Microchip Technology has introduced the radiation-tolerant DSA504RT, a space-grade six-output programmable clock generator designed to simplify timing architectures in aerospace and defense applications. The device has been designed for use in satellites in space environments where GNSS signal and capable of generating multiple phases of clocks from one input clock. By consolidating clock generation into one device, the DSA504RT lowers component count, power consumption, system mass, and design complexity while improving system reliability and failure-in-time (FIT) rates. The clock generator features an Analog Phase-Locked Loop (APLL) with spread spectrum capability, two fractional and two integer dividers, and six configurable output buffers supporting differential standards including LVPECL, LVDS, and HCSL, as well as single-ended CMOS outputs.
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It delivers ultra-low jitter performance of up to 200 femtoseconds and complies with PCIe Gen 1-7 standards, making it suitable for high-performance space systems. “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.” Available in QFN28 and CQFP32 packages, the DSA504RT is designed to complement radiation-tolerant and radiation-hardened FPGAs and MCUs, enabling synchronized, high-reliability operation across critical spacecraft subsystems.