In GNSS positioning systems, the frequency stability of reference clocks directly impacts positioning accuracy, startup speed, and system reliability. The Temperature-Corrected Crystal Oscillator (TCXO), serving as the core clock source, is a critical component that ensures stable operation in satellite signal acquisition, tracking, and positioning calculations.
TCXO is the 'frequency reference core' of GNSS positioning system
When GNSS positioning chips receive Beidou/GPS satellite signals, they must perform down-conversion, correlation demodulation, and code phase tracking on extremely weak radio frequency signals. This process relies heavily on the stability of the local reference clock, where the TCXO (Tunable Clock-Phase Oscillator) serves as the core component providing this highly stable local oscillator reference.
Frequency stability directly affects:
• Time to First Frequency Capture (TTFF)
• Carrier and code phase tracking accuracy
• Star-locking capability in weak signal environment
• Accuracy and stability of positioning solution
If the reference clock performance is insufficient, it will result in a series of performance losses, mainly in the following aspects:
|
Clock performance is insufficient |
influence |
|
excessive frequency deviation |
The capture window has expanded, and the cold start has slowed down. |
|
marked temperature sensitivity |
Increased rates of star loss and recapture |
|
The phase noise is high. |
Jitter tracking, reduced positioning accuracy |
|
Insufficient stability |
trajectory drift, positioning fluctuation |
Yangxing Technology's thermally compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) delivers ±0.5 ppm temperature stability, effectively suppressing temperature drift effects. This ensures GNSS receivers maintain stable satellite locking and reliable positioning even in extreme temperatures and obstructed environments.
26 MHz-Mainstream Frequency Point Application of GNSS Positioning System
In the Beidou/GPS multi-mode positioning system, 26 MHz has become the de facto standard frequency, widely used in GNSS modules, vehicle-mounted positioning terminals, handheld positioning devices, and IoT positioning terminals.
Typical application:
• GNSS module and positioning board
• Vehicle Location Terminal
• Handheld positioning device
• Pet/Master Animal Tracker
• personnel location system
The system value of Yangxing Technology's 26 MHz TCXO:
• Reduce GNSS cold start and hot start time
• Improve capture sensitivity in weak signal environments
• Reducing frequency offset interference to the carrier tracking loop
• Improve positioning stability in complex outdoor environments
YXC provides a TCXO oscillator selection guide to help you accurately position product design — YSO510TP series
YSO510TP series
The YXC Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) utilizes a high-precision temperature compensation algorithm and premium-grade quartz resonators, ensuring exceptional frequency stability even in challenging environments. By adopting Yangxing Technology's TCXO, end manufacturers can achieve faster GNSS startup speeds, enhanced positioning accuracy and trajectory stability, along with reduced system power consumption and extended battery life.
The YSO510TP is a high-precision, high-stability TCXO (Tunable Crystal Oscillator) developed by Yangxing Technology, designed to meet the stringent requirements of GNSS positioning systems for crystal oscillators. Key technical specifications of this product series are as follows:
• Ambient temperature frequency difference: ±1.5 ppm
• Temperature stability: ±0.5 ppm (-40°C to +85°C)
• Frequency range: 10-52 MHz
• Packaging options: 2016/2520/3225/5032/7050, with multiple sizes available, supporting high integration and miniaturization design
• Operating temperature range: -40℃ to +85℃
• Low phase noise (-135dBc/Hz at 1kHz offset), enhancing GNSS acquisition and tracking performance
• Fast startup and low power consumption, which can shorten the initial positioning time, suitable for battery-powered portable devices
With GNSS positioning applications advancing toward higher precision, dynamic performance, and multi-mode integration, high-stability temperature-compensated crystal oscillators (TCXO) have become a critical foundation for system performance.
Yangxing Technology will continue to focus on its multi-frequency, high-stability, and wide-temperature-range TCXO product line, delivering reliable, mass-production-ready clock solutions for GNSS positioning system terminals and smart devices. This empowers customers to develop more competitive end products.
