Microchip Unveils New Chip Atomic Clock (CSAC)

     Advanced military platforms, seabed survey systems and remote sensing applications all require accurate timing to ensure successful mission completion. Even when the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) time signal is unavailable, the chip atomic clock (CSAC) guarantees stable and accurate timekeeping. To help meet the needs of industrial and military system developers, Microchip Technology unveiled a new SA65 chat-scale atomic clock that delivers precise timing accuracy and stability in extreme environments.

     Microchip's SA65 chip atomic clock is an embedded timing solution with better environmental adaptability. Compared with the previous SA.45s chip atomic clock, Microchip's SA65 chip atomic clock has stronger performance, for example, it can double the frequency stability in a wider temperature range and preheat faster at low temperature. The SA65 has an operating temperature range of -40 to 80 degrees Celsius and a storage temperature range of -55 to 105 degrees Celsius. At -40 degrees Celsius, the preheating time is 2 minutes, 33% faster than the SA.45s.

     The improved performance of the SA65 chip atomic clock will benefit developers working on solutions for highly portable military applications, Such solutions include positioning, navigation and timing assurance systems (A-PNT) that require precise frequencies generated by small, lightweight and low-power (SWaP) atomic clocks, and command, control, communications, computers, networks, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems (C5ISR). Functional improvements such as quick warm-up to frequency after a cold start, temperature stability over a wide operating range, and frequency accuracy and stability that extend running time in the event of GNSS rejection help ensure successful mission completion in a conflict environment.

     The SA65 chip-based atomic clock is the world's lowest powered commercial atomic clock, providing accurate timing for portable and battery-powered applications that require continuous operation and maintenance of timing in environments that do not support GNSS. Because the SA65 is form, assembly, and function compatible with the SA.45s, this feature reduces risk and redesign costs for system developers while improving performance and environmental tolerance.