Microchip Technology has expanded its L-Series timing lineup with the new LX-820 Radiation-Tolerant Quartz Oscillator, a component engineered specifically for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and demanding space applications.
The L-Series hits a strategic sweet spot for satellite developers by bridging the gap between commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts and traditional, high-reliability space-grade components.
Historically, space-qualified timing solutions have been plagued by extended lead times and massive price tags. Microchip is addressing this bottleneck by offering many L-Series configurations directly from stock or with lead times under 20 weeks.
By streamlining the intense documentation, component pedigree, and inspection overhead usually required for space-grade hardware, the series significantly lowers overall program costs without sacrificing mission viability.
Inside the LX-820 Radiation-Tolerant Quartz Oscillator
Available in a highly compact 3.2 mm × 2.5 mm surface-mount package, the LX-820 is built to withstand extreme operational conditions:
- Temperature Range: Operates reliably from -55°C to 125°C.
- Performance Standards: Engineered to meet MIL-PRF-55310 Level B standards, delivering ±100 ppm performance.
- Output Frequencies: Supports CMOS from 1.25 MHz to 135 MHz, and low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) from 100 MHz to 250 MHz.
Radiation Tolerance and Durability
To survive both the shock of launch and the harsh reality of orbit, L-Series devices undergo rigorous complete-device testing.
They deliver radiation tolerance up to a 50 krad Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and have passed Single-Event Latchup (SEL) testing up to 40 MeV·cm²/mg. To combat radiation-induced frequency drift, most products in the series utilize swept quartz.
Where oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs) are used, Microchip incorporates ruggedized, four-point crystal mounts to ensure structural integrity during intense launch profiles.
Because modern satellite networks spanning communications, Earth observation, mapping, and emerging lunar missions demand highly specialized timing references, the broader L-Series is structured to cover varying mission parameters.
Developers can deploy compact XOs when footprint and broad frequency coverage are priorities, TCXOs for tight temperature stability and low power consumption, OCXOs for demanding phase-noise requirements, or pulse-per-second (PPS) disciplined oscillators for critical synchronization and holdovers.
Microchip offers an extensive portfolio of clock and timing systems, ranging from miniature component oscillators, to small plug-in timing server cards, to atomic clocks and multi-rack time scale systems. As a primary contributor to the world’s time, Microchip’s timing solutions are trusted, reliable and resilient.
To Know More, Visit Microchip’s Clock And Timing Solutions, CLICK HERE
Leadership Comment
“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 using a precision timing solution that helps reduce both schedule and mission risk.”
Pricing and Availability
The LX-820 Crystal Oscillator and other L-Series oscillators are now available in production quantities.
For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.
