Reliable timing is critical in modern spacecraft. Navigation systems, communications equipment, onboard processors, and scientific instruments all depend on precise clock signals to operate correctly. Maintaining that synchronization can become particularly challenging in environments where Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are weak, unavailable, or intentionally disrupted.
To address these challenges, Microchip Technology has introduced the DSA504RT, a radiation-tolerant, six-output programmable clock generator designed for aerospace and defense applications.
Reducing Complexity in Spacecraft Timing Architectures
Spacecraft designers often use multiple oscillators, synthesizers, and clock buffers to generate the various frequencies required by onboard subsystems. While effective, these distributed timing architectures can increase system complexity, component count, power consumption, and overall mass.
The DSA504RT is designed to consolidate those functions into a single device. Using one master timing source, the clock generator can produce multiple phase-aligned output frequencies for distribution throughout a spacecraft.
According to Microchip, this approach can reduce the number of discrete timing components required within a design while simplifying clock distribution networks and helping maintain synchronization between critical subsystems.
Six Configurable Outputs
The DSA504RT incorporates an Analog Phase-Locked Loop (APLL), spread-spectrum capability, two fractional dividers, and two integer dividers. The device provides six configurable output buffers that can be programmed for a variety of signaling standards.
Each output can operate as a differential driver supporting:
- LVPECL
- LVDS
- HCSL
Alternatively, outputs can be configured as pairs of single-ended CMOS outputs.
This flexibility allows a single timing device to support multiple clock domains and interface requirements across a spacecraft’s electronic architecture.
Targeting High-Performance Timing Applications
Microchip reports jitter performance as low as 200 femtoseconds measured across the 12 kHz to 20 MHz range. The device is also compliant with PCIe Gen 1 through Gen 7 standards, making it suitable for high-speed digital systems that require precise timing references.
The combination of low jitter and multiple output options enables the device to support timing requirements for applications such as:
- Spacecraft communications systems
- Navigation electronics
- Payload processing
- Scientific instrumentation
- Radiation-tolerant FPGA and MCU platforms
By consolidating timing functions into a single component, engineers may be able to reduce board space requirements while simplifying system integration.
Supporting Radiation-Tolerant Designs
Available in both QFN28 and CQFP32 package options, the DSA504RT is intended to serve as a companion timing device for aerospace and defense systems built around radiation-tolerant and radiation-hardened electronics.
Microchip positions the device as part of its broader ecosystem of space-qualified products, allowing designers to source timing components alongside compatible processors, microcontrollers, and programmable logic devices from a single supplier.
Lowering Cost and Program Risk
In addition to reducing component count, the company says the DSA504RT is intended to provide a more cost-efficient approach to spacecraft timing design. Replacing multiple oscillators, buffers, and synthesizers with a single integrated solution can help lower bill-of-materials costs while reducing qualification and screening requirements.
“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,” said Maamoun Abou Seido, vice president of Microchip’s timing communications group.
The company also notes that customers can leverage existing documentation, heritage, and technical support associated with its radiation-qualified product portfolio.
Availability
The DSA504RT is currently available in limited sampling quantities upon request through Microchip.
For additional information about the DSA504RT and other space-grade timing solutions, visit Microchip Technology’s space solutions portfolio.
