A space-grade timing device replaces multiple clock components with one chip, reducing complexity while keeping critical spacecraft systems synchronized.
Microchip Technology has introduced the DSA504RT, a radiation tolerant programmable clock generator designed to simplify timing architectures in spacecraft and defence electronics. The device generates up to six precise, phase aligned clock signals from a single master source, helping engineers replace multiple oscillators, buffers and synthesizers with one integrated solution.
Spacecraft depend on highly accurate timing signals to coordinate navigation, communications and scientific instruments. Maintaining this synchronization becomes even more challenging when Global Navigation Satellite System signals are weak, disrupted or unavailable. Conventional designs often require several discrete timing components, increasing board space, power consumption, mass and the likelihood of system failures.
The DSA504RT addresses these challenges by consolidating the clock distribution network into a single chip. This reduces component count, lowers power consumption and improves the system’s Failures in Time rate, while keeping multiple subsystems synchronized in demanding space environments. Fewer components can also reduce the overall bill of materials and simplify spacecraft design.
The clock generator integrates an Analogue Phase Locked Loop with spread spectrum capability, two fractional dividers, two integer dividers and six programmable output buffers. Each output can be configured as LVPECL, LVDS or HCSL differential signals, or as paired CMOS outputs. The device delivers jitter as low as 200 femtoseconds and complies with PCIe Gen 1 through Gen 7 standards. It is available in QFN28 and CQFP32 packages and is designed to work alongside radiation tolerant and radiation hardened FPGAs and microcontrollers.
“This Microchip clock generation device is a game changer for space applications. It can offer a comprehensive clock tree solution, producing three different clock families and up to six different frequencies,” concludes Maamoun Abou Seido, Appointed Vice President of Microchip’s Timing Communications Group.
Click here for the official announcement.
