---
title: Inside Frequency Control | Bliley Technologies   | engineering
description: engineering | Bliley Technologies has been a leader in low phase frequency control products for more than 80 years. Our blog discusses radio frequency, electronic design, and industry news.
---

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# Inside Frequency Control

## [Ka-Band & Ku-Band Systems: Basics & RF Design Considerations](https://blog.bliley.com/rf-design-considerations-for-ka-ku-band-systems)

 Posted by [Bliley Technologies](https://blog.bliley.com/author/bliley-technologies) on Jun 19, 2024 9:00:00 AM

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[![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ka-band-ku-band-systems.jpg?width=441&height=245&name=ka-band-ku-band-systems.jpg)](https://blog.bliley.com/rf-design-considerations-for-ka-ku-band-systems)

What's the difference between Ka-band and Ku-band systems? In this article, we explore what they are,  what sets them apart, the advantages of each, and the design considerations you should keep in mind. 

[Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/rf-design-considerations-for-ka-ku-band-systems)

 3 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/rf-design-considerations-for-ka-ku-band-systems#comments-listing)

 Topics: [engineering](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering), [crystal oscillators](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/crystal-oscillators), [RF Technology](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/rf-technology), [Space & Satellites](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/space-satellites)

## [OCXO 101: Anatomy of an Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator](https://blog.bliley.com/anatomy-of-an-ocxo-oven-controlled-crystal-oscillator)

 Posted by [Bliley Technologies](https://blog.bliley.com/author/bliley-technologies) on Dec 12, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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[![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/anatomy-of-ocxo_.jpg?width=441&height=245&name=anatomy-of-ocxo_.jpg)](https://blog.bliley.com/anatomy-of-an-ocxo-oven-controlled-crystal-oscillator)

The oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) is near the top of the food chain when it comes to quartz-based frequency control devices, superseded only by the mighty double oven crystal oscillator ([DOCXO](https://blog.bliley.com/the-double-oven-controlled-crystal-oscillator-when-to-use-it)).

In this blog, we'll review the basics of how an OCXO works, the terms you need to know, how to determine the turning point, and the differences between AT and SC crystal cuts. 

[Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/anatomy-of-an-ocxo-oven-controlled-crystal-oscillator)

 5 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/anatomy-of-an-ocxo-oven-controlled-crystal-oscillator#comments-listing)

 Topics: [engineering](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering), [crystal oscillators](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/crystal-oscillators), [Clocks & Crystals](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/clocks-crystals)

## [The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Phase Noise](https://blog.bliley.com/ultimate-guide-to-phase-noise)

 Posted by [Bliley Technologies](https://blog.bliley.com/author/bliley-technologies) on Jun 15, 2023 9:00:00 AM

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[![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ultimate-Guide-to-Phase-Noise-.jpg?width=441&height=245&name=Ultimate-Guide-to-Phase-Noise-.jpg)](https://blog.bliley.com/ultimate-guide-to-phase-noise)

Maintaining strong frequency stability in electronic RF circuits by eliminating phase noise is important in many high-end communication applications. This is especially true for precise targeting in radar systems and spectral purity in other communication systems.

Let's take a deep dive into exactly what the terms phase noise and jitter mean. This will help give you a better idea why reducing a system's phase noise is so important. 

[Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/ultimate-guide-to-phase-noise)

 12 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/ultimate-guide-to-phase-noise#comments-listing)

 Topics: [engineering](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering), [crystal oscillators](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/crystal-oscillators)

## [Top 18 CAD Tools for RF and Microwave Design Engineers](https://blog.bliley.com/18-cad-tools-every-rf-and-microwave-design-engineer-should-consider)

 Posted by [Bliley Technologies](https://blog.bliley.com/author/bliley-technologies) on Sep 27, 2022 9:00:00 AM

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[![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Graphics/18%20CAD%20Tools%20Updated.png?width=441&height=245&name=18%20CAD%20Tools%20Updated.png)](https://blog.bliley.com/18-cad-tools-every-rf-and-microwave-design-engineer-should-consider)

## **RF and Microwave Design can be ENJOYABLE...**

Don't believe me? Many of us already know how designing can easily become extremely long, boring, and tedious. This is especially true for all you RF and Microwave Design Engineers!

