MEMS) Technology
Microchip Oscillators and Clocks Using Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Technology Author: John Clark and Graham Mostyn The next milestone will be next-generation MEMS res- Microchip Technology Inc. onators that achieve very low phase noise for high-end communication systems. Microchip acquired MEMS timing technology through OVERVIEW the purchases of Discera and Micrel in 2015. Since Dis- For decades, oscillators and clocks have relied on cera shipped its first production oscillators in 2008, quartz crystals for the creation of a stable frequency almost 100 million devices have been manufactured reference. Crystals perform very well for many applica- and sold. tions. However, microelectromechanical systems This paper describes the benefits of a MEMS-based (MEMS) technology, replacing quartz crystals with solution, the resonator technology, and the design of MEMS resonators, entered the marketplace ten years the final product. ago and is rapidly maturing. MEMS-based timing devices offer high reliability KEY FUNCTIONALITY (including AEC-Q100 certification for automotive use), extended operating temperatures, small size, and low Microchip’s MEMS-based oscillators and clocks offer power consumption. Video surveillance, automotive benefits over traditional quartz solutions (Figure 1). ADAS, general industrial applications, and data trans- These include stable frequency, small size, high reli- mission to 10 Gbps are prime areas of usage today. ability, flexibility, many programmable features, fast guaranteed start-up, and high integration. FIGURE 1: Benefits of Microchip MEMS-Based Oscillators and Clocks. 2017 Microchip Technology Inc. DS00002344A-page 1 MICROCHIP RESONATOR quency of the beam and minimize vibrational energy TECHNOLOGY loss to the substrate. This, in turn, maximizes its quality factor and frequency selectivity.
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