A programmable oscillator is a frequency synthesizer with an output phase that tracks an arbitrary function. An offset, phase-locked loop circuit is used in combination with an error control feedback loop to precisely control the output phase of the oscillator.
To down-convert the received signal, several stages of mixing may be employed with the compensation for the time-base distortion of the carrier occurring at any one of those stages. In the Goldstone Solar System Radar (GSSR), the compensation occurs in the mixing from an intermediate frequency (IF), whose value is dependent on the station and band, to a common IF used in the final stage of down-conversion to baseband. The programmable oscillator (PO) is used in the final stage of down-conversion to generate the IF, along with a time-varying phase component that matches the time-base distortion of the carrier, thus removing it from the final down-converted signal.
This work was done by Kevin J. Quirk, Ferze D. Patawaran, Danh H. Nguyen, and Clement G. Lee of Caltech and Huy Nguyen for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NPO-47657
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Programmable Oscillator
(reference NPO-47657) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for the Programmable Oscillator (NPO-47657) developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It serves as a comprehensive guide for users, detailing the specifications, interconnections, and operational procedures of the oscillator, which is designed for aerospace applications.
The document begins with a revision history, indicating its initial release in 2011 by a team of editors from JPL. It acknowledges the research's sponsorship by NASA and highlights the proprietary nature of the information, which is subject to U.S. export regulations.
Key specifications of the Programmable Oscillator are outlined, including its output capabilities for X-Band and S-Band down-conversion, with specific frequencies for different stations (DSS-14 and Remote Station). The oscillator features a maximum frequency deviation of ±4.125 MHz, a maximum frequency rate of 400 Hz/s, and impressive phase and frequency resolutions. Performance metrics include a maximum spurious output of -60 dBc and an RMS phase jitter of 0.0717 degrees, demonstrating the device's precision and reliability.
Interconnection details are provided, specifying the front and rear panel interfaces. The front panel includes inputs and outputs for sinusoidal signals, while the rear panel features various connectors for management, power supply, and system interconnects. Notably, the management interface utilizes a Gigabit Ethernet connection, allowing for efficient data communication.
The document also includes a table of contents that outlines the functional description, specifications, interconnections, and operational guidelines. It covers essential topics such as power-up procedures, running a track, and troubleshooting, ensuring users have the necessary information to operate the oscillator effectively.
For additional support, the document provides contact information for the Innovative Technology Assets Management team at JPL, encouraging users to reach out for further assistance regarding research and technology in this field.
Overall, this Technical Support Package serves as a vital resource for understanding and utilizing the Programmable Oscillator, emphasizing its technological significance and potential applications in aerospace and related industries.
