The FemtoStepper from Safran is a High-Resolution Phase and Frequency Synthesizer. It provides an output of 4 x 10 MHz signals with a resolution of < 100 fs to control and adjust the output drift of a primary reference clock or standard, such as an active hydrogen maser clock, without changing its behavior. The drift can be automatically compensated through the AutoDrift feature.
The output is generated from an ultra-low-noise crystal oscillator phase-locked to the input improving the phase noise characteristic. It uses a built-in 10 MHz signal to generate the 1PPS output signal. Through a dedicated command, the 1PPS output can be aligned to a reference 1PPS input signal. It is designed for clock ensemble modeling and time & frequency generation from a clock ensemble system.
The FemtoStepper provides an output-to-output isolation of more than 50 dB. It has an RS232 digital interface to control the output phase or frequency. This synthesizer is available in an enclosure that measures 445 x 300 x 88 mm and has SMA-female connectors. It can operate on both AC/DC supplies. The synthesizer is suitable for use in clock ensemble/drift modeling systems, time & frequency generation from clock ensembling systems, time scale for metrology lab systems, GNSS navigational systems and time generation system for GNSS ground time monitoring facilities.
