A Method for a Precision Oscillator to Autonomously Detect Frequency Changes

A frequency change detector splits a frequency standard signal into two undelayed frequency signals, one of which is delayed by a predetermined amount. The delayed signal is then mixed with the undelayed frequency signal into a mixed signal that is further filtered and amplified for providing an output signal indicating frequency changes of the frequency standard signal. The mixed frequency signal indicates frequency changes of the original frequency standard signal without reference to another frequency standard. This frequency change detector is well suited for use on satellites as an early warning detection of changes in on-board atomic frequency standards.