April 22, 2004

By: Andrew Hoffert
Website: http://www.handheld-gps-reviews.com

New 5x7mm TCXOs Available Now for Next Generation GPS Receivers

C-MAC MicroTechnology has developed a new range of Global Positioning System Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillators, with features that provide superior performance of the GPS Receivers. GPS receivers depend upon their local oscillator as a precise clock for accurate measurement of the time it takes radio signals coming from 4 to 5 satellites to reach the receiver. By measuring these times, and multiplying them by the speed of light (with some corrections), a very precise position can be determined. The TCXO plays a vital role in the time measurements made within the GPS receiver. C-MAC’s 5x7mm GPS-TCXOs feature ultra low Micro-Frequency Jumps, less than 5 parts per billion, measured over small increments of time (e.g. 100 milliseconds). Some of these TCXOs also feature very low Frequency Perturbations, e.g., 0.40 parts per million, peak to peak, measured during very small ambient temperature changes.

Models with Frequency Stabilities of +/- 0.5 parts per million over an operating temperature range as wide as –40C to +85C are also available. These and other parameters are important in the design of existing and next-generation GPS products, which are proliferating at a rapid pace. C-MAC has the GPS-TCXO solution for many other applications beyond cell phone systems. These include: Vehicle Tracking & Directions, Emergency Public Services, Personal Locators for children and the elderly, Aviation & Marine Navigation, Land, Mine & Agriculture Surveying, Smart Military Weapons, and Worldwide Time Synchronization, to name a few. For more information, on the latest GPS News see global positioning systems.

Author Notes:

Andrew Hoffert contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.handheld-gps-reviews.com.  A wealth of information about Global Positioning Systems for commercial or personal use.