How to Choose the Right Timing Device for Your Application

Choosing the right timing device is crucial when considering your next application design. Crystal Oscillators, MEMS-based Oscillators, and other components that offer unique features are factors to take into consideration. Frequency stability, temperature range, and long-term reliability are also key attributes that can have a significant impact on performance and system efficiency. The following article by Braemac walks through the various timing devices available from major suppliers including Microchip, Renesas, SiTime, and Skyworks ensuring a diverse selection to meet your specifications. 

Introduction

Finding the ideal timing solution for your application can be a challenging task. There are several types of timing devices, including Crystal Oscillators, MEMS-based Oscillators, and others, each with their unique characteristics and applications.

Additionally, there is a wide range of criteria to consider when selecting a timing device including power consumption, oscillator start-up, jitter and phase noise, frequency vs temperature characteristics, vibration sensitivity, reliability, and more. Every consideration plays a crucial role in determining the performance and efficiency of your timing device.

Selection Criteria for Timing Devices

When choosing a timing device for your application, it’s important to understand the wide range of considerations that can influence your decision:

• Frequency Stability: This ensures an oscillator maintains a consistent output frequency over time, despite temperature variations and aging. It’s essential for applications requiring long-term precision.
• Temperature Range: Oscillators must perform over the device’s entire operating temperature range. For products used in varying environments, a wide temperature range ensures reliability.
• Phase Noise and Jitter: Low phase noise and jitter are vital for high-speed digital communication, as they affect the signal integrity and can lead to errors in data transmission.
• Size and Packaging: The physical dimensions of the oscillator might be critical for portable and space-constrained applications. Smaller oscillators are beneficial for miniaturised electronic devices. Some oscillator manufacturers also integrate LDO power circuitry to further reduce overall product size.
• Power Consumption: Low-power oscillators extend battery life, which is particularly beneficial for portable, wearable and remote sensing applications.
• Start-up Time: An important consideration for synchronisation with other devices or networks, as well as important in reducing power consumption.
• Aging – Frequency Shift Over Time: For the most reliable long-term performance to ensure a system stays within its operating tolerances the aging of oscillators should be considered, choosing a device with the right aging tolerances at the onset can reduce costs by not having to over spec a device.
• Long-term Reliability: Oscillators with high reliability reduce maintenance costs and extend the product lifecycle, which is vital for mission-critical systems.
• Supply Voltage: The required supply voltage should match the system’s power supply levels. Compatibility here minimises the need for additional voltage regulation.
• Shock and Vibration Resistance: Important for MIL, aerospace, industrial and automotive applications where oscillators may be subjected to harsh conditions.
• Cost: The price can be a determining factor, especially for mass-produced consumer electronics where margins are tight.
• Availability and Lead Time: Ensuring the component is not only available but also deliverable within the project’s timeline is essential for maintaining production schedules.
• Supply Chain: Considerations of Country of Manufacture and reliance on few manufacturers of the basic parts of oscillators.

Exploring Crystal Oscillators (XO)

Crystal oscillators are a common type of timing device that use the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal to create an electrical signal with a precise frequency. There are several types of crystal oscillators:

Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO)

OCXOs are among the highest-performing type of quartz crystal oscillators. They offer excellent frequency stability and low phase noise, making them ideal for applications requiring high precision and reliability.

Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO)

TCXOs are designed to compensate for temperature fluctuations, which can affect the frequency stability of the oscillator. They offer a good balance between performance and cost, making them a popular choice for many applications.

Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator (VCXO)

VCXOs allow the frequency of the oscillator to be adjusted by applying a voltage, providing a level of flexibility that can be useful in certain applications.

The Emergence of MEMS-based Oscillators

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based oscillators are a newer type of timing device that use microfabrication technology. They offer several advantages over traditional crystal oscillators, including smaller size, lower power consumption, and better resistance to shock and vibration. These features make them a promising alternative in the evolving landscape of timing devices.

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