Rubidium oscillator
This unit uses a rubidium oscillator to generate its reference master
clock.
Since rubidium oscillators have extremely high precision and high
stability, they are used in GPS satellites and similar applications. In
this master clock generator, we have incorporated a rubidium unit
because it also features short-term stability and high waveform qual-
ity as well as the ability to be used for many years without calibration.
These and other characteristics make it excellent for meeting the
demands of a master clock generator in a high-end audio system.
When shipped new, this unit is set to Rubidium mode, and will use
the built-in rubidium unit to generate the reference clock.
With a frequency precision of ±0.05 ppb (when shipped new) and
a frequency stability of less than ±0.1 ppb at temperatures rang-
ing from −20°C to +65°C, this rubidium unit is able to provide an
extremely stable audio clock.
This master clock generator can also be connected to a GPS receiver
for GPS-linked operation.
By inputting a GPS 1pps signal through the reference frequency input
(EXT IN) connector and enabling 1pps mode, the built-in rubidium
unit can be made to follow the GPS.
In most cases with GPS receiver output, the degree of short-term
stability depends on the GPS receiver. However, since the degree of
long-term stability depends on the GPS satellite, this mode allows
this master clock generator to synchronize with the accuracy pro-
vided by the long-term stability of the GPS satellite (about 0.001 ppb)
while utilizing the high quality of the rubidium unit.
In order for the rubidium unit to synchronize with a 1pps input signal,
the signal must have accuracy and stability that are equivalent to
GPS.
If you are using a GPS receiver that does not have 1pps output, this
master clock generator can itself generate a 1pps signal from the
GPS receiver's 10MHz output signal. To do this, use this unit's 10MHz
mode to make the rubidium unit operate synchronized with the GPS.
Basic operation
1
Turn this unit on.
2
Start playback of the connected device after the
LOCK indicator lights.
o We recommend waiting until the oscillator stabilizes after the
power is turned on (10 minutes).
11