Microchip Introduces New Automotive Grade MEMS Oscillator

Microchip Technology Inc. has released a new DSA family of automotive grade MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) oscillator products. Compared with traditional quartz crystal devices, the reliability of the new device is 20 times higher, the impact resistance is increased by 500 times, and the anti-vibration performance is increased by 5 times. The DSA series also includes the industry's first multi-output MEMS oscillator, providing customers with a new solution that allows users to replace multiple crystals or oscillators with just one device.

For advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), lidar (LiDAR), and automotive Ethernet and autonomous driving, a timing solution with high frequency stability over a wide temperature range is critical. Microchip's new DSA1001, DSA11x1, DSA11x5, and DSA2311 devices are available in a small package that provides the highest resistance to mechanical shock or vibration and highest stability in harsh environments from 2.3 MHz to 170 MHz. These devices meet the Automotive Electronics Council's Q100 (AEC-Q100) standard with +/- 20 ppm stability over the -40 to +125 degrees Celsius temperature range.

Rami Kanama, vice president of timing and communications at Microchip, said: "Today, there are more and more electronic devices in use in automobiles, so it is very important to develop reliable and accurate timing solutions to provide relevant support. MEMS technology is in line with the automotive industry. And our new DSA Series MEMS oscillators and clock generators provide better performance, reliability and longer life for your system."

MEMS oscillators are fabricated entirely in standard semiconductor processes, providing the system with the same reliability and stability as integrated circuits. Since crystal oscillators depend on the thickness of the crystal embryo inside the oscillator, they are susceptible to vibration damage and have a longer development cycle and a fixed frequency. If the customer needs to change the frequency at the last minute, this may delay the time of product development or release. MEMS oscillators are programmed to achieve frequency, so they can flexibly and quickly support new frequencies with shorter development cycles, and can significantly increase production to help customers catch up with product launches.

As the industry's first dual-output MEMS oscillator, the DSA2311 can be used to replace two crystals or oscillators on a board. The device solves the board's space constraints and simplifies the design process while saving costs, enabling customers to better manage supply and integrate bills of materials. The DSA2311 is available in a compact 2.5 mm x 2.0 mm package and is ideal for applications that require complex boards with multiple controllers, such as infotainment systems and camera modules.

The addition of the DSA MEMS family of devices complements the portfolio of Microchip automotive solutions that previously included only microcontrollers, analog products and connectivity components. In this way, manufacturers can integrate suppliers to meet system requirements. All new products are backed by Microchip's customer-oriented discontinuation policy, which ensures that the customer is provided with the appropriate equipment when needed.

Supply

All the products mentioned in the article have started to provide samples and put into mass production. The DSA1001 is available in a 4-lead 2.5 x 2.0 mm package. The DSA11x1 / x5 includes three different 6-pin devices in a package size from 2.5 x 2.0 mm, while the DSA2311 is available in a 6-lead 2.5 x 2.0 mm package.