GNSS and the Importance of TCXOs

Temperature-compensated crystal oscillators (TCXOs) play an important role in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). These systems provide global positioning, navigation, and time synchronization services to all operational satellite navigation systems, including multiple constellations of satellites orbiting the Earth.

The core principle of a GNSS is based on measuring distances between satellites and receivers. Each satellite sends its position and time signals to a receiver. By obtaining signals from multiple satellites, the receiver calculates the time difference and use triangulation to determine the exact position (longitude, latitude, and altitude).

These satellites deliver precise time and location data, enabling ground-based equipment, like smartphones, car navigation systems and GPS devices, to calculate their current position.

LCR Global Navigation Satellite Systems

The Role of TCXO in GNSS

TCXOs are necessary for effective GNSS performance, contributing to accurate positioning and navigation. TCXOs are critical in helping to provide:

  1. Frequency Stability
    GNSS receivers require highly accurate frequency references to decode satellite signals. Satellite signals operate at high frequencies, typically in the L-band (1-2 GHz). Even minor frequency deviations can cause signal decoding failures or positioning errors. TCXOs provide a highly stable frequency output that remains consistent, even with temperature fluctuations, ensuring that the receiver accurately locks onto and tracks satellite signals.
  2. Temperature Compensation
    GNSS receivers operate under varying environmental and climate conditions. These environmental changes can lead to temperature fluctuations, and may affect the frequency stability of crystal oscillators. TCXOs are equipped with internal temperature compensation circuits that automatically adjust the oscillation frequency, minimizing the impact of temperature changes and maintaining stable frequency output.
  3. Precise Time Reference
    Timing accuracy is critical in GNSS positioning. The GNSS system relies on extremely accurate time measurements to calculate distances between the device and multiple satellites, which is essential for determining location. TCXOs provide stable clock signals that help accurately calculate time differences, thereby improving positioning accuracy. A precise time reference is crucial for obtaining accurate single-point positioning results.
  4. Low Power Consumption Design
    Many GNSS applications, such as smartphones, wearable devices and portable navigation systems, demand low power consumption. TCXOs are typically designed as low-power components, providing high stability while extending battery life, making them suitable for low-power applications.
  5. Fast Start-Up Time
    GNSS receivers need to quickly lock onto satellite signals when starting up to minimize the time to first fix (TTFF). TCXOs often feature fast start-up characteristics, helping receivers reach a stable state more quickly and reducing TTFF, which enhances the user experience.
  6. Multi-System Compatibility
    Modern GNSS receivers often need to support multiple satellite navigation systems. This requires receivers to handle multiple frequency bands. TCXOs provide stable frequencies that support the operation of these systems, ensuring seamless integration of multi-system data and high-precision positioning.

 

GNSS technology is found in a broad and essential range of applications, including:

  • Time Synchronization: Financial systems and telecom networks rely on a GNSS for precise timekeeping
  • Navigation: Vehicles, ships, aircraft, and pedestrians use a GNSS for real-time navigation and route planning
  • Scientific Research: A GNSS plays a role in seismic monitoring, atmospheric studies, and astronomical observations
  • Agriculture: A GNSS supports precision farming techniques, including automated navigation and resource management
  • Surveying and Geographic Information System (GIS): A GNSS is used for geographic mapping, land surveying, and data collection for geographic information systems

 

Here are some examples of systems around the world that are based on a GNSS:

  • GPS (United States): The most widely used global positioning system
  • GLONASS (Russia): A global satellite navigation system similar to GPS
  • Galileo (European Union): Provides highly accurate positioning services
  • BeiDou (China): A regional and global navigation system offering precise services

Aker’s TCXO Product Portfolio

At Aker, we are committed to delivering exceptional quality, precision and timing accuracy in our TCXO product range. We take pride in our unparalleled expertise in frequency control to enhance your next application.

ProductModelDimension (mm)OutputRelated Freq
TCXOTX323.2×2.5Clipped Sine Wave16.368 MHz 19.2 MHz 26 MHz 38.4 MHz 40 MHz
TCXOTX222.5×2.0Clipped Sine Wave16.368 MHz 19.2 MHz 26 MHz 38.4 MHz 40 MHz
TCXOTX212.0×1.6Clipped Sine Wave16.368 MHz 19.2 MHz 26 MHz 38.4 MHz 40 MHz
TCXOTXH323.2×2.5CMOS16.368 MHz 19.2 MHz 26 MHz 38.4 MHz 40 MHz
TCXOTXH222.5×2.0CMOS16.368 MHz 19.2 MHz 26 MHz 38.4 MHz 40 MHz
VCTCXOTV323.2×2.5Clipped Sine Wave16.368 MHz 19.2 MHz 26 MHz 38.4 MHz 40 MHz
VCTCXOTV222.5×2.0Clipped Sine Wave16.368 MHz 19.2 MHz 26 MHz 38.4 MHz 40 MHz
VCTCXOTV212.0×1.6Clipped Sine Wave16.368 MHz 19.2 MHz 26 MHz 38.4 MHz 40 MHz