Spending hours upon hours [designing, finding problems, fixing problems](https://resources.bliley.com/rf-design-guidelines), then repeating the process all over again...It all can become so mentally draining.

Am I bringing back bad memories? Sorry, time for the good news...

So how can you make the long and tedious design process easy (and possibly even *enjoyable*)? 

You guessed it... **Automation and design tools are key. **

Having some great CAD tools on your side can release a significant burden off your back. These tools can save you time and dramatically increase your productivity. Our [Top 4 Productivity and collaboration tools](https://blog.bliley.com/4-free-productivity-and-collaboration-tools-that-take-bliley-further) will help skyrocket your productivity even further.

Today, we thought we'd help you out by sharing these 18 CAD design tools that can lead to a more simple & [enjoyable design session](https://blog.bliley.com/5-simple-steps-for-truly-effective-design-reviews).

**[\*\*Related Post: Check out our picks for the 5 best laptops for engineers.\*\*](https://blog.bliley.com/5-great-laptops-for-engineers)**

[Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/18-cad-tools-every-rf-and-microwave-design-engineer-should-consider)

 18 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/18-cad-tools-every-rf-and-microwave-design-engineer-should-consider#comments-listing)

 Topics: [engineering](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering), [General Topics](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/general-topics), [general](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/general)

## [6 Best Spectrum Analyzers to Upgrade Your Electronics Lab (2022)](https://blog.bliley.com/6-spectrum-analyzers-to-upgrade-your-electronics-lab)

 Posted by [Bliley Technologies](https://blog.bliley.com/author/bliley-technologies) on Aug 26, 2021 9:15:00 AM

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[![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Spectrum-Analyzers-Graphic.jpg?width=441&height=245&name=Spectrum-Analyzers-Graphic.jpg)](https://blog.bliley.com/6-spectrum-analyzers-to-upgrade-your-electronics-lab)

Is your electronics lab in need of an [upgrade](https://blog.bliley.com/test-equipment-engineering-electronics-lab)? It's important to keep your equipment up to date with the latest and greatest technology to keep getting the best results (and therefore a more effective product). In this post, we're going to look at 6 spectrum analyzers that will work (and look) great in your lab. 

[Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/6-spectrum-analyzers-to-upgrade-your-electronics-lab)

 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/6-spectrum-analyzers-to-upgrade-your-electronics-lab#comments-listing)

 Topics: [engineering](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering), [RF Technology](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/rf-technology), [General Topics](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/general-topics), [Engineering Equiptment](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering-equiptment)

## [5 MUST HAVE Pieces of Test Equipment For Any Electronics Lab](https://blog.bliley.com/test-equipment-engineering-electronics-lab)

 Posted by [Bliley Technologies](https://blog.bliley.com/author/bliley-technologies) on Aug 26, 2021 7:45:00 AM

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[![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Test%20Equipment.png?width=441&height=245&name=Test%20Equipment.png)](https://blog.bliley.com/test-equipment-engineering-electronics-lab)

Hi there! You must be looking to upgrade your engineering electronics lab with the latest and greatest test equipment on the market today. Well good news...this is the place to be! Cool engineers only please...meaning all of you.

[Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/test-equipment-engineering-electronics-lab)

 3 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/test-equipment-engineering-electronics-lab#comments-listing)

 Topics: [engineering](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering), [RF Technology](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/rf-technology), [General Topics](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/general-topics), [Engineering Equiptment](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering-equiptment)

## [Key Developments in mmWave Radio Spectrum Research](https://blog.bliley.com/key-developments-in-mmwave-radio-spectrum-research)

 Posted by [Bliley Technologies](https://blog.bliley.com/author/bliley-technologies) on Apr 29, 2020 8:15:00 AM

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[![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Key_Developments_mmW.png?width=441&height=245&name=Key_Developments_mmW.png)](https://blog.bliley.com/key-developments-in-mmwave-radio-spectrum-research)

## **5G Wireless is Right Around the Corner thanks to mmWave**

Fifth generation wireless systems are not far from becoming a reality, thanks to recent research being done on the millimeter wave (mmWave) radio spectrum.

