Q-Tech expands rad-hardened oscillator line to boost new space platform designs

These MCXOs remain the only radiation-hardened devices of their kind qualified to endure 50kRad(Si) total ionizing dose (TID), setting an industry benchmark. The QT2020 line achieves a minimum single-event latch-up (SEL) immunity of 29MeV-cm2/mg, while the QT2021 series extends that threshold to 75MeV-cm2/mg.

Engineered for extreme efficiency, both series draw a maximum of just 90mW-dramatically lower than typical oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs). Despite the low power draw, they deliver OCXO-class temperature stability, holding +/-10ppb from 0oC to +70oC, and now expanding to +/-50ppb and +/-100ppb options across -40oC to +85oC.

Designed for versatility, the oscillators support 1PPS input/output, frequency options from 10MHz to 100MHz, and either CMOS or Sine Wave logic outputs. With startup times as short as 1.5 seconds to +/-50ppm, and full +/-ppb performance reached in just 15 seconds, these components are ideal for power-cycled systems. Their resilience to vibration and shock, featuring 1ppb/g G-sensitivity, further broadens their mission suitability.

Weighing only 50 grams-half the mass of comparable OCXOs-the compact QT2020/2021 MCXOs are tailored for applications that demand low SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) solutions.

"By expanding the selection of stability levels in our QT2020/QT2021 series to include 50ppb and 100ppb versions, we're now able to supply our space-qualified MCXOs with shorter lead times-and at lower cost-for the many applications that require their exceptional tight frequency stability performance," said Scott Sentz, Q-Tech's vice-president of sales and marketing.