SAFRAN MRO-50 Ruggedized User Manual
- October 30, 2023
- Safran
Table of Contents
SAFRAN MRO-50 Ruggedized
Introduction
Safran Timing Technology SA used its over 25 years of experience in manufacturing ultra-stable Rubidium oscillator for ground and space applications to produce a miniaturized Rubidium Oscillator (mRO) with dimensions, packaging and pinout of crystal oscillators (OCXO), measuring 50.8 mm x 50.8 mm x 20 mm. The clock is ruggedized to operate in harsh environment (large temperature range, stringent mechanical stress). It delivers a square reference signal at 10 MHz (0 to 3V) with outstanding performances for a steady power consumption below 0.57 W at room temperature. Such frequency references are well suited for applications demanding low power consumption, accuracy and retrace, high frequency stability, operation in harsh environment and low frequency drift such as military comms, electronic warfare or airborn & avionics.
The mRO is described in this document divided into 4 chapters:
- A brief introduction
- A simple description of the principle of the clock
- The specifications of the system
- The operation manual
mRO system description
Principle of operation and basic configuration
The mRO-RUG is a miniature rubidium clock and essentially consists of a
voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) which is locked to a highly
stable atomic transition in the ground state of the 85Rb isotope. While the
frequency of the VCXO is at the convenient standard frequency of 10 MHz, the
rubidium clock frequency is at 3.036 GHz in the microwave range. The microwave
signal is directly generated with a second voltage-controlled oscillator
(VCO). The phase-stable link between the two oscillators is established with a
fractional-N PLL (phase-locked loop). The rubidium atoms are confined in a
vapor cell at an elevated temperature. The cell is placed inside a cylinder
with a gap to which the microwave power derived from the VCO is coupled. The
85Rb atoms in the cell occur with equal probability in the two hyperfine
energy levels of the ground state 5S (F=2 and F=3). In order to detect the
clock transition between these two levels, the atoms need to be manipulated in
such a way that most of them occur in only one level. This is done by optical
pumping via a higher lying state (5P). Figure 1 shows the atomic energy levels
and transitions involved in the optical pumping process on the D1-line at 795
nm.
The pump light comes from a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) which is tuned to resonance with the transition between the ground-state F=3 level and the (un-resolved) excited states F’=2,3. The pump light excites 85Rb atoms which are in the upper hyperfine level (F=3) to the short-lived excited state 5P from which they decay to the two ground state levels (F=2,3) with equal probability. Since pumping occurs continuously out of the F=3 level, a steady-state is reached where most atoms are found in the F=2 level. The level of the transmitted pump light is detected by a photodiode after the cell. When a microwave field resonant with the clock transition F=2*F=3 is coupled to the interaction region, the level F=3 is repopulated and light absorption is enhanced. A sweep of the microwave field over the resonance is detected as a small dip in the transmitted light level after the cell. This signal from the photodiode is fed into a synchronous detector whose output generates an error signal which corrects the frequency of the crystal oscillator so that the (fixed) phase-locked loop keeps the microwave VCO exactly on the atomic resonance maximum. The vapour cell is filled with metallic rubidium that contains both isotopes 85Rb (72%) and 87Rb (28%). In addition the cell is filled with a buffer gas which collides with rubidium atoms so as to keep them away from the cell walls and restrict their movement. As a result the rubidium atoms are practically “frozen in place” for the interaction time with the microwave field. In this way the Doppler-effect is essentially removed and a narrow line width results. The cell region is also surrounded by a pair of C-field coils which generate a small axial static magnetic field to resolve the Zeeman sub-transitions of the hyperfine line and select the clock transition, i.e. the one with the least magnetic sensitivity, see Figure 2. To further reduce the magnetic sensitivity, the complete physics package is placed inside a magnetic shield. Figure 3 gives a basic overview of detection circuitry, temperature controllers, monitoring and signal processing.
