Mtron Introduces PLL-Integrated OCXO for Stable Timing in High-Vibration Environments


Mtron Introduces PLL-Integrated OCXO for Stable Timing in High-Vibration Environments

Mtron has introduced a PLL-Integrated e-Vibe® Compensated OCXO designed to provide a stable reference and synchronization source for systems operating in varying environmental and mechanical conditions. The device combines an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO), electronic vibration compensation (e-Vibe®), and an integrated phase-locked loop (PLL) into a single unit. It is intended for applications where reliable timing must be maintained under motion or vibration, including radar systems, electronic warfare platforms, satellite communications, and synchronization systems. 

The oscillator is available with 100 MHz and 125 MHz output frequencies. It delivers a clean sinewave signal into a standard 50 Ω system, with typical output power between +5 dBm and +10 dBm. It maintains frequency stability within ±500 ppb over temperature, with additional limits for variations caused by changes in supply voltage and load, ensuring consistent timing performance. 

The integrated PLL enables the device to lock to an external 10 MHz reference within ±1 ppm, allowing it to operate as a synchronized clock in larger systems. It also includes an external tuning input (0–5 V) that provides an adjustment of approximately ±2.5 ppm, enabling fine control of the output frequency during operation. 

The e-Vibe® compensation is an electronic method for reducing the impact of vibration on oscillator performance. In systems exposed to movement, vibration can introduce phase noise and frequency instability. Instead of using mechanical isolation, the device applies internal electronic correction to maintain stability, helping preserve signal quality under dynamic conditions while avoiding the low-frequency resonance effects seen in mechanically isolated designs.

The device achieves phase noise levels of approximately −165 dBc/Hz to −170 dBc/Hz at higher offset frequencies under static conditions, with similar performance maintained under vibration. This supports stable operation in environments where motion or mechanical stress is present. 

It operates over a temperature range of −40 °C to +85 °C with a nominal 12 V supply. The oven-controlled design requires a few watts of power during steady operation to maintain stability. The compact package, measuring approximately 2.0″ × 1.5″ × 0.8″, supports use in space-constrained systems. By integrating both the oscillator and PLL into a single component, the device reduces the need for multiple timing elements while supporting stable reference signals, synchronization, and controlled jitter performance.

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