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Microchip adds LX-820 Quartz Oscillator to L-Series for LEO apps

What happened

Microchip is adding the LX-820 Radiation-Tolerant Quartz Oscillator to its L-Series of timing devices, designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and other space applications. 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 LX-820 supports CMOS output frequencies from 1.25 MHz to 135 MHz and LVDS output frequencies from 100 MHz to 250 MHz, with an operating temperature range from -55°C to 125°C. It is available in a 3.2 mm × 2.5 mm surface-mount package and meets MIL-PRF-55310 Level B requirements. For radiation tolerance, the oscillator has 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. The part is available in production quantities. L-Series OCXOs (Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator) incorporate ruggedized construction and four-point crystal mounts designed to survive launch and the intended mission profile.