IQD present ICPT-1, its chip scale atomic clock (CSAC). The ICPT-1 uses the Coherent Population Trap (CPT) method to obtain a very stable frequency and is the perfect addition to IQD’s rubidium oscillator portfolio.

While common rubidium oscillators detect the atomic transition with the help of a rubidium discharge lamp (Rb lamp), the ICPT-1 uses a laser to induce quantum transitions. A major advantage of the laser is a much lower power consumption. Additionally, the life cycle of a Rb lamp is very limited – typically around ten years – whereby the laser has a much longer life expectancy.

Users have the possibility to connect either an external 1 PPS input or take the internal clock for a 1 PPS output for synchronisation in various applications. Whilst in free running mode, relying on the internal clock of the ICPT-1 as the source of the 1 PPS signal, the ICPT-1 offers a suitable holdover behaviour. Digital frequency adjustment and optional 1 second time of day (TOD) counter can be accessed via a UART serial communication interface.

Housed in a 36.0 x 45.0 x 14.5 mm package, the ICPT-1 is smaller compared to traditional rubidium oscillators and comes with a current consumption of only 500 mA typical @ 3.3 V. With its frequency tolerance of 0.05 ppb, its short term stability of 0.09 ppb @ Tau = 1 s and its ageing of only 0.03 ppb per day this product is comparable to common standard Rubidium products.

Among others, the device is ideal for synchronisation or as reference clock in satellite & secure communications, navigation systems and also in financial, utility, security and communications timing applications.