CHANDLER, Ariz. - Microchip Technology Inc. has introduced the DSA504RT, a radiation-tolerant, six-output programmable clock generator designed to simplify timing architectures in spacecraft and other aerospace and defense systems.

Spacecraft electronics require highly stable timing references for navigation, communications and scientific payloads, including missions operating in environments where Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals may be unavailable or disrupted. Traditional approaches often use multiple oscillators, buffers and timing components to provide separate clock signals to different subsystems, increasing component count, mass and system complexity.

The DSA504RT integrates clock generation and distribution functions into a single device, generating multiple phase-aligned frequencies from one external reference source. The device combines an analog phase-locked loop (APLL), fractional and integer dividers, and configurable output buffers to provide up to six clock outputs.

Each output can be configured independently as a differential driver using LVPECL, LVDS, or low-power HCSL signaling, or as a pair of single-ended CMOS outputs. The device can provide up to six differential outputs, up to 12 single-ended outputs, or a combination of output types.

The clock generator provides jitter performance as low as 200 femtoseconds from 12 kHz to 20 MHz and supports PCI Express Gen 1 through Gen 7 SRIS-compliant outputs. Its programmable architecture allows engineers to replace multiple discrete oscillators, synthesizers and buffers, reducing board space and simplifying clock distribution networks.

The DSA504RT uses an external differential or single-ended clock reference, supporting differential inputs from 10 MHz to 250 MHz and LVCMOS inputs from 10 MHz to 200 MHz. Output frequencies range from 0.35 MHz to 662 MHz depending on output type.

Designed for aerospace and defense applications, the device is qualified for radiation environments with a total ionizing dose rating of 50 krad (Si) and no single-event latch-up below a linear energy transfer threshold of 78 MeV·cm²/mg at 125 degrees Celsius. It operates across a temperature range of -55 to 125 degrees Celsius and supports supply voltages from 1.71 V to 3.63 V.

The DSA504RT is available in 32-lead CQFP32 hermetic ceramic flat packages and 28-lead VQFN28 high-reliability plastic packages. The device is intended for use alongside radiation-tolerant and radiation-hardened FPGAs and microcontrollers in spacecraft and other high-reliability electronic systems.

For more information, please visit https://www.microchip.com.