Mini-TCXO Keeps Phase Noise To -155 dBc/Hz

April 14, 2008
Designers are under pressure to shrink the size, lower the cost, and improve the performance of a variety of components. Oscillators are among the most essential of the components requiring these enhancements. Following this trend, the VTM3 ...

Designers are under pressure to shrink the size, lower the cost, and improve the performance of a variety of components. Oscillators are among the most essential of the components requiring these enhancements. Following this trend, the VTM3 temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) offers phase-noise performance that is similar to its predecessorsthe VTC4 and VTC1 TCXOsin a 50-percent package smaller measuring 3.2 x 2.5 mm. Miniaturizing any oscillator platform is challenging because oscillator phase noise increases as the device's size is reduced. Yet the VTM3 flaunts a phase-noise floor of -155 dBc/Hz offset 1 MHz from the carrier. The TCXO can be supplied with output frequencies between 8 to 45 MHz with stability better than 0.5 ppm from −30 to 80C. Supply voltages for the VTM3 are 2.8, 3.0, or 3.3 VDC. The TCXO is optimized for use in a wide range of wireless RF applications including GPS receivers, WLAN, WiMAX, and WiFi base stations. Although standard units are for fixed-frequency use, the VTM3 can be ordered with a voltage-controlled-crystal-oscillator (VCXO) function for applications like seismic exploration, base station, video transport, and WiMAX timing. With current consumption as low as 1 mA, the VTM3 also is well suited for battery-powered applications.

Vectron International, 267 Lowell Rd., Hudson, NH 03051; (888) 328-7661, FAX: (888) 329-8328, Internet: www.vectron.com.

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About the Author

Nancy Friedrich | RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense, Keysight Technologies

Nancy Friedrich is RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense at Keysight Technologies. Nancy Friedrich started a career in engineering media about two decades ago with a stint editing copy and writing news for Electronic Design. A few years later, she began writing full time as technology editor at Wireless Systems Design. In 2005, Nancy was named editor-in-chief of Microwaves & RF, a position she held (along with other positions as group content head) until 2018. Nancy then moved to a position at UBM, where she was editor-in-chief of Design News and content director for tradeshows including DesignCon, ESC, and the Smart Manufacturing shows.

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