Frequency Standards Laboratory

Supervisor : Robert Tjoelker

The JPL Frequency Standards Laboratory is responsible for technology development, generation, and distribution of ultra-stable reference frequencies and synchronized timing signals for NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN). Each of the DSN's three Deep Space Communication Complexes (located at Goldstone (California, USA); Madrid (Spain); and Canberra (Australia) consist of multiple antenna sites which are simultaneously used to track multiple spacecraft or to perform observations of deep space radio sources.

The DSN Frequency and Timing Subsystems (FTS) consist of several atomic frequency standards and distribution systems to provide coherent frequency references and synchronized timing signals to multiple users. Fiber optic links are used to maintain high stability at tracking antennas often located kilometers apart. Timing Synchronization between the three complexes is performed using the Global Positioning System (GPS). State of the art, low noise, high stability frequency and timing is required by many users and Radio Science experiments, including Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations, and the upcoming Occultation Science and Gravity Wave Searches with the Cassini Spacecraft. To support these high reliability and performance demands we also operate the Frequency Standards Test Laboratory (FSTL) at JPL. This environmental facility supports a broad spectrum of developments, ranging from new oscillator concepts, the study of low noise measurement and analysis techniques, to complete environmental and stability testing of fully engineered technologies being implemented in flight projects or the DSN.

DSN Frequency & Timing Subsystem (FTS)

---

FTS Technology Development for VLBI 

---

FTS Technology Development for Cassini Radio Science

---

Noise Analysis and Statistics

---

JPL Frequency Standards Test Laboratory (FSTL)

Related Links:

• Quantum Sciences and Technology Group
• JPL TMOD Home Page
• TMOD Technology Program
• Deep Space Network Home Page
• VLBI Very Long Baseline Interferometry
• Cassini Home Page

Web Pages maintained by John DickUpdated 10/00