Atomic Frequency Standards

High-stability rubidium frequency references — from space-qualified RAFS at the heart of GPS III to dual/triple-redundant clock payloads and next-generation optical clocks under DoD development. US-engineered and mission-proven since 1961.

60+

Years of Heritage

500+

Satellites Served

8E-13 @ 1 second

Allan Deviation

GPS III

Key Program

HERO_Atomic_Frequency_Standards

Available Configurations

  • Single Channel
  • Dual Channel
  • Integrated Solutions/Multi-Channel Solutions
  • Modular
  • Plug-In
  • SOSA
GPS satellite in orbit — GPS III atomic clock heritage powering global navigation
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Rubidium Frequency Standards

Space-qualified rubidium atomic frequency standards (RAFS) with sub-nanosecond stability. Heritage on GPS III and LEO constellations.

  • Sub-nanosecond stability: 1×10⁻¹¹/day demonstrated on orbit
  • Heritage on GPS III and >500 LEO / MEO / GEO missions
  • Radiation hardening: >100 krad(Si) total ionizing dose
  • Compact, low-mass form factors for satellite integration
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Engineer inspecting space-qualified satellite payload in cleanroom — dual-redundant atomic clock integration
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DRAFS — Digital Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard

Fault-tolerant digital rubidium standard for mission-critical satellite payloads requiring continuous uninterrupted operation.

  • Independent primary and secondary RAFS units
  • Autonomous health monitoring and auto-switchover
  • Heritage on multiple GEO and MEO programs
  • Fully compatible with FEI RAFS frequency specifications
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Gold-foil quantum photonics chip on circuit board — next-generation optical frequency standard technology
03

Emerging Optical & Ion Clocks

Next-generation trapped-ion clock development programs for quantum-enabled precision timing at unprecedented accuracy.

  • Performance targets are under active development; contact FEI for program-specific information.
  • Trapped-ion architectures under development
  • DoD-funded R&D program engagement (active)
  • Compact packaging development toward eventual fielding
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Atomic Frequency Standards Datasheets

Open the approved FEI product literature currently available for this product family.

Terrestrial Applications

TURbO Rubidium Oscillator

Product datasheet for the compact TURbO timing unit rubidium oscillator.

Open PDF

FE-5668B Rubidium Oscillator

Product datasheet for the FE-5668B disciplined rubidium oscillator.

Open PDF

FE-5669 VHP Rubidium Oscillator

Product datasheet for the FE-5669 very-high-performance digital rubidium oscillator.

Open PDF

FE-5667B High-Performance Rubidium Oscillator

Product datasheet for the FE-5667B self-calibrating high-performance rubidium oscillator.

Open PDF

TURbO RCS Rubidium Clock System

Product datasheet for the compact TURbO RCS rubidium clock system.

Open PDF

Application Areas

GPS-Denied Navigation

Long-term holdover enables precise navigation and mission continuity when GPS or GNSS signals are unavailable, jammed, or intentionally denied.

Undersea Platforms

Ultra-stable timing references for submarines and autonomous underwater systems operating for extended periods without access to satellite synchronization.

Space & Deep Space Missions

Autonomous frequency and timing references for spacecraft, lunar missions, and deep-space exploration where external timing signals are unavailable.

Defense C5ISR Networks

Provides synchronized timing for distributed sensors, communications, radar, and electronic warfare systems operating in contested environments.

Telecommunications

Primary timing references for resilient telecommunications infrastructure requiring long-term synchronization and minimal frequency drift.

Scientific & Metrology

High-precision frequency standards for national laboratories, calibration facilities, and advanced scientific research requiring exceptional stability.

Secure Government Systems

Reliable autonomous timing for classified communications, command-and-control networks, and other mission-critical government applications.

Long-Term Autonomous Operation

Maintains ultra-precise timing for weeks or months without external synchronization, ensuring mission continuity in isolated or GPS-denied environments.

FEI facilities

FEI-NY

Precision atomic timekeeping for space and defense — the technology at the heart of GPS III.

FEI's core division in Uniondale, New York has designed and manufactured frequency standards since 1961. With heritage on GPS III and hundreds of satellite missions, FEI-NY products represent over six decades of continuous advancement in precision frequency technology for space, defense, and national infrastructure.

Uniondale, New York
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Ready to discuss your program requirements?

FEI engineers are available to consult on custom configurations, integration requirements, and qualification testing for your specific application.