Physics Package (patented)
The main design characteristics of the PP are its low power consumption, small
size and mass, along with minimal environmental sensitivities and mechanical
ruggedness. All parts of the PP are incorporated into a DIL-14 package
hermetically sealed off under Xenon atmosphere to reduce temperature exchange
by convection and minimize electrical power consumption. The light source
selected for its compactness and low power consumption is a Vertical Cavity
Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) at 795 nm. It is coupled to a glass blown cell
filled with Rubidium and buffer gas surrounded by a cavity coupled to the
microwave signal. The cavity has two purposes: 1) couple the Rubidium atoms to
the microwave field as mentioned previously but also 2) transfer the heat to
the cell and make a thermally stable environment around the glass cell as an
oven. Both components, VCSEL and Cell, are temperature stabilized. The design
is completed with Helmholtz coils, an optical filter and the photodetector.
Electronics Package
Atomic resonance signal capture
The mRO-RUG transition is a microwave transition at 3.036 GHz. The microwave
resonance which occurs as a dip in the optical signal after transiting the
cell, is detected by a photodiode. The basic purpose of the EP is to
synchronize the entering microwave frequency, derived from a temperature
compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO), to this absorption dip. It is achieved
by tuning the microwave frequency to maximum optical absorption. Frequency
variations of the microwave signal are transformed into DC current changes at
the photodetector. The dip, visualized in the photocurrent versus microwave
frequency curve of Figure 4 is very small: on the order of 1% of the total
photocurrent. Since DC detection of the dip is not feasible, an AC detection
method is used for the following reasons:
- The dip amplitude is very small compared to the total photocurrent.
- The slope of the derivative of the dip photocurrent versus microwave frequency corresponds to roughly 100 pA/Hz. AC detection is the only solution to have a good signal/noise ratio since the photo-detector with associated amplifier are affected by flicker noise.
The AC method involves square wave frequency modulation of the microwave signal at a rate of approximately 105 Hz. As shown in Figure 4, the modulated microwave frequency flips between 2 discrete frequency values f1 and f2. The resulting photo-current i(t) appears also (after the transient) at 2 discrete values i1 and i2. The difference between i1 and i2 produces the error signal used to adjust the crystal oscillator center frequency until the mean value of f1 and f2 is exactly equal to the rubidium hyperfine frequency.
Temperature controllers
Since the temperature of the VCSEL and the Cell must be adjusted
independently, two separated heaters are necessary to control the temperature
of the PP main parts. The temperatures are controlled by compensating thermal
losses using heating elements (no cooling). Temperature regulation servo-loops
are based on a temperature sensor (NTC within a Wheatstone bridge),
Proportional-Integral (PI) regulator and a heating
element.
C-field
A pair of C-field coils inside the PP generate a magnetic field which
separates the rubidium spectral lines. This magnetic field allows fine-tuning
of the output frequency by shifting the rubidium resonance frequency by the
second-order Zeeman effect.
A stabilized current drives the coils. The current is adjustable for fine-
tuning of the output frequency and can be set by a software interface or by an
analog voltage applied to the mRO pin #1.
Telemetries
The user can access these data from a software GUI shown in Figure 5.
Telemetry parameters shown include:
- Error signal of the atomic lock loop
- DC signal on photodiode
- VCSEL temperature
- Control signal of the VCSEL temperature controller
- Cell temperature
- Control signal of the Cell temperature controller
- EP temperature
- VCSEL driving current
- Voltage across the VCSEL
- Control voltage of the 10 MHz crystal
More details are given in 4.8.3. More specific information on the mRO-50 Ruggedized – Evaluation Kit document
Frequency adjustment
The C-field coil within the PP provides fine frequency adjustment
capabilities. The value of the output frequency is settable by applying an
analog voltage to pin #1 (see 4.8.4) or by software by step of 3 ppt (part per
billion, i.e. 10-12). The microwave frequency at 3.036 GHz can be set in steps
of approximately 3.8 Hz by software (see 4.8.4). The corresponding fractional
resolution is 1,24 ppb (10-9).
The mRO-50 Ruggedized SPECIFICATIONS
The specifications of this product are available on our website.
mRO-50 installation and operation
Introduction
This chapter of the manual contains information regarding the installation and operation of the mRO-RUG. It is recommended to read this chapter carefully prior to operate the unit.
