SemiBlocks introduces crystal oscillator that overcomes the challenges in the most demanding markets: 5G, atomic clocks and PNT (Positioning, Navigations & Timing). In atomic clocks, crystal oscillators work in conjunction with rubidium or caesium physics packages to improve short-term clock stability. The SemiBlocks state controlled crystal oscillator (SCXO) offers superb short-term stability in a small, low-power device and enables new possibilities for the design of atomic clocks.
5G & PNT deployments, more than ever before, place crystal oscillators in locations that are vulnerable to abrupt temperature changes & vibration due to wind & traffic. 5G applications and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) applications continue to demand ever higher specifications. 5G radio units with internal crystal oscillators are deployed in locations vulnerable to vibration due to wind and heavy traffic. These systems are often exposed to direct sunlight that causes their internal temperature to reach 100°C and higher. Hailstorms present yet another challenge as they can change the temperature environment of the internal oscillators by up to 3 degrees per minute.
SemiBlocks SCXO compensates for changes in crystal temperature & stress
The State Controlled Crystal Oscillator, The SemiBlocks SCXO is revolutionary in its technical design, that compensates for changes in both temperature and stress of the crystal, without the use of sensors. Christiaan van der Sluijs - CEO of SemiBlocks: “We are very proud to announce a crystal oscillator for the most demanding environments. Our SCXO product is 90% smaller than OCXOs. Our SCXO is extremely low power, warms up in seconds and operates precisely and correctly up to temperatures of 105 °C.” The SemiBlocks SCXO compensates for changes in temperature and stress of the crystal, enabling it to tolerate the most demanding outdoor environments, including 5G.
“What is also truly differentiating is that the SemiBlocks SCXO is calibrated and tested for rapid changes in temperatures of up to 3 degrees Celsius per minute, making it the ideal candidate for Urban and Industrial 5G applications," says Ewout Rotte, Director of Product Development at SemiBlocks.
What is the SemiBlocks SCXO product
The SemiBlocks SCXO timing module consists of a proprietary SemiBlocks oscillator IC, a quartz crystal unit, and supporting components assembled on a small substrate. The SemiBlocks oscillator IC monitors the resonance of the quartz crystal and assesses stress due to temperature, aging and vibration. The IC continuously compensates for crystal stress and outputs an accurate and stable frequency reference. Neither an oven nor crystal temperature sensor is needed.
Unique to the SemiBlocks module is that it compensates for changes in temperature and stress of the crystal, by measuring the internal state of the crystal through the patented Smart-Xtal® technology.
SemiBlocks is based in Rotterdam. The SemiBlocks team is a team of world class inventors. Working in the semiconductor business since the early 90’s, the team comprises people who are responsible for and/or were involved in several world class inventions that changed the world, across the electronics, telecom and other industries. After years of research and testing, and filing patents, SemiBlocks is now looking to attract launching clients for its SCXO module, across 5G, Atomic Clocks and Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT).
