PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The objectives of the project were to develop four quartz crystal oscillators:
- OCXO-U: an ultra-stable OCXO, based on Airbus existing “FOAMO” product, for e.g. master oscillator applications
- OCXO-S: a mid range OCXO for the most demanding frequency converter and receiver applications, beacons and less demanding master oscillators
- TCXO: a TCXO for a wide range of applications including frequency converters and receivers and transponders
- VCXO: a VCXO for a range of phase locked-loop and other clock applications
An EQM of each oscillator was manufactured and qualification test programme completed.
A High Purity Quartz stone grown by Astrium
Challenges
A top-level issue that is addressed by the project is to maintain a European supply of quartz crystal oscillators for the space market – Astrium has a significant strength in having its own quartz growth facility. Design for Manufacture and Test are key elements of the project so as to allow faster and cheaper assembly, alignment and test. In addition, all oscillators have been designed so as to withstand high shock levels, which are continuing to increase as spacecrafts get larger.
Plan
| Kick-off | May 2012 |
| PDR | Jan 2013 |
| CDR | Sep 2013 |
| Final Report/Review | Sep 2015 |
KEY ISSUES
A top-level issue that is addressed by the project is to maintain a European supply of quartz crystal oscillators for the space market – Airbus has a significant strength in having its own quartz growth facility. Design for Manufacture and Test are key elements of the project so as to allow faster and cheaper assembly, alignment and test. In addition, all oscillators have been designed so as to withstand high shock levels, which are continuing to increase as spacecrafts get larger.
Current Status
Completed. Final Review was held in Sep 2015.
Companies
