Precision silicon oscillators to replace crystals, ceramic resonators

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX7393 and MAX7394 precision silicon oscillators designed to replace ceramic resonators and crystals for microcontrollers and UARTs operating at 2.4-3.6V supply range.

Unlike crystals and ceramic resonators, these silicon oscillators resist vibration and EMI under both manufacturing and operating conditions. Oscillators can be easily connected at any proximity to any microcontroller with no impedance or capacitive matching necessary. As much as four times smaller than crystals and oscillators of the same frequency, these devices are suitable for space-constrained applications.

Capable of driving low-speed USB applications, these integrated devices have a fixed frequency of 922kHz to 48MHz and require no additional components for setting or adjusting the frequency. With a fast startup time, the oscillator frequency is generated directly without the use of a phase-locked loop.

The MAX7393 features autosense capability, which senses a microcontroller's oscillator circuit and enables itself when the microcontroller's oscillator turns on. The MAX7394 uses a simple enable pin. When in shutdown mode, the maximum current is 2mA.

Available in 3-by-3mm TDFN packages, MAX7393 and MAX7394 operate at -40°C to 125°C temperature range. They are specified at ±0.25 percent accuracy over 0-85°C range and at ±0.5 percent accuracy over -45°C to 85°C range.

Prices start at 40 cents for 10,000 quantities (FOB USA).