Microchip launches radiation-tolerant chip scale atomic clock for LEO

Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP) has added a new chip scale atomic clock to its portfolio targeting small satellite applications, according to a company press release dated Aug. 13, 2026.

The Space CSAC-SA65 is a radiation-tolerant device that extends radiation tolerance to at least 30 kRad and operates across a temperature range of –40°C to +80°C. The clock consumes less than 120 mW of power and occupies less than 17 cubic centimeters of volume.

The device builds on Microchip's existing Space CSAC-SA45 and is designed for Low Earth Orbit missions. Target applications include satellite timing and frequency control, clock reference, positioning, navigation and timing, and satellite cross-linking.

The CSAC-SA65 includes built-in 1 PPS input and output capabilities to support synchronization for satellite systems. It is manufactured as a Commercial Off-The-Shelf product using radiation-tolerant commercial electronic components, which the company says can reduce lead times and costs compared to traditional space-grade oscillators.

"The Space CSAC-SA65 brings atomic-clock performance to applications where size, weight, power and cost are tightly constrained, helping developers maintain synchronization and timing accuracy even when external timing references are unavailable," said Randy Brudzinski, corporate vice president of Microchip's frequency and time systems business unit.

The product is supported by Microchip's Clockstudio software and a CSAC Developer Kit. The CSAC-SA65, part number 090-02789-007, is currently available for purchase through Microchip sales representatives and authorized distributors.

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