Summary of Building a Better RTL-SDR TCXO
This article describes a cost-effective, scratch-built 28.8MHz Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) designed to enhance the temperature stability of RTL-SDR dongles. The project utilizes readily available and inexpensive components to achieve +/-1ppm stability between 0C and 55C. It also notes that the internal oscillator can be swapped with commercial TCXOs and mentions an updated PCB design by Elia available from OSHPark.
Parts used in the RTL-SDR TCXO:
- RTL-SDR dongle
- 28.8MHz quartz crystal
- High quality temperature compensated oscillator (TCXO)
- Inexpensive and readily available components
- Commercially available TCXO
- PCB designed by Elia
Its hard to beat the cost and versatility of the ubiquitous RTL-SDR dongles, but the temperature stability of their reference oscillators isn’t sufficient for some applications. While the internal 28.8MHz quartz crystal in these units can be replaced by a high quality temperature compensated oscillator, these tend to be relatively expensive and/or difficult to source.
Here’s a scratch-built 28.8MHz TCXO capable of +-1ppm stability from 0C-55C; best of all, it’s not only easy to build, but is designed entirely from readily available and inexpensive components. For improved temperature stability, the main oscillator can even be replaced with one of many commercially available TCXOs!
UPDATE: Elia has kindly designed a PCB for this circuit, using a commercially available TCXO. Now available from OSHPark!
For more detail: Building a Better RTL-SDR TCXO
- Why replace the reference oscillator in an RTL-SDR dongle?
The internal 28.8MHz quartz crystal lacks sufficient temperature stability for some applications. - What is the stability range of this scratch-built TCXO?
It achieves plus or minus 1ppm stability from 0C to 55C. - Are the components for this project expensive?
No, the design uses readily available and inexpensive components. - Can I use a commercial TCXO in this circuit?
Yes, the main oscillator can be replaced with many commercially available TCXOs. - Is there a PCB option available for this circuit?
Yes, Elia has designed a PCB using a commercially available TCXO. - Where can I obtain the PCB for this project?
The PCB is now available from OSHPark.
