The Stanford Research Systems SC10 is a 10 MHz ovenized quartz oscillator engineered for precision timing, frequency standards, and scientific instrumentation. Built around an SC-cut crystal with electronic double oven temperature control, it delivers exceptional frequency stability with Allan variance as low as 2 × 10⁻¹² at 1 second and aging rates below 2 × 10⁻¹⁰ per day. Phase noise performance reaches -130 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz offset (Grade A), with superior low-noise characteristics across audio and RF bands. The SC10 provides flexible configuration options including multiple temperature grades (J, K, A), supply voltages (+15 VDC or +24 VDC), and output connectors (SMA, SMB, SMC, or Pin). Electronic frequency control with user-selectable tuning ranges enables fine-frequency adjustment, while mechanical tuning extends range beyond ±3 Hz. Steady-state performance is achieved after approximately 72 hours of continuous operation.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency: 10 MHz
• Crystal Type: SC-cut
• Allan Variance (1 second): 2 × 10⁻¹²
• Aging Rate: < 2 × 10⁻¹⁰ per day
• Temperature Stability: Grade J (0–50°C) < ±2 × 10⁻⁹; Grade K (−10–60°C) < ±1 × 10⁻⁹; Grade A (−20–70°C) < ±5 × 10⁻¹⁰
• Phase Noise (Grade A typical): 10 Hz offset < −130 dBc/Hz; 100 Hz < −150 dBc/Hz; 1 kHz < −158 dBc/Hz; 10 kHz ±3 Hz
• Multiple temperature grades for application-specific stability requirements
• Selectable output connector types
• Output accuracy ±5 %; harmonics 2nd < −45 dBc, 3rd and higher < −60 dBc
– Typical Applications
• Precision frequency references and atomic clock comparisons
• Test and measurement instrumentation
• Frequency standards for metrology labs
• Phase-coherent signal generation
– Compatibility & Integration
EFC input references EFC ground (Pin 7). All grounds (power, RF, EFC, case) are internally connected. Floating supply, case-to-chassis grounding, and differential RF output measurement are recommended to avoid ground loops.
