01/09/12
NXP launches ultra-compact, high-precision MEMS frequency synthesizer
NXP today unveiled its ultra-compact, high-precision MEMS-based frequency synthesizer, which presents a compelling alternative to quartz crystal-based timing devices. NXP’s MEMS technology replaces a quartz crystal with a bare silicon die that is more than 20 times smaller than the smallest crystal available today. The MEMS die does not require any dedicated, quartz-like, ceramic or metal-can hermetic package. Instead, it can be merged with other IC’s into a standardized, low-cost plastic package.
High-Precision MEMS Resonator Technology
NXP’s proprietary resonator technology for MEMS-based timing devices features higher frequency stability, lower timing jitter and lower temperature drift compared to other CMOS oscillators. The first prototype currently released for production enables a highly stable clock reference that is ideal for communications equipment using Gigabit Ethernet, USB, PCI-Express and S-ATA, plus CPU timing, memory and control in consumer electronics devices. Its high level of system integration and very small form factor make it a compact, robust and highly cost-effective alternative to quartz crystal-based timing device.
Key features of NXP MEMS resonator technology include:
Higher frequency stability
The resonator exhibits very low motion damping and hence a very high quality factor (Q-factor), allowing for high frequency stability and low close-to-carrier noise levels of the oscillator. Low damping is achieved using a mono-crystalline silicon resonator that is placed under reduced atmospheric pressure in a low-cost, on-wafer processed hermetic cavity. The resonator shows no significant ageing, even after accelerated lifetimes such as HTOL, HAST and TMCL.
Lower timing jitter
NXP’s MEMS resonator uses a unique piezo-resistive concept combining strong electro-mechanical coupling with a high resonance frequency. The high oscillation frequency that is made possible with this concept enables very low timing jitter. By using the piezo-resistive concept, the resonator overcomes the classical issue of weak electro-mechanical coupling at high resonance frequency, which is encountered in conventional silicon MEMS resonators.
Lower temperature drift
The NXP resonator exhibits 10 times less temperature drift compared to conventional silicon resonators, and is comparable to quartz-crystal tuning forks. The reduction in temperature drift is realized passively, and therefore does not require any additional power that is often needed in conventional temperature drift correction schemes. As a result, the oscillator is able to realize very high frequency stability of only a few parts-per-million (ppm).
René Penning de Vries, CTO of NXP Semiconductors, said: “We’re very excited to present our groundbreaking MEMS resonator technology. NXP’s entire culture is built around innovation, and we strive to exceed our customers’ expectations by pushing the envelope with new and potentially game-changing technologies. They illustrate NXP’s ongoing commitment to improving our work, home and leisure environments through smarter electronics.”
