Selecting essential timing components may appear to be a straightforward process, but there are a number of factors to consider that affect system performance. So what are the most important specifications and considerations? High Frequency Electronics created a short list of the top oscillator parameters and why they’re important.
What is the first thing you think of when selecting electronic components? Chances are it’s the processor or something else central to the system. The timing component may be the last thing on your mind, even though the clock provides the heartbeat on which all signals in the system are dependent.
Frequency
The most basic parameter for any oscillator is the frequency. It is the repetition rate (cycle) of the signal output from the oscillator and is measured in Hertz (Hz), i.e. cycles per second. Currently, SiTime’s oscillators are available in frequencies as low as 1 Hz for low-power devices and as high as 725 MHz. The frequency of SiTime’s oscillators is programmable within this range to 6 decimals of accuracy. The use of custom frequencies can optimize system performance. Frequency can be factory programmed by SiTime, programmed by key distributors, or programmed for lower volumes in the customer’s lab using an oscillator programmer.