Designing a supplemental test facility for rubidium atomic frequency standards

A test facility for burn-in testing of rubidium atomic frequency standards was developed and is described in this paper. This unique facility allows the investigator to capture continuous real time performance over long periods of time in a controlled environment. The facility was primarily developed to supplement post-manufacturing testing prior to integration on the spacecraft. This supplemental testing was implemented to keep the oscillators on, operating and monitored to provide a stabilization period, extended observation time, a test facility for special tests and as an aide to prevent integration returns. The secondary purpose for this facility was to perform non invasive investigative testing of problems as well as unusual phenomena. The facility and test equipment used in this facility (and their expected costs) are described.