A Computer Controllable Microwave Signal Generator for CPT Atomic Clock

Abstract

This paper proposed a microwave signal generator which employed a phase lock loop (PLL) chip and several direct digital synthesizer (DDS) chips to make the frequency modulated microwave signal for coherent population trapping (CPT) atomic clock. Based on the communication between a computer and the MCU, it could be completely controlled that frequency, phase, working mode and modulation depth of the output signal by self-developed software. Spectrum and oscilloscope test results showed all the output signals could be suitable for the CPT atomic application.