The DSA504RT simplifies timing architecture by producing multiple clean, phase-aligned frequencies from a single master source. By reducing the need for multiple discrete oscillators, it lowers component count, improves system reliability, and enhances failure-in-time performance.
Spacecraft rely on extremely stable and precise timing signals to support navigation, communications, and scientific operations especially when GNSS signals are weak or unavailable.
To meet these demands, designers often use multiple oscillators and buffers to generate the required frequencies across subsystems, which can increase system size, weight, and complexity.
Microchip Technology is addressing this challenge with its space-grade DSA504RT, a radiation-tolerant, six-output programmable clock generator built for aerospace and defense applications.
The DSA504RT simplifies timing architecture by producing multiple clean, phase-aligned frequencies from a single master source. By reducing the need for multiple discrete oscillators, it lowers component count, improves system reliability, and enhances failure-in-time performance.
It also helps cut power consumption and mass while simplifying clock distribution, ensuring all subsystems remain synchronized even in harsh environments or during GNSS disruptions.
At its core, the device features an analog phase-locked loop with spread spectrum capability, along with two fractional and two integer dividers and six highly configurable output buffers. Each output can be set as a differential driver supporting LVPECL, LVDS, or HCSL or as a pair of single-ended CMOS outputs.
The result is ultra-low jitter performance down to 200 femtoseconds (12 kHz to 20 MHz), with compliance up to PCIe Gen 7 standards.
This high level of integration allows engineers to replace multiple crystals, oscillators, and buffers with a single device, reducing both bill of materials cost and overall design complexity while improving reliability.
Available in QFN28 and CQFP32 packages, the DSA504RT is designed to complement complex aerospace and defense systems. It enables highly integrated clock architectures and distributes precise timing signals to subsystems built on radiation-tolerant or radiation-hardened FPGAs and MCUs.
With this addition to its established clock portfolio, Microchip is offering a cost-efficient, space-grade solution that balances performance with lower BOM and screening costs.
Designers can stay within Microchip’s radiation-qualified ecosystem, benefiting from its space heritage, documentation, and global support to speed up development and reduce program risk.
Leadership Comment
“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, each buffered on a variety of selectable output drive types,” said Maamoun Abou Seido, appointed vice president of Microchip’s timing communications group. “Replacing numerous oscillators, buffers and synthesizers, the DSA504RT saves board space and reduces part count to improve the system Failures in Time (FIT) rate in these high reliability applications.”
To learn more about Microchip’s space-grade solutions, visit its website.
Pricing and Availability
The DSA504RT is available in limited sampling upon request. For additional information, contact a Microchip sales representative.
