Oscillators enable precision timing for in-car connectivity
The latest generation of automotive oscillators by SiTime are intended for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment and car-to-home wireless connectivity. The SiT1623 / SiT1625 automotive-grade oscillators comply with the AEC-Q100 standard.
Analyst McKinsey has identified four macrotrends driving growth in the automotive market : autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification and shared vehicles. The market for automotive electrical/electronic components and software to serve these macrotrends is expected to reach $450 billion by 2030.
Intelligent, connected automotive electronics rely on precision timing and the number of timing chips in cars is growing. SiTime believes that the number of timing chips in vehicles will be 100 by 2026, compared with just 20 in 2018.
The SiT1623 and SiT1625 precision timing devices demonstrate reliability and frequency stability over a wide temperature range, combined with significant improvements in jitter and power consumption, claimed SiTime. The SiT1623 operates at nine commonly used frequencies between 8.0 and 50 MHz while the SiT1625 operates across 12 commonly used frequencies between 8.0 and 100MHz. Phase jitter is 500 and 750 fs RMS phase jitter for SiT1625 and SiT1623, respectively.
The oscillators provide a high temperature, low power timing reference for leading automotive connectivity protocols, including SerDes and automotive Ethernet. Automotive applications require high-speed, in-car connectivity to transfer data between sensors, displays and central computers in the car. Each has stringent jitter requirements to ensure reliable ADAS system performance. The SiT1623 and SiT1625 offer ±50 ppm frequency stability over -40 to +125 degrees C, suitable for ADAS, added the company.
They have a supply voltage of 1.5, 1.8, 2.5 and 3.3V and typical current rating or 1.8mA (SiT1623) and 2.3mA (SiT1625) at 1.8V.
Package options are 1.6 x 1.2mm, 2.0 x 1.6mm, 2.5 x 2.0mm and 3.2 x 2.5mm. The oscillators are RoHS and REACH-compliant, lead-free, halogen-free and antimony-free.
“This new generation of automotive oscillators is an additional milestone in the precision timing industry,” said Pierre Delbos, technology and market analyst, sensing and actuating at Yole Intelligence, part of Yole Group. “With the growing needs for high-frequency connectivity in cars and the inherent reliability of silicon-based oscillators, we expect the MEMS timing industry to grow with a 35 per cent CAGR from 2021-272.”
Engineering samples are available now for qualified customers. General samples will be available in July 2023. Volume production is expected in early 2024.
