Modular electronic instrumentation chassis with integrated high performance reference clock and associated methods

Abstract

The modular electronic instrumentation platform chassis is for use with a plurality of instrumentation modules and includes a frame defining a module area and a non-module area. The module area includes a plurality of slots open to a front of the frame and configured to receive instrumentation modules therein. A front panel may be carried by the front of the frame adjacent the plurality of slots. A chassis power unit is configured to provide power to the plurality of instrumentation modules received in the slots. A reference clock unit carried by the frame in the non-module area and is configured to provide a low phase-noise reference clock for the plurality of instrumentation modules received in the slots. The reference clock unit includes vibration dampening mounts that mount the reference clock unit to the frame, power supply circuitry, reference clock circuitry, a shield to isolate the power supply circuitry from the reference clock circuitry, and a plurality of reference clock outputs mounted in the front panel and coupled to the reference clock circuitry.