The Space CSAC-SA65 extends radiation tolerance to 30 kRad and cuts power draw below 120 mW, letting CubeSat-class missions carry atomic-clock timing without relying on GNSS.
Microchip Technology on Aug. 13 introduced the Space CSAC-SA65, a radiation-tolerant chip-scale atomic clock designed to bring atomic-clock timing accuracy to small, power-constrained satellite missions.
The company said the growing New Space market is driving demand for smaller, less expensive space hardware supporting short-duration missions in applications such as satellite-to-cellular communications, alternative navigation and Earth imaging. Built on the heritage of Microchip’s Space CSAC-SA45, the new device extends radiation tolerance to at least 30 kRad and operates across an extended temperature range of -40 degrees C to +80 degrees C. It consumes less than 120 mW and occupies under 17 cubic centimeters, with built-in 1 PPS input and output for satellite synchronization. The atomic stability lets systems maintain timing accuracy for extended periods without continuous reliance on GNSS signals.
Randy Brudzinski, corporate vice president of Microchip’s frequency and time systems business unit, said the device brings atomic-clock performance to size-, weight-, power- and cost-constrained applications, adding that “even the smallest CubeSat can now fly with atomic accuracy.”
COTS Manufacturing, LEO Applications
Manufactured as a commercial off-the-shelf product using radiation-tolerant commercial electronic components, the CSAC-SA65 is intended to offer shorter lead times and lower overall costs compared with traditional space-grade oscillators. Microchip is targeting the device at Low Earth Orbit missions, including satellite timing and frequency control, satellite clock reference, assured positioning, navigation and timing, and satellite cross-linking.
The company describes its original Space CSAC line as the industry’s first commercially available radiation-tolerant chip-scale atomic clock, and positions the SA65 generation as a further step in reducing size, weight and power for LEO applications spanning commercial, scientific and defense payloads. The device, part number 090-02789-007, is available now through Microchip’s sales and distribution network, supported by the company’s Clockstudio software for control and analysis of atomic clocks and a CSAC Developer Kit.
