Overview

Robust, small, low-power, and highly accurate timing references are required for Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) applications. Timing is typically derived from GPS disciplined clocks; however, in cases where GPS is lost or the application does not allow GPS, a local oscillator must maintain timing in extreme environments. Achieving stabilities of ±20 ppb and below has historically been the domain of OCXO-class technology. Now, for the first time, SiTime TCXOs are commercially available down to ±5 ppb. This all-silicon, MEMS-based, TCXO technology is more reliable, smaller size, lower power, faster to warm-up, operates at higher temperature, is less sensitive to shock and vibration, and has less aging and thermal drift than alternative OCXO solutions. In this course we will discuss the technology that enables this breakthrough technology. We will then present data comparing the TCXO to several small-form-factor OCXOs and demonstrate that the SiTime TCXO results in less overall time error than the small-form-factor OCXO technology.

Learning Objectives

Understand the fundamental requirements of timing devices for PNT applications
Learn how SiTime ±5 ppb TCXO provides exceptional stability, Allan deviation, aging, and environment resilience in a compact package
Review test data comparing SiTime TCXO performance to commercially available small-form-factor OCXO technology

Contents

1. Review of requirements for timing in PNT applications

Two examples: positioning and military radios

2. Introduction of SiTime ±5 ppb MEMS TCXO technology

Specification comparison to small-form-factor OCXOs
Temperature sensor and architecture to achieve stability breakthrough

3. Comparison of SiTime TCXO to commercially available small-form-factor OCXOs

Frequency-over-temperature stability, Allan deviation, and aging
Lower aging and Allan deviation result in less time error for MEMS TCXO
Superior resilience to shock and vibration

4. Summary

SiTime TCXO is ideally suited for mission-critical PNT applications

About the training

Includes

Training type

Schedule