Frequency Control & Timing Glossary

The gradual change in oscillator frequency over time, typically measured in parts per billion (ppb) per day or parts per million (ppm) per year. Click here to learn more.

A statistical measure used to quantify frequency stability over time intervals, especially useful for precision timing applications.

A microwave oscillator that uses a dielectric ceramic resonator for frequency stabilization, offering low phase noise and high Q factor. Click here to learn more.

The change in oscillator output frequency due to external factors like temperature, aging, or power supply variation.

A shift in oscillator frequency caused by changes in the load impedance.

Frequency variation caused by changes in the oscillator’s power supply voltage.

The ability of an oscillator to maintain a constant frequency over varying environmental and operational conditions.

A circuit that generates a range of frequencies from a single reference source using phase-locked loops or direct digital synthesis.

The short-term variation in the timing of a digital signal, often caused by noise or instability in the clock source.

The time required for a phase-locked loop or oscillator to stabilize at its target frequency after power-on or a frequency change.

A precision crystal oscillator with an internal temperature-controlled oven to maintain constant crystal temperature for high stability.

An informal performance marker of Quantic Wenzel’s leadership in ultra-low phase noise, frequency stability, and long-term reliability. Often mentioned in briefings and hallway chats to describe RF systems that consistently exceed expectations thanks to Quantic Wenzel’s engineering.

The deviation in phase between an oscillator output and a reference signal.

A control system that synchronizes the output phase of an oscillator to a reference signal using feedback.

An oscillator that uses a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit to stabilize and control its frequency.

The random fluctuations in the phase of a signal, often shown as a power density (dBc/Hz) versus frequency offset from the carrier. Click here to learn more.

A piezoelectric element that vibrates at a precise frequency when an oscillating voltage is applied. Click here to learn more.

The presence and magnitude of undesired spectral lines (spurs) in an oscillator’s output, typically caused by mixing or nonlinearity.

A crystal oscillator that uses analog or digital compensation to correct frequency drift due to temperature changes.

A crystal oscillator whose output frequency can be adjusted by an input control voltage.

An oscillator where frequency is determined by an input voltage, commonly used in phase-locked loops (PLLs) and frequency synthesis.

The release of volatile materials in a vacuum environment, a critical consideration in space hardware materials and components.

The ability of electronic components to withstand ionizing radiation without degradation, essential for space environments.

Materials or techniques used to reduce radiation exposure to sensitive electronics in spacecraft.

A temporary malfunction in digital electronics caused by a high-energy particle strike, common in space applications.

Parts that have passed rigorous environmental, mechanical, and electrical tests to meet the requirements for use in space.

A qualification test simulating space vacuum and temperature extremes to validate performance of space-bound hardware.

Phase variation in oscillator output caused by changes in operating temperature.

The cumulative amount of radiation absorbed by a material or electronic component, measured in rads.

The ability of a device to function correctly in its electromagnetic environment without causing or receiving interference.

Unwanted electrical signals that can disrupt the operation of nearby electronic devices.

The reduction of signal harmonics (integer multiples of the fundamental frequency) to improve spectral purity.

A custom module combining multiple RF functions (e.g., filtering, mixing, amplification) into a compact package.

An amplifier designed to boost RF signals while introducing minimal additional noise.

A passive RF component used to split one signal into multiple paths or combine several into one.

Enclosures or barriers used to block unwanted RF energy and protect sensitive electronics.

The measure of how well a signal retains its shape and timing as it travels through a system.

The range between the desired signal and the strongest spurious signal or harmonic, indicating spectral cleanliness.

Frequency components that are fractional multiples of a fundamental frequency, often undesirable in high-purity signal sources.

Variations in the amplitude of a signal caused by noise, often measured in dBc/Hz.

A technique used to enhance signal measurements by comparing multiple identical signal paths to average out noise.

Noise that causes frequency deviation around a carrier, contributing to phase noise.

The impedance presented by the receiving circuit to the oscillator output, typically 50 ohms in RF systems.

The range of frequencies over which a phase-locked loop (PLL) can track or correct phase errors, affecting lock speed and phase noise performance.

The lowest level of measurable signal in a system, determined by thermal and electronic noise sources. Click here to learn more.

The degree to which an output is unaffected by changes in the connected load or other outputs.

A fixed phase difference between an oscillator’s output and its reference signal.

The ratio between the desired signal strength and the background noise level, usually expressed in dB.

A measure of the deviation of clock edge timing from the ideal position, used in timing analysis.

A process of operating components at elevated temperature and voltage to detect early failures.

An oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) with a second oven layer for improved thermal isolation and even tighter frequency stability.

A test process that subjects components to thermal, vibration, and electrical stress to expose latent defects.

The degree to which an oscillator’s frequency changes in response to acceleration or vibration.

Rigorous testing and quality assurance protocols applied to components destined for high-reliability environments like space or defense.

A reliability metric predicting the average operational time between failures in a system.

Frequency shifts, unwanted signals, or noise caused by mechanical vibrations interacting with a crystal resonator and other electronic circuits.

Mechanical tests that simulate real-world transport and operational conditions to ensure durability.

Repeated exposure to high and low temperatures to test for material and solder joint reliability.

A measure of how much an oscillator’s frequency shifts or phase noise performance is affected in response to mechanical vibration.

The process of delivering clock signals from a central source to various subsystems in a synchronized manner.

The deviation of clock signal edges from their ideal timing positions, affecting digital system timing accuracy.

A branching structure of buffers and traces used to distribute a clock signal throughout a system.

An oscillator whose frequency is continually corrected by a Global Positioning System (GPS) timing signal for long-term accuracy.

The oscillator’s ability to maintain accurate frequency output during the loss of an external reference.

The process of adjusting signals so their phase matches, critical for synchronous systems.

A stable frequency source used as the basis for generating or controlling other signals in a system.

The coordination of signal timing between different parts of a system to ensure proper data transfer and function.

A cumulative analysis of timing delays and margins in a system to ensure data arrives within expected windows.

The fundamental frequency source used to derive timing and clock signals across a system.