The Frequency Standards Test Laboratory has the capability
to measure frequency standards and other frequency-related equipment for
Allan deviation, phase noise, spectrum, acceleration-induced effects, frequency
and time referenced to the National Institution of Standards and Technology
(NIST). Three environmental chambers can simulate environmental changes
that occur at the DSN's Deep Space Communications Complex and can alter
(singly or in any combination) these conditions:
Temperature - 15 to 35 degrees Celsius
Pressure - ± 6 kilopascals
Relative humidity - 11 to 90 percent
Magnetic field - ± 20 milliteslas
The Frequency Standards Test Laboratory was constructed with
nonmagnetic materials that do not alter Earth's magnetic field. To maintain
a constant temperature and control variations that affect the accuracy
of the frequency standards, incoming air is maintained constant to within
0.05 degree Celsius.