OCXO Oscillator: Specifications, Selection and Where to Buy in

An OCXO oscillator (oven-controlled crystal oscillator) is the standard choice when a design needs a stable, low phase noise frequency reference. This guide explains the specifications that matter, how to compare OCXO oscillators, and where to buy them in Europe. The same part is also known as an OCXO-Oszillator in German and as an oven-stabilised crystal oscillator.

What an OCXO oscillator does

An OCXO oscillator keeps its quartz crystal in a small temperature-controlled oven, so the crystal runs at a constant temperature whatever the surroundings. This removes most of the frequency drift that ambient temperature causes. New to the technology? Start with What is an OCXO? or compare with a TCXO in OCXO vs TCXO: what's the difference?

Specifications to compare

• Output frequency: 10 MHz is the most common reference frequency, but other values are available.
• Frequency stability over temperature: how much the frequency may move across your operating range.
• Ageing: long-term drift per day and per year. This decides how often you need to recalibrate.
• Phase noise: critical for RF, radar and telecom. The crystal cut matters, see SC-cut vs AT-cut quartz crystals.
• Supply voltage, warm-up time and power: the oven needs extra power while it heats up.
• Package and output type: through-hole or surface mount, sine or CMOS output.
• Tuning: whether the frequency can be adjusted with a control voltage, for example in a GPS-disciplined design.

OCXO oscillators in GPS-disciplined systems

An OCXO oscillator is the core of a GPS disciplined oscillator, where it is steered against satellite time for long-term accuracy. Read What is a GPSDO? or browse our GPS disciplined OCXO range.

Where to buy OCXO oscillators in Europe

Vikronix supplies OCXO oscillators from HCD Research, Quartzlock and RFX Group to engineering teams across Europe, with local support from Malmö, Sweden. Browse the OCXO range, open a product for specifications and datasheet, or request a quote. We also help with custom frequencies and specifications. Looking for a supplier in the Nordics? Read our OCXO supplier guide for Scandinavia.