Common Frequency Source
High Performance, Manufacturable Fixed Frequency Sources
![Common Frequency Source (CSF) circuit panel connect to meter](https://cdn.northropgrumman.com/-/jssmedia/wp-content/uploads/Common-Frequency-Source-hero-002.jpg?mw=3840&rev=3c024ab2312842d2929127327477e379)
The Common Frequency Source (CFS) products provide fixed single and dual clock references for RF and digital payloads. It covers frequency ranges from 1.9 – 13.5 GHz.
Our Fixed Frequency line features a highly common design and automated engineering asset generation using Feature-based Product Line Engineering for rapid development of high stability, high-precision, customized products at lower cost that meet individual customer needs.
CFS Product Line Features
- Tailorable Printed Wiring Board (PWB) based on output frequency
- High reuse for reduced Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) cost
- Interfaces to variant-specific components (RF structures, oscillators)
- Automated common test set to validate design performance
Optional Configurations
- Dual (switched) output frequencies (within 600 ppm)
- Buffered output for internal OCXO clock
- Coherent frequency generation from external reference source
- Common Power Converter (unit assembly only)
Applications
Frequency Sources are optimized for space and air communications and ISR systems such as:
- Wideband Communication Links
- Low Probability of Intercept (LPI), Low Probability of Detection (LPD)
- Airborne ISR
- Electronic Warfare
- Resilient Systems
![Common Frequency Source Core Product Family hard drive](https://cdn.northropgrumman.com/-/jssmedia/wp-content/uploads/Common-Frequency-Source-test-equity-Core-Product-Family.jpg?mw=3840&rev=8d6f56e459d946b9ac3a372266fa9bfc)
Core Product Family
CFS Slice Assembly
- Configurable with up to four independent or one to two redundant frequency sources to support external/internal reference, switchable frequency, and OCXO buffered output for frequency, redundancy, reference source, etc.
- Custom designs supported with additional lead time and funding
- Single output frequency for embedded applications
CFS Unit Assembly
- Configurable with multiple CFS slice assemblies
- Optional Common Power Converter and switching slice which accepts a single bus voltage
- Custom designs support frequency multipliers for larger output frequency range