best fit for the project they’re working on.

There are many benefits to complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) outputs, but there are different variations on this technology. Some types are more appropriate for certain applications than others.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of low-voltage CMOS (LVCMOS) outputs and how they differ from standard CMOS.

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Topics: crystal oscillators, RF Technology

CMOS Clocks: Common & Advanced Applications

Posted by Bliley Technologies on Sep 27, 2024 9:00:00 AM

Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) clocks are a key technology that enables everything from laptops and smartphones to satellites and spacecraft. But what exactly do these devices do, and how are they beneficial in extreme environments and demanding applications?

In this article, we'll give a quick overview of the benefits of CMOS clocks and how RF engineers put them to work in some of the most challenging applications.

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Topics: crystal oscillators, Clocks & Crystals, RF Technology

The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding CMOS Clocks

Posted by Bliley Technologies on Sep 26, 2024 9:00:00 AM

There are so many different devices and products for frequency generation and timing, and with all the acronyms and complex terminology of the RF industry, it can be confusing trying to understand what each type of clock or oscillator does.

In this article, we’re going to help clear up some of the confusion around CMOS clocks. We’ll cover what these devices are, why they're important, and how to know if they're the best fit for your application.

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Topics: Clocks & Crystals, RF Technology

Breaking Down the RF Frequency Spectrum: Which Bandwidth Is Best for Your Application?

Posted by Bliley Technologies on Sep 18, 2024 9:00:00 AM

Harnessing the electromagnetic spectrum was one of the greatest technological leaps in human history. So many luxuries and necessities, products, services, and systems we take for granted are all in some way linked to electromagnetic technologies that make use of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum.

But as anyone who works in the RF industry knows, the first order of business when designing a new product or system is to determine what frequency band of RF spectrum is the best fit for the application.

That’s why we’ve taken the time to put together this guide that explains which applications each RF bandwidth range is best suited for, and which is the best fit for your project.

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Topics: RF Technology

How TCXOs Improve Oscillator Stability & Aging with Low Power Consumption

Posted by Bliley Technologies on Sep 3, 2024 9:00:00 AM

RF engineers are always trying to improve the performance of the systems they work on, but a perfect, 100% stable signal that never deviates from the intended frequency will probably never be attainable. The toll that the physical environment and time will take on a crystal remains a fact of life.

But that doesn’t stop us from always working towards getting as close to possible to that ideal. The effects of the physical environment and time can both be mitigated by selecting a high-quality quartz crystal oscillator. Picking the right one for the job depends on the application and other factors, like the amount of power available.

In this article, we will make the case that for those who are trying to minimize the effects of aging and improve stability without using a lot of power, a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) might be the right solution.

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Topics: crystal oscillators

Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillators (TCXOs): Performance & Common Types

Posted by Rob Rutkowski on Aug 27, 2024 9:00:00 AM

Temperature compensated crystal oscillators (TCXOs) are widely used in applications where accurate frequency sources are needed. Because they're less expensive and smaller than oven controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs), they offer an ideal solution for many portable units that require a reasonably accurate source.

In this blog, we'll review several performance qualities of TCXOs, as well as four common types. 

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Topics: crystal oscillators

4 Applications That Require Ultra-Stable Oscillators

Posted by Rob Rutkowski on Aug 8, 2024 9:00:00 AM

You've probably heard of ultra-stable oscillators, but what are they good for? Just by the name, you can probably tell they're great for maintaining frequency stability in applications. But what specific applications require very high stability to perform optimally? 

In this blog, we'll discuss the top four applications for ultra-stable oven controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs).

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Topics: RF Technology, Integrated RF

GPSDOs for CubeSats & Other SmallSats: GPS Disciplined Oscillator Design & Architecture

Posted by Bliley Technologies on Jul 31, 2024 9:00:00 AM

GPS disciplined oscillators (GPSDOs) are becoming a necessary component for CubeSats and other small satellites (SmallSats).

GPSDOs are comprised of a Global Position System (GPS) receiver, an oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO), and a phased-locked loop (PLL). In this blog, you'll get a deeper look into how GPSDOs are designed to help achieve mission success for your small satellite applications.

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Topics: GPS & GNSS

4 Common Sources of Vibration & Micro-Vibration in Satellites & Spacecrafts

Posted by Rob Rutkowski on Jul 30, 2024 9:00:00 AM

To make the long journey to earth's orbit or beyond, spacecrafts must be designed to have very precise functionality. Even simple vibrations during pre-launch transportation and powered flight can interfere with the spacecraft’s functionality. These simple vibrations come from many different sources and can inhibit the spacecraft from reaching its full potential.

Spacecraft engineers must also be concerned about very small vibrations, known as micro-vibrations, from a spacecraft’s own moving parts as it operates in orbit. Micro-vibrations are typically sinusoidal with the chance of some integer harmonics and random vibration being present.

In this blog, we'll discuss four of the most common sources of vibration and micro-vibration in satellites and spacecrafts, and how you can reduce or prevent them in your application. 

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Topics: crystal oscillators, RF Technology, Space & Satellites

GPSDOs vs. Atomic Clocks: Which Work Best for LEO, MEO, & GEO Satellites?

Posted by Bliley Technologies on Jul 22, 2024 9:00:00 AM

We've seen some confusion over which timing device works best in satellite communication applications. Should you use a standard oscillator (OCXO), a GPS disciplined oscillator (GPSDO), or an atomic clock in your satellite?

The short answer is, "it depends." You'll need to choose your timing device based on on your specific needs, limitations, and operational orbit. Let's take a look at each operational orbit (LEO, MEO, and GEO) and which types of timing devices their satellites require.

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Topics: Space & Satellites, Integrated RF

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