Experts agree the way forward is to manufacture mass deployable wireless devices across a range of markets and for different applications. Among other things, these applications include mobile computing and data processing over networks. The technology also has applications in the field of medicine and healthcare.

[Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/key-developments-in-mmwave-radio-spectrum-research)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/key-developments-in-mmwave-radio-spectrum-research#comments-listing)

 Topics: [engineering](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering), [RF Technology](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/rf-technology)

## [5 Best Benchtop Digital Multimeters](https://blog.bliley.com/5-best-benchtop-digital-multimeters)

 Posted by [Bliley Technologies](https://blog.bliley.com/author/bliley-technologies) on Feb 4, 2020 11:21:00 PM

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[![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Top5-Benchtop-Multimeters.png?width=441&height=245&name=Top5-Benchtop-Multimeters.png)](https://blog.bliley.com/5-best-benchtop-digital-multimeters)

Go into any electronics lab and you will undoubtably see a bench top multimeter.  The humble benchtop digital multimeter is a staple of any lane and is one of the most fundamental and highly used pieces of test equipment for electronic design. 

*\*\*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you.*

As the name implies, the digital multimeter is useful for a wide range of measurements and tests.  Bench top digital multimeters, or DMMs, can be used to to make the basic (Ohm’s Law) measurements:

- Measure resistance
- Measure voltage
- Measure current

[Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/5-best-benchtop-digital-multimeters)

 5 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/5-best-benchtop-digital-multimeters#comments-listing)

 Topics: [engineering](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering), [General Topics](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/general-topics), [Engineering Equiptment](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering-equiptment)

## [5 Great Engineering Laptops (Plus Free CAD Tool Guide)](https://blog.bliley.com/5-great-laptops-for-engineers)

 Posted by [Bliley Technologies](https://blog.bliley.com/author/bliley-technologies) on Feb 4, 2020 11:17:00 PM

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[![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/5%20Great%20Laptops%20for%20Engineers%20(2).png?width=441&height=245&name=5%20Great%20Laptops%20for%20Engineers%20(2).png)](https://blog.bliley.com/5-great-laptops-for-engineers)

## **Finding the Best Performing Engineering Laptop**

Our engineering team at Bliley is growing, which is great, but it also introduces some new challenges for small business like ours... finding the best performing engineering laptops for our engineers.

We want to give our engineers [the best tools](https://blog.bliley.com/top-5-productivity-and-organizational-tools-for-2017) available and create an environment where they can be their most innovative and do the best work of their careers.  Of course, a key to this whole equation is the technology they use day-to-day to get those next generations products designed. We recently kicked off a search for the best laptops that are perfect for engineering workloads. As you can probably imagine, the ideal laptop for an engineer needs to have great compute and graphics power.

[Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/5-great-laptops-for-engineers)

 12 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/5-great-laptops-for-engineers#comments-listing)

 Topics: [engineering](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering), [General Topics](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/general-topics), [general](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/general), [Engineering Equiptment](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering-equiptment)

## [12 Engineering Thought Leaders You Should Follow On Twitter](https://blog.bliley.com/12-engineering-thought-leaders-you-should-follow-on-twitter)

 Posted by [Bliley Technologies](https://blog.bliley.com/author/bliley-technologies) on Feb 4, 2020 1:05:00 PM

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[![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/engineering-thought-leaders.jpeg?width=441&height=245&name=engineering-thought-leaders.jpeg)](https://blog.bliley.com/12-engineering-thought-leaders-you-should-follow-on-twitter)

  

 Twitter has become a great way to keep track of current events, find out what's trending, and see what other people are talking about.  Engineers have been using Twitter since the very beginning to connect and share relevant content.  There are few recognized thought leaders that have amassed followers by the thousands.  They've got some epic engineering content that we think could help inspire, challenge, and inform even the most seasoned engineers.

Without further adu, here is our list of engineering thought leaders that you should be following on Twitter.

[Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/12-engineering-thought-leaders-you-should-follow-on-twitter)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/12-engineering-thought-leaders-you-should-follow-on-twitter#comments-listing)

 Topics: [engineering](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering)

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