New LX-820 Oscillator Shortens Satellite Procurement Time

The device meets radiation-tolerant standards while reducing lead times to under 20 weeks for orbital hardware developers.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Semiconductors

New LX-820 Oscillator Shortens Satellite Procurement Time

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Microchip Technology has launched the LX-820, a radiation-tolerant quartz oscillator designed specifically for space-based applications. The component is currently available to order and aims to shorten procurement cycles for satellite developers.

Why it matters

By providing space-qualified components with lead times under 20 weeks, this release targets the persistent supply chain bottlenecks that slow satellite deployment. It aims to lower the total cost of ownership for hardware destined for low Earth orbit.

The LX-820 supports CMOS frequencies from 1.25MHz to 135MHz and LVDS outputs up to 250MHz within a 3.2 by 2.5mm package. It maintains 100ppm performance across an operating temperature range of -55°C to +125°C.

The players

Microchip Technology

A manufacturer of microcontrollers, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP integrated circuits used in aerospace and industrial systems.

The details

The device achieves its radiation tolerance through the use of swept quartz, a process that removes impurities from the crystal structure to mitigate frequency drift caused by radiation exposure. The design meets MIL-PRF-55310 Level B standards, ensuring reliability in harsh space environments. It integrates into a broader portfolio that includes XOs, TCXOs, OCXOs, and PPS disciplined oscillators.

Microchip Technology released the LX-820 oscillator on October 23, 2026.

The Tech Race

Satellite manufacturers increasingly prioritize off-the-shelf, space-qualified components to accelerate development timelines against custom-built, slow-to-source alternatives. This release positions the LX-820 as a high-availability option in a market traditionally dominated by longer procurement cycles.

Satellite developers can currently source these oscillators with maximum lead times of 20 weeks. This shift directly affects procurement workflows for engineering teams building hardware for low Earth orbit missions.

The takeaway

The move reflects an industry-wide push to reduce space-qualified component lead times to sub-20-week windows. Developers should monitor updated product catalogs for the full range of XOs and TCXOs to determine how these specifications integrate into existing orbital payload designs.