AN-008: Ultra-Low Phase Noise OCXO — -170dBc/Hz @ 1kHz, World-Class Timing

Achieving industry-leading phase noise performance for the most demanding timing applications

-170 dBc/Hz @ 1kHz offset
Abstract: This application note describes KCCS' ultra-low phase noise OCXO series, which achieves -170dBc/Hz at 1kHz offset — among the best phase noise performance available in the industry. With an Allan deviation of 8E-14/10s, this oscillator is designed for 5G base stations, high-speed data converters, test & measurement equipment, and defense applications where clean timing is critical.

1. Why Phase Noise Matters

Phase noise is the single most important specification for high-performance oscillators. It measures how much the oscillator's output signal "spreads" around the carrier frequency — in other words, how clean the timing signal is.

In modern communication systems and high-precision test equipment, poor phase noise leads to:

2. KCCS Ultra-Low Phase Noise OCXO Specifications

Our flagship ultra-low phase noise OCXO series delivers best-in-class performance:

Parameter Specification Notes
Output Frequency 5 MHz Other frequencies available on request
Phase Noise @ 1 Hz offset -131 dBc/Hz Close-in phase noise
Phase Noise @ 10 Hz offset -151 dBc/Hz
Phase Noise @ 100 Hz offset -155 dBc/Hz
Phase Noise @ 1 kHz offset -161 to -170 dBc/Hz Industry-leading performance
Phase Noise @ 10 kHz offset -161 dBc/Hz
Phase Noise @ 100 kHz offset -162 dBc/Hz
Phase Noise @ 1 MHz offset -188 dBc/Hz Noise floor
Allan Deviation (ADEV) 8E-14 @ 10s Short-term stability
Temperature Stability ±0.05 ppb -20°C to +60°C
Package 50 × 50 mm Hermetic SMD

3. What Makes -170dBc/Hz @ 1kHz Special?

Achieving -170dBc/Hz at 1kHz offset is at the very top of the oscillator performance ladder. To put this in perspective:

Typical OCXO: -140 to -150 dBc/Hz @ 1kHz

High-performance OCXO: -155 to -160 dBc/Hz @ 1kHz

KCCS Ultra-Low Phase Noise OCXO: -161 to -170 dBc/Hz @ 1kHz

Rubidium Atomic Clock: ~-165 dBc/Hz @ 1kHz

This means our OCXO delivers phase noise performance comparable to rubidium atomic clocks — but in a smaller package, at a fraction of the cost, and with much lower power consumption.

4. Key Applications

4.1 5G and 6G Base Stations

5G massive MIMO systems require extremely clean local oscillators to support wide bandwidths and high-order modulation. The ultra-low phase noise of our OCXO directly translates to:

4.2 Test & Measurement Equipment

Spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and phase noise test sets depend on reference oscillators with exceptional spectral purity. Our OCXO enables:

4.3 High-Speed ADC/DAC Systems

Ultra-high-speed data converters (12-bit and above) require low-jitter clocks to achieve their full SNR and dynamic range. The 8E-14/10s Allan deviation ensures minimal clock jitter.

4.4 Defense and Aerospace

Radar systems, electronic warfare, and secure communications demand the highest timing performance. Our OCXO is proven in demanding defense environments.

5. How Does It Compare to Other Technologies?

Technology Phase Noise @ 1kHz Size Power Cost
TCXO -130 to -140 dBc/Hz Small Low Low
Standard OCXO -145 to -155 dBc/Hz Medium Medium Medium
KCCS Ultra-Low PN OCXO -161 to -170 dBc/Hz 50×50mm Medium Premium
Rubidium Atomic Clock ~-165 dBc/Hz Large High Very High

6. Conclusion

KCCS' ultra-low phase noise OCXO series represents the state of the art in oscillator technology. Achieving -170dBc/Hz at 1kHz offset — combined with 8E-14/10s Allan deviation — delivers timing performance comparable to rubidium atomic clocks, but in a compact SMD package at a fraction of the cost.

Whether you're designing 5G base stations, high-speed data acquisition systems, or precision test equipment, our ultra-low phase noise OCXO provides the clean timing foundation your design demands.

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