SiTime introduced a MEMS-based, oven-controlled oscillator (OCXO) that delivers an ultra-stable clock to datacenter and network infrastructure equipment
In order to maintain optimal network performance and reliability, precision timing plays a crucial role. All nodes within a network must be synchronized in time with a high degree of accuracy. For instance, in a 5G network, synchronization between all nodes must be maintained within a few hundred nanoseconds, which is tenfold more stringent compared to 4G. It is imperative to ensure such consistent synchronization despite the occurrence of any network outages.
To maintain uninterrupted functionality, a synchronized network leverages multiple backup timing resources, among which an ultra-stable local oscillator, usually an OCXO, plays a key role in holding over the network in the event of any timing source failure.
The SiTime Epoch Platform breaks through limitations of quartz OCXOs, which are prone to performance degradation in the presence of environmental stressors such as temperature changes and vibration. The company says its Epoch OCXO delivers 2X longer holdover, even under environmental stressors, enabling telecom and cloud service providers to deliver service continuity in real-world conditions.
The company expects to extend its Epoch technology to other high-growth electronics markets, such as aerospace and defense, industrial controls, etc.
“The release of the Epoch Platform is a pivotal moment for SiTime and the electronics industry,” said Rajesh Vashist, CEO and chairman of SiTime. “For many years, customers lived with the shortcomings of existing timing technologies because there were no viable alternatives. They compromised on real-world performance, reliability and power, to name just a few. SiTime’s Epoch Platform changes the game, delivering higher performance and reliability with lower power that was unavailable until now. These benefits are the result of a half-decade of engineering investment and a systems-based development approach that combines MEMS, analog, packaging and algorithms. “
