The lamp runs quite hot (typically over 100C). Failure is generally the
heater, which is typically a transistor or FET bolted to the lamp body.
Occasionally, the RF transistor which drive the lamp discharge (something in
the range of 60-150 MHz) will fail. Again, it's the electronic components
failing, not the physics.
In a very old Rb, you may see some reduction in signal level due to
darkening of the lamp glass. This may lead to diminished stability
performance and contribute to long-term frequency drift, but is unlikely to
cause lock failure.
-RL
------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Lutwak, Senior Scientist
Symmetricom - Technology Realization Center
34 Tozer Rd.
Beverly, MA 01915
(978) 232-1461 Voice [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Business)
(978) 927-4099 FAX [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Personal)
(339) 927-7896 Mobile
----- Original Message -----
From: "Magnus Danielson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2005 7:40 AM
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Newbie with new questions: Rubidium
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: RE: [time-nuts] Newbie with new questions: Rubidium
Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2005 16:45:17 -0700
Message-ID:
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Our experience has been that the most common
failure in Rb standards is the Rb lamp. There
is a known wearout mechanism in the lamp and
a somewhat predictable lifespan. The filter
and absorption cells have no wearout mechanism.
Some Rubidiums have a "hot-swap" of the Rubidium lamp, such as my R&S
Rubidium.
Unfortunatly I don't have the replacement part.
With hot-swap means that all electronics, heating etc is all running as
normally, but during the operation there is a natural loss of tracking.
Cheers,
Magnus
Have a nice weekend,
Jim
Agilent Laboratories
Palo Alto, CA
>-----Original Message-----
>From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Behalf Of Rex
>Sent: Friday, August 05, 2005 1:40 PM
>To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement
>Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Newbie with new questions: Rubidium
>
>
>On Fri, 05 Aug 2005 20:26:36 +0000, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
>>Usually, Rb clock failures are electronic. Failed components are
>>generally the same you'd expect on any electronics. Check first
>>the power supply capacitors.
>
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