Safety!
- Use proper ESD precautions
- Ensure that all cables are properly connected
- The equipment contains small quantities of rubidium metal hermetically sealed inside the glass lamp and cell assemblies, hence, any dangers arising from ionizing radiation are caused for human health (exemption set in article 3 to Council directive 96/29/Euratom).
- For further information, ask for the «rubidium product data sheet».
- Handling the product in a reasonably foreseeable conditions do not cause any risk for human health, exposure to the SVHC (substances of very high concern) would require grinding the component up.
Environmental Responsibility
- The equipment contains materials, which can be either re-used or recycled.
- Do not deposit the equipment as unsorted municipal waste. Leave it at an authorized local WEEE collection point or return to Safran to ensure proper disposal.
- To return the appliance:
- Submit a support ticket at [email protected] and request an RMA.
- We will contact you for more information and/or with shipment process details.
Shipping and receiving information
The mRO-50 RUG is packaged and shipped in a foam-lined box. The unit is
inspected mechanically and electrically prior to shipment. Upon receipt of the
unit, a thorough inspection should be made to ensure that no damage has
occurred during shipping. If any damage is discovered, please contact
SAFRAN TIMING TECHNOLOGIES SA
- PHONE: +41 32 732 16 66
- CH-2000 NEUCHATEL / SWITZERLAND
Should it be necessary to ship the unit back, the original case and packing should be used. If the original case is not available, a suitable container with foam-packing is recommended.
CAUTION
Care must be taken for the transportation of the mRO-RUG to ensure that the
maximum acceleration due to a shocks 50g/11ms is not exceeded. mRO-RUG
contains glass bulbs, crystal resonators. When mRO-RUG integrated into an
instrument, such instrument shall be packed in a suitable container, similar
to containers generally use for the transportation of instruments like scope,
video display or computer.
Mounting
CAUTION
Care must be taken to ensure that the maximum operating temperature is not
exceeded, (+80°C) as measured at the unit’s base plate) This maximum
temperature can be reached when operating the unit into forced air flow at
+80°C. The mRO-50 RUG is a well shielded unit, using several magnetic shield.
Nevertheless, some consideration must be given to the operating location of
the unit, regardless of its application. To minimize frequency offsets and/or
non-harmonic distortion, the unit should not be installed near equipment
generating strong magnetic fields such as generators, transformers, etc… The
general information for the mechanical interface of the mRO-RUG unit is
provided in Figure 6 (all dimensions in mm [inch]).
Pin Layout:
- Frequency Adjust (Analog 0-3V)
- GND
- 10MHz square output (0-3V)
- GND
- Power 5V or 3.3V depending on model
- /LOCK (Bit)
- TxD
- RxD
Mechanical interface and dimensions of the mRO-50 RUG
Normal operation
When 5 or 3.3 Vdc, depending on the option, is applied to pin #5 (+), the unit
will immediately generate a 10 MHz signal from the crystal oscillator. Within
approximately 120 seconds after application of input power, the unit will
“lock”, i.e. the crystal is now synchronised by the atomic resonant frequency.
The unit is able to provide a single signal called ‘/lock ’ (pin #6) which
toggles from high to low level when the internal crystal oscillator is locked
to the Rb atomic resonance (see 4.9). The center frequency is tunable by
applying an ultra-stable analog voltage to pin #1. It is also possible to
adjust the frequency by software (see 4.8.4).
Serial interface operation
Introduction
The mRO-50 RUG integrates a micro-controller with A/D and D/A embedded
converters. The micro-controller is used to set the parameters of the clock
but also to lock the TCXO on the Rb absorption ‘dip’.
