2017 TF Seminar

NIST Time and Frequency Division's annual seminar covers clocks, oscillators, atomic frequency standards, rf and optical synchronization, optical oscillators, quantum information, optical cooling and heating; making precise frequency, time, phase-noise, and jitter measurements; and establishing measurement accuracy and traceability. This 4-day course is the most comprehensive available.

INFORMATION

The 2017 Seminar will include lectures in direct-digital PM noise measurements, how to specify frequency uncertainty, oscillator needs for new radars and surveillance systems, GPS vs. other global navigation satellite systems, photonic (laser-based) oscillators, chip-scale atomic clocks, optical frequency dividers, active PM-noise reduction techniques in oscillators, and ultra-low noise amplifier design techniques.

FAQs

What will I receive at the Seminar? You will receive a concentrated, 4-day course, a USB drive containing lecture presentations, lab demonstrations, metrology certificate of completion, tour of NIST's primary standards and research activities, an evening reception, continental breakfasts, lunches, and refreshments.

Is this a "hands-on" course? Yes. The seminar includes a full afternoon of lab demonstrations at NIST, and interactive sessions throughout the seminar allow for participants to engage with our expert lecturers.

SEMINAR TOPICS

Basic Definition of Terms: Frequency, Time, Phase, Accuracy, Stability, Noise, Jitter, Standards, Calibration, Traceability, Certification, Quality Assurance, Time and Frequency Fundamentals
Measurement Methods and Analysis of Systems
•Digital Signal Processing Techniques
•Frequency-Domain Performance: PM and AM Noise Measurements of Oscillators and Amplifiers
•Time-Domain Performance: Allan variances, total estimators, and other time and frequency variances
•Characterizing Clock Jitter
Oscillators and Frequency Standards: Vibration, Acceleration, and other Environmental Sensitivities Quartz Crystal Resonators and Oscillators Atomic Standards: Rubidium and Cesium Comparing Laboratory and Commercial Frequency Standards
How to collect, analyze, and interpret real data: measurement techniques and analysis examples
Testing Oscillators and Frequency Standards:
•Measurements and Instrumentation
•Digital and Analog Approaches
•Demonstrations of Lab Measurements: Time Stability, Frequency Stability, Phase Noise and Spectral Purity, Jitter Analysis
Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) as a Transfer Standard:
•GPS Time: What is it, How is it used, What is typical accuracy and precision
•Time and Frequency Transfer Using Common-view GPS for Highest Accuracy
•Carrier-phase Common-view Time Transfer using GPS for Highest Precision
•Limitations of GPS Synchronization
Special Time and Frequency Applications:
•Two-way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer
•Synchronization in Telecommunications Systems, Internet Time Service, Network Time Protocols
•Emerging Frequency, Time, and Synchronization Techniques on-chip (Chip-Scale) Cesium Standard
•Optical Standards, Laser Cooling, and Optical Frequency Division
•Future Applications and User Requirements

Other topics will include introductory and advanced frequency synthesis techniques, uncertainty analysis, applications in wireless cellular phones and broadband telecommunications, and aspects of legal metrology, traceability, ISO compliance, and laboratory accreditation.