Microchip Technology has launched its LX-820 Radiation-Tolerant Quartz Oscillator, designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and other space applications, expanding its L-Series of timing devices
The L-Series portfolio gives satellite developers a wide range of oscillator architectures to choose from, each with varying frequency stability, phase noise, power, and size, to meet different mission requirements.
The L-Series sits between commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) oscillators and traditional high-reliability space products, combining commercial- or military-grade components with production inspection, electrical and thermal analysis, and hybrid manufacturing.
The L-Series oscillators have passed Total Ionising Dose (TID) and Single-Event Latchup (SEL) testing as complete, functioning devices, with radiation tolerance up to 50 krad and SEL testing to 40MeV·cm²/mg. Most L-Series products also use swept quartz to reduce radiation-induced frequency drift. The L-Series OCXOs incorporate ruggedised construction and four-point crystal mounts designed to survive launch and the intended mission profile.
Created to address two challenges for satellite developers, the L-Series helps ease supply chain constraints while reducing budget pressure. Many timing solutions qualified for space environments have extended lead times and significant procurement costs. The L-Series provides a more accessible alternative, with many configurations available from stock or with lead times under 20 weeks.
Additionally, the L-Series oscillators may lower overall programme costs by reducing the need for component pedigree, documentation requirements, and inspection overhead typically associated with traditional high-reliability space-grade timing products.
Randy Brudzinski, corporate vice president of Microchip’s frequency and time systems business unit, said, “Satellite developers should not have to choose between dependable precision timing and the cost and schedule requirements of their mission. Our L-Series oscillators bring together the performance, radiation tolerance and supply availability our customers need to confidently deploy their New Space applications using a precision timing solution that helps reduce both schedule and mission risk.”
The new LX-820 is available in a compact 3.2mm x 2.5mm surface-mount package and is designed to operate across a temperature range from -55°C to 125°C. The rugged device meets MIL-PRF-55310 Level B and provides ±100ppm performance. The LX-820 also supports CMOS output frequencies from 1.25MHz to 135MHz and low-voltage differential signalling (LVDS) output frequencies from 100MHz to 250MHz.
Modern satellite systems rely on highly accurate timing references to support communications, navigation, Earth observation, mapping, and emerging lunar missions. Because these applications have different timing requirements, Microchip’s L-Series includes crystal oscillators (XOs), temperature-compensated crystal oscillators (TCXOs), oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs), and a pulse-per-second (PPS) disciplined oscillator.
These products enable developers to use compact XOs when size and broad frequency coverage are priorities, TCXOs when tighter temperature stability and lower power are needed, OCXOs for more demanding stability and phase-noise requirements, and a disciplind oscillator when PPS synchronisation and holdovers are required.
