[time-nuts] Allan Variance versus Allan Deviation

Bruce Griffiths bruce.griffiths at xtra.co.nz
Mon Mar 28 12:36:02 UTC 2011


Martyn Smith wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I'm trying to compare the stability specifications of two oscillators.
>
> The first spec is 2 x 10E-11 Allan Variance.
> The second spec is 3 x 10E-11 Allan Deviation.
>
> As Allan deviation (ADEV), is the square root of Allan variance, I 
> thought the first spec is the better of the two, but a collegue 
> disagrees, saying 3x10E-11 Allan Deviation is a better spec than 2 x 
> 10E-11 Allan Variance.
>
> I'm sure the million experts at there will give me the correct answer
>
> Regards
>
> Steve Jones
>
>
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Strictly you are correct, however some early datasheets (eg Crystek, ) 
say Allan variance whilst they actually tabulated its square root or 
Allan deviation.

Bruce




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