The atomic clock offers precise timing, low-phase noise, and stability in extreme conditions, suitable for aerospace and defense mission-critical applications.

Developers in aerospace and defence require precise timing devices that meet strict size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints. Traditional atomic clocks are often too large or power-intensive, and satellite-based references can sometimes be unreliable. To address this, Microchip Technology has introduced its second-generation Low-Noise Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (LN-CSAC), model SA65-LN, which offers improved performance in a compact design.
The LN-CSAC features a reduced profile height of less than ½ inch and operates on less than 295 mW of power. It integrates Microchip’s Evacuated Miniature Crystal Oscillator (EMXO) technology, delivering high precision and low phase noise. Designed to perform reliably in extreme conditions, it operates across a wider temperature range of -40°C to +80°C, maintaining frequency and phase stability.
This advanced LN-CSAC is suitable for mission-critical aerospace and defence applications, including mobile radar, dismounted radios, IED jamming systems, autonomous sensor networks, and unmanned vehicles, where compact size, low power consumption, and precision are essential.
The LN-CSAC combines the precision of an atomic clock with the low-phase noise performance of a crystal oscillator in a single, compact device. The integrated EMXO delivers low-phase noise of < -120 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz and Allan Deviation (ADEV) stability of < 1E-11 at a 1-second averaging time. The atomic clock offers initial accuracy of ±0.5 ppb, frequency drift of < 0.9 ppb/month, and temperature-induced errors of < ±0.3 ppb. Compared to designs using separate oscillators, this integration reduces board space, design time, and overall power consumption.
The LN-CSAC’s crystal signal purity and low-phase noise ensure high-quality signal integrity, which is essential for frequency mixing applications. Its atomic-level accuracy enables longer intervals between calibrations, extending mission durations and reducing maintenance needs.
“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 benefiting from reduced design complexity and lower power consumption.”