SiTime refines MEMS-based kHz oscillator
The units are available in 1.5 mm by 0.8 mm by 0.6 mm high chip scale packages and provide ±5ppm accuracy. The SiT1568 also offers an auto-calibration feature that allows customers to eliminate timing inaccuracies introduced during system assembly, reflow, underfill, and overmolding.
The SiT156x/SiT157x are expected to find application in smart watches, activity trackers, tablets, mobile phones and smart meters.
There is the option to set factory-programmable frequencies from 1 Hz to 1 MHz in the SiT1576 to support low-power RF and wireless charging and the ability to drive multiple loads can reduce component count compared with quartz-based oscillators.
Samples of the SiT156x and SiT157x families are now available from SiTime for qualified customers. General availability and production volumes will be available in 2Q16.
The devices are made for SiTime by Robert Bosch acting as a foundry and development partner. “It’s our design and our process,” said Piyush Sevalia, SiTime executive vice president of marketing. “Our founders had done some work at Bosch. It’s more than a foundry relationship. They are a development partner. We have also been buying wafers from TowerJazz,” he said referring to the Israel-based foundry Tower Semiconductor Ltd.
Markus Lutz, founder and executive vice president of business development at SiTime, began his career at Bosch where he invented and managed the development of Bosch’s first silicon-based MEMS gyroscope.
Lutz also invented the InChipMEMS process, which allows vacuum-sealed MEMS structures to be manufactured in wafer cavities with integrated CMOS and shipped in low-cost industry standard packages.
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