Improved Method for Long-Term Frequency Stability Measurement Using Vector Voltmeter

• Main Authors: Zeljko Beljic, Predrag Rakonjac, Ivica Milanovic, Zoran Mitrovic
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Slavonski Brod, Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Osijek, Faculty of Civil Engineering in Osijek 2018-01-01
• Series: Tehnički Vjesnik
• Subjects: automation; frequency; long-term stability; phase angle; vector voltmeter
• Online Access: https://hrcak.srce.hr/file/293185
• ISSN: 1330-3651; 1848-6339

This paper proposes a novel approach for the improvement of the long-term frequency stability measurement using an obsolete phase meter. The hypothesis of the paper states it is possible to fully automate measurement process and reduce measurement time using the standard method supported by bespoke PC software. This theory was examined in detail and experimentally validated using GPS standard method. The results of the experiment confirmed that measurement time can be reduced more than 50 %, at the expense of a measurement uncertainty increase. Still, the estimated measurement uncertainty of the proposed method is more than satisfactory for the calibration purpose of the most common oscillator types including rubidium frequency standards.