LEO Satellite Communications

With closer proximity to earth, low earth orbit (LEO) satellites provide lower latency and higher bandwidth compared to a geostationary satellite. LEO satellites offer efficient data transmission with high data transfer rates, stronger signal strength, and lower signal attenuation.

To achieve this, they depend on ruggedized reference clocks for uplink/downlink comms and clocking the processor. The timing components must withstand high levels of vibration during launch and continued extreme temperature variations in orbit. If timing fails, receivers lose lock to satellites and navigation systems won’t receive critical data.

SiTime ruggedized Endura™ timing solutions are built to operate in harsh environments, overcoming the inherent weaknesses of quartz and delivering low failure rates, long-term reliability, and robust performance.

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SiTime Ruggedized Endura MEMS Timing Benefits

Precision Timing

50x better acceleration sensitivity

±0.5 ppm up to 105°C

No activity dips

Most Robust in Harsh Conditions

20x better mechanical shock survivability

4x better vibration resistance

Extended operating temperature range

Higher Reliability

Conforms to MIL-PRF-55310

No quartz reliability issues

No cover or shielding

LEO Satellite Communications Block Diagram

Endura MEMS Timing Solutions for LEO SatCom

Devices	Key Features	Key Values
Super-TCXO SiT5146 1 to 60 MHz SiT5147 60 to 220 MHz	±0.5 to ±2.5 ppm stability 0.004 ppb/g, ±15 ppb/°C	Reference clock for uplink/downlink comms
Differential XO SiT9346 1 to 220 MHz SiT9347 220 to 725 MHz	±10 to ±50 ppm stability 0.1 ps RMS phase jitter	DSP, FPGA & processor clocking
LVCMOS XO SiT8944 1 to 110 MHz SiT8945 115 to 137 MHz	±20 to ±50 ppm stability -55°C to 125°C	DSP, FPGA & processor clocking