Sunnyvale, Calif. — SiTime Corp. claims the first micro-electromechanical (MEMS) resonator for real-time clock and time-keeping applications. Since the SiT1052 can be cost-effectively integrated inside a plastic package, it eliminates all external time-keeping components needed in an electronic system, according to the company.
The SiT1052 provides total frequency stability of +/- 5 ppm, which is touted as the best for any silicon-based timing device. The SiT1052 is aimed at IC manufacturers of real-time clocks, microprocessors, microcontrollers, low-power radios, sensor nodes, watches, smart cards and application specific standard products (ASSPs) for portable, handheld and consumer applications.
The SiT1052 MEMS resonator is one-tenth the size of the smallest 32.768-kHz crystal device, enabling the industry’s smallest real-time clock and time-keeping devices, said SiTime. By using the company’s MEMS First process, the MEMS resonator is vacuum sealed in silicon, which eliminates the need for ceramic packages and hermetic sealing.
Unlike quartz crystals, SiTime’s MEMS resonator die can be combined with a SOC, ASIC or ASSP die using either wire-bonding or flip-chip, and encapsulated in a standard semiconductor plastic package, said the company. The key benefits include smaller board space, fewer components and faster time to market.
The MEMS resonators can withstand shocks up to 50,000 G and vibration up to 70 G, which is 10 times better than quartz crystals, according to the company.
The SiT1052 MEMS resonator is available as known good die (KGD) and is in production. The company provides a complete solution, including resonator die and analog circuit IP to enable fast implementation and short time to revenue.