The built-in serial interface allows an automatic parameter adjustment during
the manufacturing process as well as a fine and coarse adjustment of the
center frequency. All the working parameters are stored in a built-in EEPROM
memory and are accessible through the serial interface for monitoring. The
user must send commands with the following pattern (TxD): command | carriage
return to validate command Example: monitor1
Remark: the system removes the line feeds and spaces and is case insensitive. The returned response is decomposed as following (RxD): response (if there is)
- carriage return + line feed Example: 0123
or error response (if there is) + “ ?” + 8 bits number corresponding to the error type + carriage return + line feed Example: 0123 ?08
Serial interface connection
The data transfer from the mRO-50 RUG is made by direct connection to a PC or standard terminal. The data transfer parameters are the following:
- bit rate : 9600 bits/s
- parity : none
- start bit : 1
- data bits : 8
- stop bit : 1
IMPORTANT NOTE
In most cases, the serial PC interface accepts the 0 to 3.3V level and a
direct connection can be made.
mRO-50 Ruggedized parameters monitoring
The parameters monitoring is readable through the serial interface and with
the use of the single command ‘MONITOR1‘ followed by a carriage return
character. The mRO-50 RUG will respond to this command with an ASCII/HEX coded
string as shown below.
AAAABBBBCCCCDDDDEEEEFFFFGGGGHHHHIIIIJJJJKKKKLLLLMMMMNNNNOOOO
-
(AAAA) Rubidium cell temperature setpoint : during the optimization of the clock, the temperature of the glass cell is adjusted to maximize the ratio absorption and power consumption. The temperature at this maximum is define as setpoint
-
(BBBB) LASER temperature setpoint : the temperature of the VCSEL is set to match the laser wavelength to the Rubidium resonance for a fixed driving current. The temperature determined during this process is fixed as setpoint.
-
(CCCC) LASER current setpoint during start-up: after switch-on, the mRO-50 runs the process of locking the light source to the Rubidium resonance which lasts 70 seconds. During this process, the current driving the VCSEL is fixed to a high value. The light control loop is closed and the current will converge to the value which enables the lock
-
(DDDD) C-field current setpoint : a small current crosses the pair of C-field coils which generate a small axial static magnetic field to resolve the Zeeman sub-transitions of the hyperfine line and select the clock transition. (EEEE) Differential integrator DYNAMIC setting: after switch-on, the mRO-50 runs the process of
locking the light source to the Rubidium maximum absorption which lasts 70 seconds. During this period, a voltage bias is added at the input of the light lock corrector to ensure that the controller will converge to the absorption -
(FFFF) TCXO control voltage: the control voltage of the local oscillator (TCXO) is corrected in real time to lock its frequency to the Rubidium atomic transition at 3.036GHz.
-
(GGGG) Atomic signal monitoring (15th sample) : corresponds to the amplitude of the left interrogation signal (see 2.3.1).
-
(HHHH) Atomic signal monitoring (31st sample): corresponds to the amplitude of the right interrogation signal (see 2.3.1).
-
(IIII) Photodetector current: corresponds to the amplitude of the current at the output of the detector
-
(JJJJ) LASER temperature controller voltage : is the voltage driving the heater of the VCSEL temperature controller.
-
(KKKK) Rubidium cell temperature controller voltage : is the voltage driving the heater of the glass cell temperature controller.
-
(LLLL) LASER driver voltage: is the voltage driving the current source of the VCSEL.
-
(MMMM) LASER voltage: is the voltage across the VCSEL to monitor the good health of the component.
-
(NNNN) EP temperature : is the temperature of the main electronic board.
