Epson Toyocom Corporation, the leader in crystal devices, today announced that it has used its unique technology to achieve the world's first SAW resonator with a frequency/temperature coefficient that is represented by a cubic curve. This resonator is used in the newly developed EG-4101/4121CA, a high-frequency, low jitter(*1) and low phase noise(*2) SAW oscillator that provides outstanding frequency stability over a wide temperature range.
Samples will become available in December 2009, and commercialization is planned for March 2010.

In recent years the amount of heat generated within electronic equipment has increased, not only because of the higher reference clock frequencies needed to support faster transmission speeds, but also because of the diminishing size of equipment enclosures, as epitomized by blade servers. Higher internal temperatures are giving rise to heightened need for electronic devices that operate over larger temperature ranges and at higher stability. Also needed are electronic devices that provide stable operation for extended periods in environments subject to hot and cold temperature extremes, such as outdoor wireless base stations.

To respond to these market trends, Epson Toyocom leveraged its original SAW design approach to develop a SAW oscillator for LAN(*3) and SAN(*4) equipment with high-speed interfaces. The new EG-4101/4121CA offers a dramatically improved frequency/temperature coefficient as the world's first SAW oscillator to have a frequency/temperature coefficient that is represented by a cubic curve (Figure 1).
This means that, when operated at a high-frequency (100 to 700 MHz) fundamental mode, this SAW oscillator exhibits low jitter and low phase noise and, moreover, has a frequency/temperature coefficient that is equivalent to an AT oscillator having good stability.

The EG-4101/4121CA will help further increase system reliability and quality in server/network devices and wireless communications applications that require a highly stable, high-frequency clock (low jitter and low phase noise) that operates over a wide temperature range.

Using this newly developed technology as a key technology, Epson Toyocom will expand and enhance its lineup of SAW oscillators to meet demand in a wide range of areas.

* As a SAW oscillator. Based on Epson Toyocom research.

Figure 1. Frequency-Temperature Coefficient Comparison

There are two ways to obtain a high-frequency reference clock signal. One way is to use a SAW oscillator at a high-frequency fundamental mode between 100 and 700 MHz to achieve outstanding jitter and phase noise characteristics. The other way is to multiply the signal of an AT oscillator having outstanding temperature characteristics to support high frequencies.

SAW resonators having temperature characteristics that are represented by a quadratic curve did not have a frequency/temperature coefficient as good as that of AT crystal units having temperature characteristics that are represented by a cubic curve. This prompted Epson Toyocom to launch an effort to develop a SAW oscillator with an improved frequency/temperature coefficient. The result of this effort is the realization of a SAW oscillator whose temperature characteristics are represented by a cubic curve. The product boasts outstanding jitter and phase noise characteristics as well as a frequency/temperature coefficient that is equal to or better than that of an AT oscillator.

Main Features

1)High stability (frequency tolerance of ±50 x 10-6) provided by Epson Toyocom’s proprietary high-stability SAW resonator
2)Supports a wide operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C (standard) or -40°C to +90 °C (option)
3)Low-phase noise and low jitter due to oscillation at the crystal's fundamental frequency
4)Supports multiple output load conditions (differential LV-PECL, LVDS, HCSL)
5)Thin design (thickness: 1.2 mm)

Main Specifications

Glossary

(*1) Jitter
Fluctuation among clock cycles, which can cause jittery images or bit errors during data transfers.

(*2) Phase noise
Useless energy that is radiated near the oscillation frequency, and that occurs due to the internal and external environmental factors (noise) of a crystal oscillation circuit. Wireless signal transmission errors can occur when this noise value is too high.

(*3) LAN (local area network)
A network that interconnects computers and peripherals within a small geographic area, such as an office or building, and that is used for sharing information and for intercommunications. LANS are typically based on the Ethernet standard and transmission rates have accelerated in recent years.

(*4) SAN (storage area network)
A network that connects remote storage devices to servers. Capable of storing and handling large volumes of data, these systems most often utilize the Fibre Channel standard.

About Epson Toyocom Corporation
Epson Toyocom Corporation is the global leader in crystal devices, which serve as the heart and pulse for a wide range of electronic products for consumers and industry. Utilizing its innovative hybrid quartz microfabrication technology, QMEMS, Epson Toyocom offers technological expertise in timing, sensing, and optical devices, and maintains its leadership position by providing customer-specific combinations and solutions. http://www.epsontoyocom.co.jp/english/

About Epson Europe Electronics GmbH
Epson Europe Electronics GmbH is a marketing, engineering and sales company and the European Headquarters for Electronic Devices of the Seiko Epson Corp., Epson Imaging Devices Corp. and Epson Toyocom Corp., Japan. Headquartered in Munich/Germany, Epson Europe Electronics GmbH has several European sales representatives and has a European-wide network of distributors. We provide value added services for Semiconductors, Displays and Quartz Devices targeted to the mobile communication, automotive and home visual market. Epson products are recognised for energy saving, low power, small form factors and rapid time to market. Information about Epson Europe Electronics GmbH is available in the Internet under www.epson-electronics.de.

About Epson
Epson is a global imaging and innovation leader that is dedicated to exceeding the vision of customers worldwide through its compact, energy-saving, high-precision technologies, with a product lineup ranging from printers and 3LCD projectors for business and the home, to electronic and crystal devices.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises over 70,000 employees in 108 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and the communities in which it operates. http://www.epson.co.jp/e

Further information

Epson Europe Electronics GmbH
Carolin Schwan
Marketing Communications
Riesstrasse 15
80992 München - Germany
Tel: +49-(0)89-14005-278
email: carolin.schwan@epson-electronics.de
website: www.epson-electronics.de