Next generation low-noise chip-scale atomic clock has a lower profile

Developers require ultra-clean timing devices for aerospace and defence applications where size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints are critical. A CSAC is an essential reference for these systems, supplying the necessary precise and stable timing where conventional atomic clocks are too large or power-hungry and where other satellite-based references may be compromised. Microchip Technology has announced its second generation Low-Noise Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LN-CSAC), model SA65-LN, in a lower profile height and developed to operate in a wider temperature range, allowing low phase noise and atomic clock stability in demanding conditions.

The company has developed its own Evacuated Miniature Crystal Oscillator (EMXO) technology and integrated it into a CSAC, allowing the model SA65-LN to offer a reduced profile height of less than 0.5" while maintaining a power consumption of <295mW. The new design is optimal for aerospace and defence mission-critical applications such as mobile radar, dismounted radios, dismounted IED jamming systems, autonomous sensor networks and unmanned vehicles due to its compact size, low power consumption and high precision. Operating within a wider temperature range of -40C to +80C, the new LN-CSAC is designed to maintain its frequency and phase stability in extreme conditions for improved reliability.

"A significant advancement in frequency technology, our next generation LN-CSAC provides exceptional stability and precision in a remarkably compact form," said Randy Brudzinski, corporate vice president of Microchip's frequency and time systems business unit. "This device enables our customers to achieve superior signal clarity and atomic-level accuracy, while also benefiting from reduced design complexity and lower power consumption."

The LN-CSAC combines the benefits of a crystal oscillator and an atomic clock in a single compact device. The EMXO offers low-phase noise at 10Hz < -120dBc/Hz and Allan Deviation (ADEV) stability <1E-11 at a 1-second averaging time. The atomic clock provides initial accuracy of ±0.5ppb, low-frequency drift performance of <0.9ppb/mo, and maximum temperature-induced errors of < ±0.3ppb. The LN-CSAC can save board space, design time and overall power consumption compared to designs that feature two oscillators.

The crystal signal purity and low-phase noise of LN-CSAC are designed to provide high-quality signal integrity, which is crucial for frequency mixing. The atomic-level accuracy allows for longer intervals between calibrations, which can help extend mission durations and potentially reduce maintenance requirements.