Abracon O-C25AB Precision Ultra Low Phase Noise OCXO

Introduction

The Abracon O-C25AB is a high-performance oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) designed for timing and frequency-reference applications that require outstanding stability and exceptionally low phase noise. Its compact package and 10 MHz sine-wave output make it suitable for precision electronic instruments and communications equipment.

Part Description

The O-C25AB is based on an SC-cut quartz crystal housed within a temperature-controlled oven. The internal oven maintains the crystal at a stable operating temperature, minimizing frequency variation caused by ambient temperature changes.

Key characteristics include:

• Manufacturer: Abracon
• Product code: O-C25AB
• Oscillator type: Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO)
• Nominal output frequency: 10 MHz
• Output waveform: Sine wave
• Frequency stability: ±50 ppb across -40°C to +70°C
• Phase noise: Maximum -170 dBc/Hz at a 100 kHz offset
• Crystal type: SC-cut crystal
• Package size: 25 mm × 25 mm

Its ultra-low phase-noise performance helps preserve signal purity in systems where jitter, close-in spectral noise, and timing errors can limit overall performance.

Applications

Potential applications for the Abracon O-C25AB include:

• Precision frequency references
• Rubidium or GPS-disciplined oscillator reference stages
• RF signal generators
• Spectrum analyzers
• Frequency counters
• Phase-noise measurement systems
• Test and measurement equipment
• High-performance clock distribution systems
• Microwave synthesizers
• Telecommunications synchronization equipment
• Software-defined radio platforms
• Satellite communications systems

Industries

The O-C25AB may be used in several industries, including:

• Telecommunications
• Aerospace and defense
• Satellite communications
• Test and measurement
• Scientific research
• Industrial automation
• Broadcast infrastructure
• Network timing and synchronization
• Wireless communications
• Instrumentation and metrology

Usage Ideas

1. Low-Noise 10 MHz Laboratory Reference
   Use the O-C25AB as the central 10 MHz frequency reference for laboratory instruments, counters, synthesizers, and measurement equipment.

2. RF Signal Generator Upgrade
   Integrate the OCXO into a signal generator or frequency synthesizer to improve phase-noise performance and long-term frequency stability.

3. GPSDO Holdover Clock
   Pair the oscillator with a GPS timing receiver and control loop to create a GPS-disciplined oscillator with stable holdover performance when satellite reception is unavailable.

Conclusion

The Abracon O-C25AB is a compact precision OCXO intended for applications that need a clean, stable 10 MHz timing source. With an SC-cut crystal, ±50 ppb temperature stability, and ultra-low phase noise reaching -170 dBc/Hz maximum at 100 kHz offset, it is well suited to demanding communications, instrumentation, RF, and synchronization designs.