5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Oscillator shrinks size and power

By Martin Rowe | March 16, 2022

The Elite X Super-TCXO from SiTime provides stable timing from 1 MHz to 60 MHz for edge computing, vehicles, and cellular base stations.

SiTime Sit5501 block diagram

Click image to enlarge

Communications depends on timing, which start with an oscillator. The SiT5501 Elite X Super-TCXO from SiTime produces clock signals at any frequency from 1 MHz to 60 MHz, which you can then multiply up to your needed clock or data rate. For most devices, the output frequency is set at the factory; you need to specify it at time of order. An available I2C interface lets you set the device’s output frequency. The digital frequency tuning lets you compensate for frequency shifts cause by noise.

Because you need to use a frequency multiplier to achieve the final clock signal, you need to start with a stable oscillator. The Elite X features ±10 ppb stability from over a temperature range of -40 to 105°C. Temperature stability is important because “more and more electronics will be outdoors and subject to high operating temperature,” said SiTime’s Piyush Sevalia in a discussion with EE World. “5G radios such as small cells, edge computing devices, and vehicles all operate outdoors and must be resistant to temperature, thermal shock, and vibration.”

During our discussion, Sevalia claimed that the Elite X solves the stability and reliability issue surrounding quartz oscillators. “Quartz has cold-temperature startup problems and the output frequency often goes out of spec.”

The SiT5501’s ±0.5 ppb/°C frequency slope (ΔF/ΔT), 0.5°C/min ramp keep timing good enough for telecom applications such as handoffs between base stations.

Other applications include IEEE 1588 boundary and grandmaster clocks and remote sensors. Remote sensor modules could need to maintain time for up to 30 days without connecting to a network. That requires reduced energy consumption. The SiT5501 uses 110 mW of power at VDD=2.5 V, which SiTime claims is ¼ the power consumed other quartz mini-OCXOs. The device package size is 7.0 mm × 5.0 mm.


Filed Under: Oscillators, Timing
Tagged With: SiTime
 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

Mixed-Signal Devices clock oscillator
Oscillators generate clocks through digital techniques
circuit board timing
How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
Timing module extends the life of legacy network equipment
What are 5G’s, the different types, and how are they used?

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World