SA.45s Chip-Scale Atomic Clock
SA.45s CSAC User Guide Revision D
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SA.45s Chip-Scale Atomic Clock
3.1
Introduction
The Microsemi Quantum™ Model SA.45s Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC) is the world's smallest, lowest
power atomic clock technology. This user's reference guide provides the basic guidelines and
recommendations for designing products with the SA.45s reference. These are generic, and should be
tailored for each application.
This document is intended for engineers, technicians, and technologists who are designing, installing,
operating or maintaining time, frequency, and synchronization systems. The SA.45s is a low profile,
highly precise frequency generator. To use this document effectively, an understanding of digital
communication technologies is required. It is advantageous to have a background in frequency
generation and synthesis techniques.
3.2
SA.45s Overview
The Microsemi SA.45s CSAC is the world's first commercially available chip-scale atomic clock, providing
the accuracy and stability of atomic clock technology while achieving true breakthroughs in reduced
size, weight, and power consumption. The small size (less than 17 cc) and low power consumption of the
CSAC (less than 125 mW) enables atomic timing accuracy in portable, battery-powered applications.
Figure 1 • Microsemi Quantum SA.45s Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC)
The SA.45s provides RF and 1PPS outputs at standard CMOS levels. It accepts a 1PPS input to
synchronize the output to within 100 ns of a reference clock. It can also discipline its phase and
frequency to within 1 ns and 1 × 10 , respectively.
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This user guide provides engineering information for use of the SA.45s. It also provides supporting
information for use of the developer's kit (p/n 990-00123-00x). Furthermore, the design details of the
developer's kit can be used to assist with host system design (for example, power conditioning or signal
buffering). This guide must be used in conjunction with the current datasheet for SA.45s, which is
available on the Microsemi web site at
3.2.1
Precautions
ESD Caution: To avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage, proper ESD handling procedures must be
observed in unpacking, assembling, and testing the CSAC.
