The MAC-SA5X miniature atomic clock. Source: MicrochipMicrochip Technology Inc. has introduced a miniaturized rubidium atomic clock that it claims delivers a wider thermal range and improved performance compared to existing technologies.
The MAC-SA5X miniature atomic clock (MAC) produces a stable time and frequency reference that maintains a high degree of synchronization to a reference clock such as a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal. The device features stability during temperature changes, which allows the device to maintain precise frequency and timing requirements during extended periods of holdover, during GNSS outages or in applications where large rack-mount clocks are not possible.
The chip’s operating temperature range is -40° C to 75° C and is designed to achieve atomic stability performance by taking less time to lock compared to some of the existing clock technology.
The MAC-SA5X allows system developers to avoid the need for extra circuitry, integrating a one pulse per second (1PPS) input pin for fast frequency calibration. Microchip said this saves time and development cost as well as has the same footprint as previous MAC technology to reduce development time to transition to the new device.
