Microchip Technology offers GNSSDO (Global Navigation Satellite System Disciplined Oscillator) and GPSDO (Global Positioning System Disciplined Oscillator) modules that combine high-stability oscillators with satellite timing signals. These devices discipline an internal oscillator—commonly an OCXO (oven-controlled crystal oscillator) or rubidium source—to external GNSS constellations such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or BeiDou. This approach provides long-term synchronization to UTC while maintaining accurate holdover performance when satellite signals are degraded or unavailable.
The modules are designed to deliver low phase noise and high frequency stability. Typical specifications include sub-nanosecond timing accuracy to UTC and fractional frequency stability in the 10⁻¹² to 10⁻¹³ range depending on oscillator type and integration period. Internal disciplining algorithms filter GNSS jitter and noise while ensuring the oscillator maintains both short-term stability and long-term accuracy derived from the satellite reference.
Standard outputs from these modules usually include a 10 MHz sine or square wave reference and a 1 pulse-per-second (1PPS) signal for synchronization. Many devices also implement serial or network interfaces to configure loop parameters, monitor lock status, and report alarms. This makes them straightforward to integrate into larger systems where frequency and time distribution need to be monitored or controlled programmatically.
Microchip GNSSDO and GPSDO modules are used in systems that require precise and reliable timing, such as telecommunications networks, test and measurement equipment, defense and aerospace platforms, and power grid synchronization. They are also important in laboratory and industrial environments where maintaining frequency accuracy and low jitter is essential. The combination of GNSS-based disciplining with high-performance oscillators allows these modules to deliver stable reference signals under varying operational conditions. To learn more, visit Microchip.com.