The expanding New Space market is increasing demand for smaller, less expensive space hardware to support short-duration missions for applications such as satellite-to-cellular communications, alternative navigation and Earth imaging
Microchip Technology is expanding its atomic clock portfolio with the radiation-tolerant Space CSAC-SA65, a Chip Scale Atomic Clock designed to provide precise timing for space systems. The device is a compact, low-power alternative to traditional radiation-hardened timing solutions, helping developers reduce size, weight, power, and cost, without compromising accuracy.
Expanding on the heritage of Microchip’s Space CSAC SA45, the Space CSAC-SA65 extends radiation tolerance to at least 30kRad and operates in extended temperature ranges from –40°C to +80°C. The device consumes less than 120mW and occupies under 17cc of volume; it has been optimised for size-, weight-, and power-constrained satellite designs.
The device’s built-in 1 PPS input and output capabilities support synchronisation for satellite systems, while its atomic stability facilitates extended operation without continuous reliance on external timing references such as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.
Randy Brudzinski, corporate vice president of Microchip’s frequency and time systems business unit, said, “By enabling one of the lowest power atomic clocks to thrive in extreme conditions, even the smallest CubeSat can now fly with atomic accuracy. The Space CSAC-SA65 brings atomic-clock performance to applications where size, weight, power and cost are tightly constrained, helping developers maintain synchronisation and timing accuracy even when external timing references are unavailable.”
Developed as a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product with radiation-tolerant commercial electronic components, the device can provide shorter lead times and lower overall costs compared to traditional space-grade oscillators. The CSAC-SA65 has been designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions, making it suitable for applications such as satellite timing and frequency control, satellite clock reference, assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), and satellite cross-linking.
