Use of "Atomic Clock" Nomenclature Many WWVB RCC products are labelled (on the product itself or in the documentation) as "atomic clocks." This is probably seen by manufacturers as a useful marketing tool intended to capture the imagination of potential customers, and some might argue that it is appropriate since atomic clocks are located at the WWVB radio transmitter site.
However, we contend that use of the term "atomic clock" is technically incorrect and misleading to consumers, and its usage should be avoided. Unless there is actually an atomic oscillator inside the RCC (such as a cesium or rubidium oscillator), we recommend that the term "radio controlled clock" be used to correctly describe the product. Labelling products or documentation with the term "atomic timekeeping" is also considered acceptable. _______________________________________________ questions mailing list [email protected] https://lists.ntp.isc.org/mailman/listinfo/questions
