Microchip Technology has expanded its L-Series timing portfolio with the launch of the LX-820, a radiation-tolerant quartz oscillator designed for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and other space applications.
The new device is intended to provide satellite manufacturers with a more accessible alternative to traditional high-reliability space-grade timing components, which can involve lengthy procurement times and higher costs.
Microchip’s L-Series sits between commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and conventional space-grade products. The portfolio combines commercial- or military-grade components with additional production inspection, electrical and thermal analysis, and hybrid manufacturing processes to meet the requirements of space missions.
The oscillators have undergone Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and Single-Event Latchup (SEL) testing as complete, functioning devices. The portfolio offers radiation tolerance of up to 50 krad and SEL testing to 40 MeV·cm²/mg. Most products also incorporate swept quartz technology to help minimise radiation-induced frequency drift.
For oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs), the range additionally features ruggedised construction and four-point crystal mounts designed to withstand launch conditions and the demands of space missions.
Microchip said the L-Series was developed to address supply chain constraints and cost pressures facing satellite manufacturers.
Traditional space-qualified timing components can have extended lead times and significant procurement costs. In contrast, many L-Series configurations are available from stock or with lead times of less than 20 weeks.
The company also said the range could reduce overall programme costs by limiting some of the component pedigree, documentation, and inspection requirements typically associated with conventional high-reliability space-grade products.
“Satellite developers should not have to choose between dependable precision timing and the cost and schedule requirements of their mission,” said Randy Brudzinski, corporate vice president of Microchip’s Frequency and Time Systems business unit.
“Our L-Series oscillators bring together the performance, radiation tolerance, and supply availability our customers need to confidently deploy their New Space applications.”
The LX-820 is housed in a compact 3.2mm × 2.5mm surface-mount package and operates across temperatures ranging from -55°C to 125°C.
Designed to meet MIL-PRF-55310 Level B requirements, the oscillator provides frequency stability of ±100 ppm. It supports CMOS output frequencies from 1.25MHz to 135MHz and low-voltage differential signalling (LVDS) output frequencies from 100MHz to 250MHz.
Accurate timing references are essential across satellite applications, including communications, navigation, Earth observation, and mapping, as well as emerging lunar missions.
Microchip’s wider L-Series portfolio includes crystal oscillators (XOs), temperature-compensated crystal oscillators (TCXOs), oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs), and a pulse-per-second (PPS) disciplined oscillator.
Each architecture addresses different system requirements. XOs offer compact designs and broad frequency coverage, while TCXOs provide improved temperature stability with lower power consumption. OCXOs target applications requiring greater frequency stability and lower phase noise, while PPS-disciplined oscillators provide synchronisation and holdover capabilities.
The LX-820 extends this portfolio with another option for satellite developers seeking radiation-tolerant timing components without the procurement requirements typically associated with traditional space-grade solutions.
