Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT


Microchip advances Space-Grade timing performance

31 August 2026 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

The growing New Space market is fueling demand for smaller, less expensive space hardware to support short-duration missions for applications such as satellite-to-cellular communications, alternative navigation and Earth imaging. Microchip Technology has expanded its atomic clock portfolio with the radiation-tolerant Space CSAC-SA65, a Chip Scale Atomic Clock designed to deliver precise timing for space systems. The device provides a compact, low-power alternative to traditional radiation-hardened timing solutions, helping developers reduce size, weight, power and cost, while maintaining accuracy.

Building on the heritage of Microchip’s Space CSAC-SA45, the Space CSAC-SA65 extends radiation tolerance to at least 30 kRad and operates in extended temperature ranges from -40°C to +80°C. Consuming less than 120 mW and occupying less than 17 cc of volume, the device is optimised for size-, weight- and power-constrained satellite designs. Its built-in 1 PPS input and output capabilities support synchronisation for satellite systems, while its atomic stability enables extended operation without continuous reliance on external timing references such as Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals.

Manufactured as a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) product using radiation-tolerant commercial electronic components, the device can offer shorter lead times and lower overall costs compared to traditional space-grade oscillators. Designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions, the CSAC-SA65 is well suited for applications, including satellite timing and frequency control, satellite clock reference, assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), and satellite cross-linking.

The CSAC-SA65 is supported by Microchip’s Clockstudio software for control and analysis of atomic clocks, as well as a CSAC Developer Kit.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Introducing Aurata
CST Electronics Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Antenova has launched Aurata SR4L112: a compact, high efficiency embedded 4G/LTE antenna engineered for long, narrow PCB designs.

Read more...
Multi-constellation GNSS module in a legacy-compatible footprint
Altron Arrow Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Telit Cinterion has announced the SE869eK2L, a single-frequency L1 GNSS module designed to help device manufacturers upgrade legacy positioning designs with improved performance and cost efficiency, while preserving design continuity.

Read more...
Quectel expands 5G portfolio
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel expands 5G portfolio with new Qualcomm- and UNISOC-based modules.

Read more...
Compact RTK design: More than just the receiver
iCorp Technologies Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
In practice, engineers building compact RTK products keep discovering the same thing: the hardest component in the system is no longer the receiver. It is the antenna.

Read more...
Channel emulator for 6 G and Wi-Fi 7/8
Concilium Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
With 400 MHz instantaneous bandwidth and support for carrier frequencies up to 23,6 GHz, Vertex 6.0 is the industry’s first channel emulator designed for next generation 6 G and Wi-Fi 7/8 testing.

Read more...
Secure, low-power Bluetooth LE SoC
NuVision Electronics Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Silicon Labs unveils BG2B, its lowest-power Bluetooth LE SoC with industry-leading power efficiency, security, and integration.

Read more...
High-isolation RF switch optimised for broadband cable
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
pSemi Corporation has announced the PE42727 UltraCMOS SPDT RF Switch, a high-isolation solution optimised for next generation broadband cable applications.

Read more...
NeoMesh using LoRa modulation as its physical layer
CST Electronics Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
NeoCortec has released a new white paper about NeoMesh using LoRa modulation as its physical layer.

Read more...
The signal-to-noise challenge in large-scale IIoT
Sigfox South Africa Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
For much of the last decade, the industrial IoT industry has been driven by a relatively simple assumption: if a little data is useful, more data must be better. That thinking shaped countless deployments.

Read more...
Simplifying RS485 network design
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Aipu Power has added the RS485-XXXSAV to its transceiver module range, a single-channel isolated RS485 transceiver that bundles power isolation, signal isolation, RS485 interface and bus protection into one drop-in module, aimed at simplifying RS485 network design in industrial equipment.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved