KCCS
Precision Timing
Technical documentation, design guides and tools to help you select and integrate the right timing solution.
Designing with precision oscillators starts with the right reference material. KCCS provides datasheets, application notes and selection guides drawn from real customer engineering questions—not generic marketing content.
Full PDF datasheets with mechanical drawings, electrical test conditions and recommended PCB footprints are available on request via sales@aocxo.com.
Phase noise is specified as dBc/Hz at a given offset from the carrier. This note explains how single-sideband (SSB) phase noise relates to integrated jitter, why 1 Hz / 10 Hz offset matters in radar and EW applications, and how to compare OCXO datasheets that quote different offset frequencies.
When a PTP grandmaster loses its timing source, holdover performance determines how long the network can tolerate the outage. This application note walks through calculating holdover error from OCXO temp stability, aging rate and the actual temperature profile of the equipment room.
Mechanical vibration modulates oscillator frequency through acceleration sensitivity (γ). We explain how to read G-sensitivity specs (ppb/g), why random vibration profiles matter more than sinusoidal resonance, and when a vibration-rated OCXO (KOR series) is required versus a standard OCXO.
OCXO ovens draw peak current during warm-up. This note covers power supply sequencing recommendations, inrush current limits, and why low-power OCXO options (KOP series) trade steady-state current against warm-up behavior for battery-powered applications.
Engineering comparison covering stability, power, size, cost and application selection. Includes a decision table to pick between TCXO, OCXO and VCXO without over-specifying.
How to read ADEV numbers on OCXO datasheets, why averaging time τ matters, and how ADEV relates to phase noise and holdover. Includes a conversion table for 10 MHz oscillators.
What drives holdover error (temperature, aging, calibration), how to read holdover specs across temperatures, and when to step up from OCXO to CSAC or CPT atomic timing.
A practical comparison of CSAC (130 mW, 10-year holdover), CPT (3 W, better stability) and rubidium (lowest noise, 20+ year life) against high-performance OCXOs. Includes decision criteria based on power budget, holdover requirement, environmental range and total cost of ownership.
Launch vibration, thermal vacuum, on-orbit holdover.
Sub-microsecond holdover over multi-week seabed deployment.
MiFID II / SEC timestamps, PMU substations, GNSS jamming.
-170 dBc/Hz close-in phase noise, G-sensitivity ≤0.05 ppb/g.
Stratum-3 TCXO, PTP grandmaster holdover, outdoor temp range.
Playout references, signal generators, calibration labs.
Low-jitter master clocks for reference DACs and streamers.
MRI, ultrasound, CT, patient monitoring with documented supply chain.
ADAS, V2X, factory PTP, EV motor control, -40~+125°C.
Low-power OCXO, micro GPSDO, 130 mW CSAC.
RTK survey, marine, precision agriculture, timing appliances.
Side-by-side comparison of the four precision timing architectures on stability, holdover, power, cost and application fit.
Second-source cross-reference table and the 5-step evaluation process for switching off western-brand oscillators.
Holdover budget, phase noise, power, temperature/vibration and cost — a decision method that narrows the family to one model.
| Oscillator Type | Typical Stability | Phase Noise @1 kHz | Power | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCXO | ±0.1~2 ppm | -140~-150 dBc/Hz | <10 mA | Low | Consumer, IoT, GPS, 5G small cells |
| VCXO | ±20 ppm pull | -145~-155 dBc/Hz | <20 mA | Low-Medium | PLL reference, frequency synthesis, SerDes |
| OCXO | ±0.01~50 ppb | -160~-170 dBc/Hz | 100~600 mA | Medium-High | Radar, 5G, test & measurement, PTP |
| PLO | ±0.2~1 ppb | -160~-165 dBc/Hz | 200~500 mA | High | Communications, satellite com, upconversion |
| Disciplined (GPSDO) | ±1E-11 (locked) | -155~-160 dBc/Hz | 50~300 mA | High | Smart grid, financial, base station holdover |
| CSAC | ±1E-11/24h | -140~-150 dBc/Hz | 130 mW | Very High | GPS-denied nav, portable reference, UAV |
| Rubidium | ±5E-11/month | -155~-165 dBc/Hz | 5~20 W | Very High | Lab reference, broadcast, long-haul telecom |
1 ppm = 1000 ppb. A TCXO at ±0.5 ppm is ±500 ppb. An OCXO at ±0.05 ppb is 10,000× more stable. Most precision timing applications quote stability in ppb; consumer-grade oscillators use ppm.
Standard OCXOs reach rated stability in 3-10 minutes. Low-power variants (KOP12) stabilize in ~20 seconds. Warm-up current is typically 2-5× steady-state current—design the power supply to handle the peak.
Yes. Most OCXO and TCXO models support custom frequencies across their stated range. Extended temperature ranges (-55~+125℃) and custom package options are available with lead times of 8-16 weeks. Contact sales@aocxo.com with your requirements.
Standard models have a lead time of 6-10 weeks. Custom frequencies or extended temperature ranges require 8-16 weeks. Evaluation samples are available for most product lines.
Yes. All shipments include commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin. ECCN classification and end-user statements are available on request for US/EU customers. See our Export Compliance page.
Our technical team can help you choose the optimal oscillator for your specific application requirements.