Microchip Technology has introduced a new range of GNSS Disciplined Oscillator (GNSSDO) Modules that integrate the company’s advanced atomic clock and oscillator technologies, including the Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC), Miniature Atomic Clock (MAC), and Oven-Controlled Quartz Crystal Oscillators (OCXOs). These modules are designed to support high-accuracy Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) applications in industries such as aerospace, defense, and satellite communications.
GNSSDO modules process signals from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) or other clock sources, which discipline the onboard oscillator to the reference signal. This provides precise timing, stability, and holdover performance, making them ideal for mission-critical applications, particularly in GNSS-denied environments. These modules are used in a wide range of military and defense applications, including radar, satellite communications (SATCOM), mounted and dismounted radios, vehicle platforms, and more.
Microchip’s MD-013 ULTRA CLEAN module is its highest-performance GNSS Disciplined Oscillator, designed to support multiple satellite constellations such as GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and NavIC, or an external timing reference. Built around a high-performance Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO), the MD-013 delivers ultra-low phase noise (−119 dBc/Hz at 1 Hz offset) and excellent short-term frequency stability. It features a 72-channel GNSS receiver and generates precise outputs including 1 PPS TTL, 10 MHz sine wave, and 10 MHz square wave, making it ideal for applications requiring highly accurate timing and frequency signals.
For more demanding environments, the MD-300 offers a compact, rugged solution. Measuring just 1.5 × 2.5 inches, this module includes a MEMS OCXO or TCXO oscillator, offering low g-sensitivity and strong resistance to shock, vibration, and temperature changes. It is especially suited for mobile and tactical systems such as drones and manpacks, providing reliable 10 MHz and 1 PPS outputs. Meanwhile, the LM-010 is tailored for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions, where radiation tolerance is critical. It uses Microchip’s digitally corrected OCXO or CSAC SA.45 to maintain timing stability and holdover performance. The LM-010 delivers 1 PPS TTL and 10 MHz sinewave outputs, making it a strong choice for satellite applications.
Microchip’s GNSSDO modules provide comprehensive support for system designs, acting as a PNT subsystem or standalone solution, offering highly accurate timing essential for high-performance systems. The modules are equipped with 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) and SmartFusion® 2 FPGAs to enhance functionality and reliability.
“Our expertise in PNT systems ensures that our customers can easily integrate these GNSSDO modules into their designs,” said Randy Brudzinski, Corporate Vice President of Microchip’s Frequency and Time Systems Business Unit. “We provide flexible solutions that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of any application, from standard offerings to fully customized designs.”
These modules also feature a common serial communication protocol and a graphical user interface (GUI) for easy control and configuration. Users can adjust parameters such as input/output settings, GNSS tracking, holdover parameters, and more.
Microchip’s extensive portfolio includes high-reliability solutions for aerospace and defense, such as Radiation-Tolerant (RT) and Radiation-Hardened (RH) MCUs, FPGAs, power devices, RF products, and more. The company also offers a wide range of QPL-certified components to meet the stringent requirements of critical defense and aerospace applications.
Microchip Technology Inc develops embedded control and processing solutions designed for secure, connected, and intelligent applications. With a broad product portfolio and streamlined development tools, the company supports efficient system design aimed at reducing development risk, cost, and time to deployment. Serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide, Microchip’s technologies are applied across sectors including industrial, automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, communications, and computing. Based in Chandler, Arizona, the company maintains a focus on reliable product delivery, high manufacturing quality, and strong technical support.
