Definition: An Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) is a highly stable frequency reference that maintains the crystal at a constant temperature using an integrated oven. This minimizes frequency drift due to ambient temperature changes.
Key Features
- High Stability: Frequency stability as tight as ±0.1 ppb to ±10 ppb over temperature.
- Low Phase Noise: Excellent spectral purity, suitable for precision timing applications.
- Ovenized Design: Internal heating element keeps crystal at ~75–85°C regardless of environment.
- Warm-Up Time: Typically 2–5 minutes to reach thermal equilibrium.
- Power Consumption: Higher than TCXO or standard XOs (1–3 W typical).
Applications
Cellular Base Stations
Test & Measurement Equipment
GPS/GNSS Receivers
Military & Aerospace
Network Synchronization
Comparison with Other Oscillators
| Type |
Stability (ppb) |
Temp Range |
Power |
Cost |
| XO |
±1000 to ±100 |
0–70°C |
Low |
Low |
| TCXO |
±100 to ±0.1 |
-40 to +85°C |
Low-Med |
Medium |
| OCXO |
±10 to ±0.1 |
-40 to +85°C |
High |
High |
Note: OCXOs offer the best stability among commercial oscillators but require more power and have longer startup times.