Microchip Unveils Low-Profile Atomic Clock for Defense

2025-01-31 analog

Chandler, Friday, 31 January 2025.
Microchip’s new chip-scale atomic clock blends crystal oscillator and atomic clock technology, enhancing precision in aerospace and defense applications with a compact design and low power usage.

Revolutionary Timing Technology

Microchip Technology announced its second-generation Low-Noise Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LN-CSAC) model SA65-LN on January 27, 2025 [1][2]. This breakthrough device features a remarkably compact profile height of less than ½ inch while maintaining power consumption below 295 mW [1][2][3]. The integration of Microchip’s proprietary Evacuated Miniature Crystal Oscillator (EMXO) technology enables exceptional performance metrics, including low-phase noise at 10 Hz < -120 dBc/Hz and Allan Deviation stability <1E-11 at a 1-second averaging time [2][3].

Enhanced Performance Specifications

The LN-CSAC demonstrates impressive accuracy and stability characteristics crucial for military applications. The device provides initial accuracy of ±0.5 ppb, with low frequency drift performance of <0.9 ppb per month and maximum temperature-induced errors of < ±0.3ppb [2][5]. Operating across a wide temperature range of -40°C to +80°C, the clock maintains stable frequency and phase performance under extreme conditions [1][2][3], making it particularly suitable for demanding military environments [GPT].

Military and Defense Applications

This innovative timing solution addresses critical needs in aerospace and defense sectors, specifically targeting applications such as mobile radar, dismounted radios, IED jamming systems, autonomous sensor networks, and unmanned vehicles [1][2]. The device’s crystal signal purity and low-phase noise ensure high-quality signal integrity, which is essential for frequency mixing applications [3]. The atomic-level accuracy enables extended intervals between calibrations, potentially reducing maintenance requirements while extending mission durations [5].

Market Availability and Support

The LN-CSAC SA65 became available for purchase in production quantities as of January 26, 2025 [6]. To support implementation, Microchip provides the Clockstudio™ Software Tool, enabling developers to manage the clock’s features and operating parameters effectively [6]. This release represents a significant advancement in frequency technology, offering exceptional stability and precision in a remarkably compact form, as noted by Randy Brudzinski, corporate vice president of Microchip’s frequency and time systems business unit [2][6].

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atomic clock defense applications