Microchip Adds the LX-820 Quartz Oscillator to its L-Series Timing Portfolio Developed for Low Earth Orbit Applications

Microchip Technology (MCHP) has launched the LX-820 radiation-tolerant quartz oscillator, expanding its L-Series timing portfolio for low Earth orbit and other space applications.

Rhea-AI Summary

Microchip Technology (MCHP) has launched the LX-820 radiation-tolerant quartz oscillator, expanding its L-Series timing portfolio for low Earth orbit and other space applications. The LX-820 and other L-Series oscillators are available in production quantities.

The portfolio sits between commercial off-the-shelf oscillators and traditional space-grade products. Microchip positions it as an alternative that may reduce procurement costs and documentation requirements, with many configurations available from stock or with lead times of less than 20 weeks. L-Series oscillators have passed radiation testing as complete, functioning devices. The LX-820 is designed to operate from -55°C to 125°C and is engineered to meet MIL-PRF-55310 Level B.

Key Figures

Radiation tolerance: Up to 50 krad SEL testing level: 40 MeV·cm²/mg Package size: 3.2 mm × 2.5 mm +5 more

Radiation tolerance

Up to 50 krad

L-Series devices

SEL testing level

40 MeV·cm²/mg

L-Series devices

Package size

3.2 mm × 2.5 mm

LX-820 surface-mount package

Operating temperature

-55°C to 125°C

LX-820

Performance

±100 ppm

LX-820

CMOS output frequencies

1.25 MHz to 135 MHz

LX-820

LVDS output frequencies

100 MHz to 250 MHz

LX-820

Lead time

Less than 20 weeks

Many L-Series configurations

Key Terms

total ionizing dose, single-event latchup, low-voltage differential signaling, oven-controlled crystal oscillator

4 terms

total ionizing dose technical

"passed Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and Single-Event Latchup (SEL) testing"

Total ionizing dose (TID) is the cumulative amount of ionizing radiation energy absorbed by a material or electronic component over time. Investors should care because TID measures long‑term wear from radiation—like how prolonged sun exposure fades fabric—so it affects product reliability, compliance testing, warranty costs and marketability for devices used in medical, aerospace, defense and industrial environments.

single-event latchup technical

"passed Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and Single-Event Latchup (SEL) testing"

A single-event latchup is a radiation-induced failure mode in integrated circuits where a single energetic particle (such as a cosmic ray or high-energy ion) creates charge that turns on a parasitic thyristor structure inside the semiconductor, forcing the device into a low-impedance, high-current state. That unintended conduction can persist until power is removed or the device is damaged, and it specifically affects technologies with p–n junctions and lateral parasitic paths (commonly CMOS), rather than being a transient logic upset; it is distinct from single-event upset because it involves sustained current flow through the chip’s structure.

low-voltage differential signaling technical

"low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) output frequencies"

A method for sending high-speed digital signals over a pair of conductors by transmitting opposite (differential) low-amplitude voltages on the two wires; the receiver reads the difference between the wires rather than their voltage relative to ground. Because the signal is small and differential, it uses less power and rejects external electrical noise, but it requires a matched transmission path and proper termination and is best suited for relatively short to moderate distances or point-to-point links unless repeaters or drivers are used.

oven-controlled crystal oscillator technical

"oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs)"

A precision timing device that produces a stable clock signal by keeping a quartz crystal at a constant, elevated temperature inside a small insulated chamber (“oven”). Holding the crystal at a fixed temperature removes frequency shifts caused by ambient temperature changes, so an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) delivers much lower short‑ and long‑term frequency drift than ordinary crystal oscillators. Because it requires a heater and thermal enclosure, an OCXO is larger, consumes more power, and takes time to reach stable operating temperature compared with simpler oscillators.

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The company’s L-Series timing devices are designed to scale between COTS and traditional space-grade solutions, offering shorter lead times at competitive price points

CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announces the expansion of its L-Series of timing devices with the launch of its LX-820 Radiation-Tolerant Quartz Oscillator, designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and other space applications. The L-Series portfolio provides satellite developers with a wide range of oscillator architectures to select from, each with varying frequency stability, phase noise, power and size, catering to different mission requirements.

The L-Series is positioned between commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) oscillators and traditional high-reliability space products, combining commercial- or military-grade components with production inspection, electrical and thermal analysis and hybrid manufacturing. The L-Series oscillators have passed Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and Single-Event Latchup (SEL) testing as complete, functioning devices, with radiation tolerance up to 50 krad and SEL testing to 40 MeV·cm²/mg. Additionally, most L-Series products also use swept quartz to reduce radiation-induced frequency drift. The L-Series OCXOs incorporate ruggedized construction and four-point crystal mounts designed to survive launch and the intended mission profile.

Designed to address two persistent challenges for satellite developers, the L-Series helps ease supply chain constraints while reducing budget pressure. Many timing solutions qualified for space environments have extended lead times and significant procurement costs. The L-Series is designed to provide a more accessible alternative, with many configurations available from stock or with lead times of less than 20 weeks. Additionally, the L-Series oscillators may lower overall program costs by reducing the need for the component pedigree, documentation requirements and inspection overhead that are typically associated with traditional high-reliability space-grade timing products.

“Satellite developers should not have to choose between dependable precision timing and the cost and schedule requirements of their mission,” said Randy Brudzinski, corporate vice president of Microchip’s frequency and time systems business unit. “Our L-Series oscillators bring together the performance, radiation tolerance and supply availability our customers need to confidently deploy their New Space applications using a precision timing solution that helps reduce both schedule and mission risk.”

The new LX-820 is available in a compact 3.2 mm × 2.5 mm surface-mount package and is designed to operate across a wide temperature range from -55°C to 125°C. The rugged device is engineered to meet MIL-PRF-55310 Level B and provides ±100 ppm performance. Additionally, the LX-820 supports CMOS output frequencies from 1.25 MHz to 135 MHz and low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) output frequencies from 100 MHz to 250 MHz.

Modern satellite systems rely on highly accurate timing references to support communications, navigation, Earth observation, mapping and emerging lunar missions. As these applications can have different timing requirements, Microchip’s L-Series encompasses crystal oscillators (XOs), temperature-compensated crystal oscillators (TCXOs), oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs) and a pulse-per-second (PPS) disciplined oscillator. These products allow developers to use compact XOs where size and broad frequency coverage are priorities, TCXOs where tighter temperature stability and lower power are needed, OCXOs for more demanding stability and phase-noise requirements, and a disciplined oscillator where PPS synchronization and holdovers are required.

Microchip offers an extensive portfolio of clock and timing systems, ranging from miniature component oscillators, to small plug-in timing server cards, to atomic clocks and multi-rack time scale systems. As a primary contributor to the world's time, Microchip's timing solutions are trusted, reliable and resilient. For more information, visit Microchip's clock and timing solutions webpage.

Pricing and Availability

The LX-820 Crystal Oscillator and other L-Series oscillators are now available in production quantities. For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.

Resources

High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):

• Application image: www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/55522445284/sizes/l
  
  

About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is a broadline supplier of semiconductors committed to making innovative design easier through total system solutions that address critical challenges at the intersection of emerging technologies and durable end markets. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio supports customers throughout the design process, from concept to completion. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support and delivers solutions across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.

Note: The Microchip name and logo and the Microchip logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Editorial Contact:
Kim Dutton
kim.dutton@microchip.com