恩智浦演示基于MEMS的超紧凑型高精度频率合成器

在2012年国际消费电子展(CES)上展示在高性能混合信号技术产品方面的研发实力

荷兰埃因霍温和美国内华达州拉斯维加斯，2012年1月9日讯—— 恩智浦半导体NXP Semiconductors N.V.（NASDAQ：NXPI）今日发布了一款基于MEMS的超紧凑型高精度频率合成器。这款极具说服力的合成器，可用来替代基于石英晶体的计时装置。恩智浦的MEMS技术用一个裸硅片来替代石英晶体，其体积比目前最小的晶体还要小20倍。该MEMS芯片无需任何专用的石英、陶瓷或金属密封封装。它通过与其它集成电路(IC)合并，就能得到一个低成本的标准塑料封装。这款不含石英晶体的频率合成器是恩智浦本周在2012年国际消费电子展（展位CP8）上展出的几款先进的高性能混合信号技术产品之一。

High-Precision MEMS Resonator Technology
NXP’s proprietary resonator technology for MEMS-based timing devices features higher frequency stability, lower timing jitter and lower temperature drift compared to other CMOS oscillators. The first prototype currently released for production enables a highly stable clock reference that is ideal for communications equipment using Gigabit Ethernet, USB, PCI-Express and S-ATA, plus CPU timing, memory and control in consumer electronics devices. Its high level of system integration and very small form factor make it a compact, robust and highly cost-effective alternative to quartz crystal-based timing devices, as described in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sIElkrIWWI

Key features of NXP MEMS resonator technology include:

Higher frequency stability. The resonator exhibits very low motion damping and hence a very high quality factor (Q-factor), allowing for high frequency stability and low close-to-carrier noise levels of the oscillator. Low damping is achieved using a mono-crystalline silicon resonator that is placed under reduced atmospheric pressure in a low-cost, on-wafer processed hermetic cavity. The resonator shows no significant ageing, even after accelerated lifetimes such as HTOL, HAST and TMCL.
Lower timing jitter. NXP’s MEMS resonator uses a unique piezo-resistive concept combining strong electro-mechanical coupling with a high resonance frequency. The high oscillation frequency that is made possible with this concept enables very low timing jitter. By using the piezo-resistive concept, the resonator overcomes the classical issue of weak electro-mechanical coupling at high resonance frequency, which is encountered in conventional silicon MEMS resonators.
Lower temperature drift. The NXP resonator exhibits 10 times less temperature drift compared to conventional silicon resonators, and is comparable to quartz-crystal tuning forks. The reduction in temperature drift is realized passively, and therefore does not require any additional power that is often needed in conventional temperature drift correction schemes. As a result, the oscillator is able to realize very high frequency stability of only a few parts-per-million (ppm).
Advanced Technologies Featured at CES
Other cutting-edge technologies which are being presented by the NXP R&D team at CES this week include:

Multi-modal smart sensors for use in smart buildings, climate control, automotive comfort and perishable goods monitoring
Multi-protocol smart home and building management systems for operating multiple home networks, including wireless monitoring of energy consumption
High-efficiency solar energy harvesting for off-grid solar applications and solar battery charging
Wireless audio ear buds as an alternative to wired or Bluetooth-based headphones based on magnetic induction radio technology
High-performance gigabit communications systems to enable high-speed mobile and computer connectivity, and for applications such as automotive safety radar and high-resolution body scanners
René Penning de Vries, CTO of NXP Semiconductors, said: “We’re very excited to present our groundbreaking MEMS resonator technology as well as other R&D innovations at CES 2012. NXP’s entire culture is built around innovation, and we strive to exceed our customers’ expectations by pushing the envelope with new and potentially game-changing technologies. The solutions we’re showing at CES clearly illustrate NXP’s ongoing commitment to improving our work, home and leisure environments through smarter electronics.”