Difference between revisions of "Frequency Calibration via GPS"

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Inexpensive Frequency Standard with output synchronized to GPS satellites,
+
Inexpensive Frequency Standard with output synchronized to GPS satellites - requires PC connection.
 +
 
 +
[[GPS_Frequency_Standard|Version 2 build is here]] - does not require PC connection
  
 
[[File:FreqSrc-Front-01-720px.jpg]]
 
[[File:FreqSrc-Front-01-720px.jpg]]
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** Programmable frequency from USB
 
** Programmable frequency from USB
 
* SMA Female connector
 
* SMA Female connector
* 5V operation
+
* 5V operation (power)
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* 3.3V Rx/Tx/PPS levels
  
 
[[File:NEO-7M-02.PNG]]
 
[[File:NEO-7M-02.PNG]]
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** Other frequencies have some "jitter" but are still GPS accurate
 
** Other frequencies have some "jitter" but are still GPS accurate
 
* Set to 2 Hz on GPS PPS pin when not locked
 
* Set to 2 Hz on GPS PPS pin when not locked
 +
 +
[[file:U-center-10MHz.PNG]]
  
 
=== Remote Amplified GPS Antenna ===
 
=== Remote Amplified GPS Antenna ===
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* Very fast edges
 
* Very fast edges
  
[[File:PulseGen_5242-720px.JPG]]
+
[[File:PulseGen_Mod_P18338-720px.jpg]]
  
 
=== Case ===
 
=== Case ===
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 +
* [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088HGQSZT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Cabinet Door Bumpers] - used as inexpensive rubber feet
 +
** [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Cabinet+Door+Bumpers&i=tools&ref=nb_sb_noss_2Generic search on Amazon]
  
 
[[File:FreqSrc-Top-01-720px.jpg]]
 
[[File:FreqSrc-Top-01-720px.jpg]]
  
 
[[File:FreqSrc-Back-01-720px.jpg]]
 
[[File:FreqSrc-Back-01-720px.jpg]]
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 +
== Connectors ==
 +
 +
* OUT = Frequency source output
 +
** 5V, 50 ohm
 +
* USB
 +
* ANT - external amplified GPS antenna
 +
 +
== Calibrating Frequency Counters ==
 +
 +
* Two very cheap frequency counters
 +
 +
[[File:FreqSrc-Counter-01-720px.jpg]]
  
 
== Videos ==
 
== Videos ==

Latest revision as of 13:04, 4 July 2022

Inexpensive Frequency Standard with output synchronized to GPS satellites - requires PC connection.

Version 2 build is here - does not require PC connection

FreqSrc-Front-01-720px.jpg

Features

  • Generates very accurate frequency output
  • U-Blox NEO-7M GPS Module
  • Remote Amplified GPS Antenna
  • FTDI-49MM
  • 50 Ohm Output
  • Metal enclosure

Parts

GPS

  • U-Blox NEO-7M GPS Module
    • Programmable frequency from USB
  • SMA Female connector
  • 5V operation (power)
  • 3.3V Rx/Tx/PPS levels

NEO-7M-02.PNG

NEO-7M-04.PNG

NEO-7M-05.PNG

U-Center Programming Software

  • TP5 sets PPS output to "any" frequency
  • U-Blox website
  • Set to 8 MHz on GPS PPS pin when locked
    • Other frequencies have some "jitter" but are still GPS accurate
  • Set to 2 Hz on GPS PPS pin when not locked

U-center-10MHz.PNG

Remote Amplified GPS Antenna

  • 20 dB amplified output
  • SMA male connector connects to GPS module without adapter
  • Magnetic mount
  • Locate outside

GPS Antenna.jpg

FTDI

  • FTDI-49MM USB to serial interface
  • U-Center communicates with the GPS over this interface
  • Tx/Rx LEDs
  • USB signal voltage level jumper set to 3.3V to match Tx/Rx on GPS
  • 5V header provides 5V to GPS card
  • 49x49mm

FTDI-P1746-CROPPED-720PX.jpg

50 Ohm Driver (Not Required - nice to have)

  • Used modified PulseGen card to drive 50 Ohms, 5V level output
    • Remove oscillator circuit parts (R/C)
    • 5 parallel 74AC14 outputs with 249 ohm series resistors on each output
  • Able to drive long 50 ohm coax
  • Square wave output
  • Very fast edges

PulseGen Mod P18338-720px.jpg

Case

FreqSrc-Top-01-720px.jpg

FreqSrc-Back-01-720px.jpg

Connectors

  • OUT = Frequency source output
    • 5V, 50 ohm
  • USB
  • ANT - external amplified GPS antenna

Calibrating Frequency Counters

  • Two very cheap frequency counters

FreqSrc-Counter-01-720px.jpg

Videos

  • This is the approach I followed

  • GPSDO vs Rubidium Frequency Standard