Our wide range of MEMS Oscillators from many manufacturers allows engineers to enjoy the significant performance benefits offered by their superior technology.
What is a MEMS Oscillator?
A micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) oscillator is a device that generates highly stable reference frequencies used to sequence electronic systems, manage data transfer, define radio frequencies, and measure elapsed time.
Reference timing devices such as resonators and oscillators are used in applications like electronic motors control circuits to provide stable reference clocks. These timing devices have historically been based on quartz crystal technology – previously the only viable option. However, in recent years, silicon MEMS timing devices have begun to rapidly replace quartz-based devices because they offer higher reliability and robustness against shock and vibration, better frequency stability over high temperature, programmable features, and very short lead-times.
Benefits of MEMS oscillators
SiTime (whose products are available through element14) has published a White Paper: “MEMS oscillators improve reliability and system performance in motor control applications”. Despite the Paper’s focus on motor control applications, the MEMS oscillator benefits identified would be equally applicable to other demanding applications. These benefits include:
- MEMS oscillators are more resilient in hostile environments
- MEMS oscillators are more resistant to shock and vibration
- MEMS oscillators are highly immune to electromagnetic energy and power supply noise
- MEMS oscillators can be programmable
- Available as drop-in replacements for quartz devices
For another application, the company has written a White paper about MEMS silicon oscillators providing benefits to LED lighting installations. Multicomp Pro’s SMD MEMS oscillators feature frequency ranges from 4MHz to 80MHz, with excellent frequency stability as low as ±20ppm. Their low power consumption of 3.5mA at 1.8V is boosted by a Standby mode for longer battery life. They have a fast startup time of 5ms, and an LVCMOS/HCMOS output type. Automatic mounting and reflow soldering is possible.
Applications include DSC, Ethernet, USB, SATA, IP Cam, Tablets, E-books, and more.