(OOOO) mRO-50 status
- bit 00: CPULowPower mode 0 = DISABLE | 1 = ENABLE
- bit 01 : state lock LASER current / temperature LASER 0 = CLOSE | 1 = OPEN
- bit 02 : internal logic
- bit 03 : state of the thermal compensation 0 = ON | 1 = OFF
- bit 04 : state of the crystal oscillator control loop 0 = CLOSE | 1 = OPEN
- bit 05 : not used
- bit 06 : Forget MON_satom PIL_vc loop_0 0 = NO | 1 = YES
- bit 07 : Forget MON_satom PIL_vc loop_1 0 = NO | 1 = YES
- bit 08: modulation status 0 = OFF | 1 = ON
- bit 09 : Need sync 0 = NO | 1 = YES
- bit 10 : temperature of the glass cell ready ? 0 = NO | 1 = YES
- bit 11 : temperature of the LASER ready ? 0 = NO | 1 = YES
- bit 12 : Need update R1 and R5 0 = NO | 1 = YES
- bit 13 : internal logic
- bit 14 : clock locked ? 0 = NO | 1 = YES
- bit 15 : auto-start 0 = DISABLE | 1= ENABLE
IMPORTANT NOTE
Commands may not be taken into account or the mRO-50 RUG may return incorrect
information during about 200 ms every 3 days due to an internal update of
parameters
Center frequency adjustment
The output frequency is adjustable digitally and by applying an analog voltage
to pin #1. Analog voltage: must be low noise and stable to avoid any
degradation of the mRO-50 RUG performance. This voltage is added to the
voltage driving the current source of the coils. Spectratime recommends a
buffer as close as possible to pin #1.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Pin #1 (IN analog frequency adjustment) must not be connected to any voltage
potential if not used
Care must be taken to the stability of the voltage applied to pin #1 to not degrade the long term frequency stability of the clock. The frequency sensitivity to the voltage is about 8E-14/μV. Digital frequency adjustment: is divided into fine and coarse. The fine tuning acts on the polarization of the C field and the coarse on the frequency of the digital PLL. The fine adjustment is about 30 μHz/step@10 MHz and the coarse about 12.4 mHz/step@10 MHz. The value is coded on 16 bits but are truncated in the software.
- Fine frequency adjustment: is achieved with the command ‘PIL_cfield’.
- PIL_cfield
: return the current value in 16 bits not signed hexadecimal in the range of 0x0640 à 0x0C80 (example: 0x0960). - PIL_cfield XX
: add an offset to the current value of cfield. The parameter is used as long as the clock is running, a reboot will load the initial value of PIL_cfield. XX is a 8 bits signed hexadecimal word settable from 0x80 à 0x7F. - PIL_cfield XXXX
: change the value of cfield. The parameter is used as long as the clock is running, a reboot will load the initial value of PIL_cfield. XXXX is a 16 bits not signed hexadecimal word settable from 0x0640 à 0x 0C20. - PIL_cfield LOAD
: return the initial value of PIL_cfield on 16 bits not signed hexadecimal. - PIL_cfield SAVE
: save the current value of PIL_cfield as initial value. - PIL_cfield SAVE XXXX
: save the 16 bits not signed hexadecimal word XXXX as initial value of PIL_cfield.
- PIL_cfield
- Coarse frequency adjustment: is achieved with the command ‘FD’ followed by a carriage return character. The customer must change the frequency step by step waiting at least 6 seconds between each step.
- FD
: return the current value in 32 bits not signed hexadecimal in the range of 0x000000000 à 0x003FFFFF of the denominator of the fractional digital PLL. - FD XX
: add an offset to the current value of FD. The parameter is used as long as the clock is running, a reboot will load the initial value of FD. XX is a 8 bits signed hexadecimal word settable from 0x80 à 0x7F. - FD XXXXXXXXX
: change the value of FD. The parameter is used as long as the clock is running, a reboot will load the initial value of FD. XXXXXXXX is a 32 bits not signed hexadecimal word settable from 0x000000000 à 0x003FFFFF (FD is set to adjust the output coarsely). - PLL SAVE
: save the current value of FD as initial FD.
- FD
IMPORTANT NOTE
Safran advice to use the fine frequency tuning function. A wrong use of the
coarse tuning may unlock the clock.
ID
The ‘ID’ command returns information about the clock in ASCII as below.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV WWWWWWWW XXXXXXXXXXXXXX YYYYYYYY ZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZ
ZZZZZZZZ
- (VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV) Part number
- (WWWWWWWW) Serial number
- (XXXXXXXXXXXXXX) firmware version
- (YYYYYYYY) developer information
- (ZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZ) checksum
Lock monitor
LED device may be directly connected to the ‘\lock monitor output’ according
to Figure 8.