New family of voltage-controlled SAW oscillators for radar applications

Mission-critical applications like radar and test and measurement require specialised components.

Credit: Microchip

To provide the aerospace and defence market with the technology for generating precise signals and frequencies, Microchip has unveiled its 101765 family of Voltage-Controlled SAW Oscillators (VCSOs) that have been designed to deliver ultra-low phase noise and operate at 320 MHz and 400 MHz.

The 101765-320-A VCSO delivers ultra-low phase noise performance of 166 dBc at 10 kHz offset and a 182 dBc floor. Low phase noise is crucial for improving the lower limit of detection in radar and other sensing applications. These devices are optimal for radar and instrumentation systems such as Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) that demand high fidelity in critical phase-locked loop timing applications.

Available in a small form factor, 1 inch × 1inch hermetic Kovar package, the VCSOs are suitable for applications where Size, Weight, Power and Cost (SWaP-C) are important factors. The VCSOs are offered with supply voltages from 4.75–15.75V and a supply current of 111 mA to provide a power-efficient timing solution.

For aerospace and defence customers who require a higher degree of reliability, the 101765 VCSOs are available with MIL-PRF-38534 screening, which is a process designed to ensure only the highest reliability components are used in critical applications where failure is not an option, such as in military and aerospace systems.

The 101765 VCSO family is a new addition to Microchip’s family of SAW products for aerospace and defence applications, which are designed to offer levels of high reliability for robust and mission-critical environments. They are available in a wide range of package options for ruggedized applications and support a centre frequency range from 30 MHz to 2.7 GHz.

Additionally, Microchip can address ITAR, EAR, and classified specifications for hardware to meet the customer’s security requirements.