We offer a wide range of temperature compensated crystal oscillators for applications demanding a high stability, precision frequency source within a small space and at a reasonable cost
What are Temperature Compensated Oscillators?
The TCXO, Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (Xtal oscillator), is a form of crystal oscillator used where a precision frequency source is required within a small space and at a reasonable cost.
By applying temperature compensation within the quartz crystal oscillator module, it is possible to considerably improve on the basic performance of the crystal.
Temperature Compensated Oscillators (TCXOs) use a temperature-sensitive reactance circuit in their oscillation loop to compensate for the frequency-temperature characteristics inherent to the crystal unit. This makes them more stable than other types of oscillators and they are used in applications where high stability is required such as in GPS receivers, mobile phones, and other communication equipment.
In view of their usefulness, a wide range of TXCOs is available from many suppliers in a whole variety of packages and mounts (surface, through-hole). Some TCXOs are compatible with the dual in line format used for many through hole mounted integrated circuits.
How to minimise the effects of temperature on the quartz crystal
Although crystal oscillators offer a highly stable form of oscillator, they are nevertheless affected by temperature. The type of crystal cut inside the oscillator can help to minimise the effects of temperature, but they are still affected to some degree.
For a crystal cut known as the AT cut, the drift with temperature can be minimised around normal ambient temperature, but the rate of drift will rise above and below this.
SiTime’s Elite Platform®, Elite X™, and Elite RF™ Super-TCXOs are precision timing solutions with exceptional dynamic performance and rich features. These devices solve deep-rooted timing problems for telecom, RF, networking, edge synchronisation, and precision GNSS applications. By combining tight-stability and low phase noise with the robust package of a ceramic TCXO, Si Time Super-TCXOs replace legacy quartz OCXOs while increasing reliability, lowering power, and reducing size.
Features:
- Tight stability (±0.01 ppm to ±2.5 ppm), 1 to 220 MHz
- Better dynamic stability than quartz (±0.5 ppb/℃ ∆F/∆T), resistant to airflow and thermal shock
- -40℃ to 105℃ operation uniquely enables fan-less outdoor equipment
- Low phase noise: -159 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz (19.2 MHz nominal)
- Lower power consumption (110 mW, 2.5V) for battery-operated edge equipment
- I2C digital frequency tuning eliminates external DAC and sensitivity to board noise
- On-chip power supply noise filtering eliminates dedicated LDO
