Fast Infrared Imaging Polarimeter Development

Not Available Crystal oscillators, whether simple clocks or precision frequency references, are used in almost every present-day electronic system, and this is expected to remain true for the foreseeable future. The success of numerous weapons systems now under active development depends upon electronics packages capable of withstanding very high acceleration and mechanical shock, most of which will also use crystal oscillators. Applications include guided munitions, smart fuzes, and penetrating weapons. For this program we are interested in the application to Extended Range Guided Munition (ERGM), which will incorporate on-board GPS receivers as part of the guidance system. The receiver requires a frequency source whose accuracy determines the time to acquire the first satellite. To meet the allowable thermally induced frequency shift this will be a TCXO - - a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator. Although the circuitry of a crystal oscillator is relatively shock inert, the conventional crystal resonators used are inherently susceptible to shock. To manufacture crystal oscillators shock-hardened up to 30,000 G there is a corresponding need for hardened resonators. PTI has been intimately involved over the past decade in the development of resonator shock-hardening technology. Each technique developed to date has certain limitations, different for each. By combining techniques we feel that inherent failure mechanisms can be eliminated. This first phase of this program will demonstrate that the combination of techniques which we have mastered, can produce a much more rugged but still economical resonator. In this program PTI will develop the solutions needed to meet the objectives of this solicitation in an economical manner.