Rubidium Time Standards
PerkinElmer is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standards (RAFS) also known as Atomic Clocks for space borne applications. RAFS are considered to be the heart of satellite-bases global navigation and positioning systems. Our time standards were developed specifically for Global Positioning System (GPS) applications where an extremely reliable atomic clock combining exceptional frequency stability and low drift with negligible environmental sensitivity is needed.
Today, more than half of all GPS satellites use our RAFS as the “heart” of their navigation system. Current programs include the U.S. GPS Block IIR/IIM, which improve navigation accuracy and provide longer autonomous operation than older GPS satellites, and the Block IIF, which incorporates leading edge technology to enhance space-borne navigation systems. In August 2009, we celebrated twelve years of continuous, failure-free operation in space on the first U.S. GPS Block IIR satellite.
This reliability and an unmatched commitment to performance and quality was rewarded when we were chosen in 2008 to supply the rubidium time standards for the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) Block IIIA Space System program. As part of a global GPS system, the U.S. GPS Block III system will transmit a new civilian signal that will be interoperable with both Japan's Quazi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) and Europe's Galileo satellite navigation system. Our rubidium clockswill enable the U.S. GPS Block III system to maintain its status as the world's premier space-based positioning, navigation and timing system.
With more than 100 space qualified atomic delivered and 60 already in space, far exceeding any other company, we continue to innovate for future space programs and are confident our 30 years of experience, dedicated design and manufacturing capabilities and facilities will serve to enhance GPS satellites for decades to come.
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The PerkinElmer Model RFS-10 Rubidium Frequency Standard is a miniature MIL-Spec rubidium gas cel......
The PerkinElmer Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) is an exceptionally high performance an......