Microchip unveils the next generation of miniature rubidium atomic clocks

     With the application of Global Navigation satellite Systems (GNSS) in 5G communications networks, data centers, and other mission-critical infrastructure, the need for accurate frequency and timing is increasing, and smaller, high-efficiency atomic clock technology has become an integral part of military and commercial applications. To meet the demand for smaller atomic clocks, Microchip announced the launch of atomic clocks with the industry's best size and power consumption. The new product also offers a wider operating temperature range, key performance improvements and other enhancements compared to previous technologies.

     Microchip's next generation MAC-SA5X miniature rubidium atomic clock provides a stable time and frequency reference and is highly synchronized with a reference clock, such as a GNSS derived signal. Combined with low monthly drift rates, short-term stability and temperature stability, the new product can maintain accurate frequency and timing performance during long outages of GNSS, and can be used in applications where large rack clocks cannot be installed.

     The MAC-SA5X can operate in a temperature range from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 75 degrees Celsius, and the new product quickly achieves atomic-stabilization performance by reducing the locking time compared to some existing clock technologies on the market. In aircraft applications, for example, these features enable faster start-up of critical communications and navigation systems even in extreme weather conditions.

     The MAC-SA5X saves time and development costs by integrating 1 pulse per second (1PPS) input pins for fast frequency calibration, avoiding additional circuit requirements for system developers. In addition, the MAC-SA5X uses the same form factor as the previous generation of miniature atomic clock technology, reducing the development time for porting to newer, more efficient devices.

     Randy Brudzinski, vice president and general manager of Microchip's Frequency and timing business unit, said that as an industry leader, Microchip continues to invest in next-generation atomic clock technology for U.S. Department of Defense projects, mission-critical infrastructure and networking applications that require high levels of precision in timing and synchronization. The MAC-SA5X provides some performance improvements and features extensions while retaining the same form factor as the previous generation MAC-SA.3X product, making it easy for customers to transition to the new technology.

     Designed and manufactured in the United States, the MAC-SA5X also follows the following technical specifications: Frequency stability over the operating temperature range < 5.0E-11, monthly aging rate < The 5.0E-11 has a power consumption of 6.3 watts and a volume of 47 cubic centimeters. The MAC-SA5X is backward compatible with the previous MAC-SA.3Xm series and is packaged in a 50.8 mm x 50.8 mm OCXO size.