Microchip upgrades the performance of the world's most accurate atomic clock

Currently, countries around the world rely on commercial atomic clock technology to provide precise frequencies and timing for applications such as metrology, deep space research and global navigation. To meet these application needs, Microchip Technology Inc., through its subsidiary Microsemi Corporation, has released an upgraded version of the MHM-2020 hydrogen atomic clock, which has nearly ten times the long-term stability performance of the previous generation MHM-2010. In addition, based on the original service life and acquisition cost advantages of the MHM-2010, the upgraded version has added a color touch screen display and a secure network management port, taking the user experience to a new level.

In the right environment, hydrogen atoms emit microwaves at a frequency of 1420405751 Hertz (Hz), and hydrogen maser clocks use this principle to achieve stability. Phase-locking this extremely low-power and high-purity signal to a high-performance quartz oscillator can produce a clock output signal with the necessary long-term stability and phase noise to achieve precise time control. Microchip's active hydrogen maser clock is the world's most advanced commercial atomic clock, with four times the stability of passive hydrogen maser clocks and better short-term stability than cesium beam tube atomic clocks.

Designed and manufactured in the United States, the MHM-2020 hydrogen maser clock features novel drift compensation that significantly improves long-term clock drift and performance aging, which is important for metrology and timing applications. The new product retains the long service life and low cost of ownership of the MHM-2010 hydrogen maser clock, which has made it the first choice for national laboratories around the world that work with the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) standards to maintain Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The new product enables users to achieve a long-term aging rate of less than 3E-16/day, while improving temperature stability (tempco) and reducing magnetic field sensitivity. In addition, the upgraded product's short-term clock stability performance in the range of 1-100 seconds can meet the stringent requirements of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), such as black hole research in the field of radio astronomy or other applications that require low noise, precise frequency and timing benchmarks.

“As a leading supplier of commercial atomic clock solutions, Microchip continues to invest in the field of atomic clocks and provide customers with more new capabilities,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president and general manager of Microchip’s frequency and time business unit. “The MHM-2020 inherits the advantages of the MHM-2010 product. We will provide upgrade support for customers who have purchased MHM-2010 products in the past five years, so that they can benefit from Microchip’s technological advances without having to purchase a new system.”

Availability and Pricing

The MHM-2020 76001-20X active hydrogen atomic clock and MHM-2010 upgrade kit are both available now. The new products are available in low phase noise packaging options. Microchip will provide clock maintenance, on-site repair and consulting, and extended warranty services for this product.

For additional information, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s purchasing portal. To purchase products listed above, contact a Microchip authorized distributor.

Note: The Microchip name and logo and the Microchip logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective companies.

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