MEMS oscillators set frequencies

The Dragonfly handheld programmer allows engineers to modify the oscillator frequencies for their new designs. This is useful for optimizing performance and verifying reliability by up-clocking systems five to ten percent. It is also possible to experimentally suppress interference from troublesome harmonics by easily tweaking system clock frequencies. The programmer has an easy to use GUI interface that installs on any Windows-based PC.

Designs using custom frequency oscillators can begin production immediately compared to those that require crystal oscillators because the latter normally require special ordering and lengthy lead-times.

"MEMS oscillators have significant cost and reliability advantages over traditional crystal parts over an extended temperature range. Discera's new Dragonfly programmer demonstrates that MEMS oscillators can also enhance the design experience itself," said Kevin Keefer, marketing manager of programmable products at Discera. "With MEMS oscillators, engineers can pick-a-frequency to optimize system performance at the very end of the design cycle. Don't try this with your father's crystal oscillator."

MEMS oscillators
Discera's PureSilicon MEMS oscillators have operating power specs of 4mA typ. at 40MHz, and just 1?A in standby mode, are pin-compatible with popular crystal oscillators. Unlike crystal though, they are practically impervious to shock, vibration and fractures. They cost 20 percent less than MEMS oscillators and require only production quantity lead-times of one to three weeks. Discera offers MEMS oscillators in a wide range of operating voltages, temperature ranges, package footprints and frequencies from 1MHz to 150MHz.

The market for MEMS oscillators is expected to grow at more 100 percent per annum through 2013 as this new technology rapidly expands its share of the $3 billion global frequency control market.

Discera's Dragonfly programmer is now available in two kits. The Dragonfly Deluxe kit includes one programmer, two socket adapters, USB cable, tweezers, 200 DSC8002 programmable blanks and installation CD-ROM. The Dragonfly Standard kit includes one programmer, one socket adapter, USB cable, tweezers and 50 DSC8002 programmable blanks and installation CD-ROM. The Deluxe kit costs $499 and the Standard entry-level kit costs $299.