Frequently Asked Questions Rev A For Series: EQUD33 1. What is this oscillator series? This oscillator series is a temperature compensated voltage controlled crystal oscillator (TCVCXO). The clipped sinewave output frequency is primarily controlled by an internal quartz bulk acoustic wave (BAW) crystal resonator and temperature sensitive oscillator compensation circuitry resulting in low temperature stabilities. Utilizing a proprietary crystal resonator design and exclusive oscillator design techniques, this series of oscillators is calibrated to a specified frequency prior to shipment to the customer. 2. How does this series of oscillator work? A TCVCXO is a quartz crystal controlled oscillator where the output frequency of the device is being controlled by an external control voltage, a quartz crystal resonator, and temperature sensitive oscillator control circuitry. This circuitry is used to compensate for the frequency temperature characteristics inherent in a quartz crystal resonator. TCVCXO circuitry consists of six key operational components: 1). An on-board power supply regulator to minimize supply voltage variation effects; 2). A precision quartz crystal resonator designed for superior temperature and aging performance; 3). A low power oscillator design with automatic gain control (AGC) for reduced crystal drive current and improved aging; 4). An advanced temperature sensor and frequency compensation network used to minimize oscillator frequency-temperature sensitivity; 5). A varactor diode input that enables frequency modulation from variations in the external control voltage; and 6). An output buffer gate used to reduce the effects of external circuit load changes. 3. What are the typical customer circuit applications for this oscillator series? This oscillator series can be used in any of the following applications: • • • 4. Phase-Locked Loop and Frequency Synthesis Synthesizer or System Reference Clock Distribution What are the typical applications and end item products for this series? Here is a list of the common applications and products: • • • • • • • Test and Measurement Equipment Industrial Automation, Instrumentation and Control Navigation (GPS) and Stratum 3 Wireless Handheld and Handset Devices Wireless Base Stations and Radio Communications High-end Multimedia and Broadband Access WLAN and WiMax EQUD33 TEN10-005-294 Rev A Page 1 of 6 Ecliptek Frequently Asked Questions 5. What technical benefits does this product series offer? This series of crystal oscillator offers: • • • • • • • Improved frequency stability through the use of a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) quartz crystal resonator Use of a fundamental mode oscillator application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design Voltage control with linear frequency deviation Clipped sinewave output Superior phase noise performance Industry standard moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL1) rated SMD packages RoHS Compliant (Pb-free) with high temperature 260°C reflow capability 6. What are the construction characteristics of this product series? This product series consists of a single ASIC and a fundamental mode BAW quartz crystal packaged inside a hermetically sealed ceramic leadless SMD package. The leadless SMD package has gold plated contact I/O pads. The package has a seam sealed metal cover that is case grounded for improved EMI performance. 7. What is the input supply voltage for this product series? The nominal supply voltage and tolerance are provided on the datasheet. 8. What are the input current specifications for this product series? The input current specification is listed in milliamps as a maximum value and is provided on the datasheet. 9. How do I specify the overall frequency stability for this product series? Ecliptek defines the frequency stability performance of specific oscillator operating conditions using the "Exclusive Method". Ecliptek specifies the following parameters for this series of product: Frequency Stability versus Tolerance at 25°C Frequency Stability versus Operating Temperature Range Frequency Stability versus Supply Voltage Frequency Stability versus Output Load Frequency Stability versus Aging Frequency Stability versus Reflow The above specifications are provided on the datasheet. 10. What are the frequency stability and operating temperature range options for this product series? The operating temperature range is defined as the minimum and maximum temperatures that the oscillator can be exposed to during oscillation. Over this temperature range, all of the specified operating parameters are guaranteed. The available operating temperature range and frequency stability options can be found on the datasheet. EQUD33 TEN10-005-294 Rev A Page 2 of 6 Ecliptek Frequently Asked Questions 11. What is the control voltage for this series? The control voltage is the voltage applied to the voltage control pad of the oscillator for the measurement of the frequency deviation test condition. The control voltage specification can be found on the datasheet. 12. What is the frequency deviation for this series? The frequency deviation or pullability of a TCVCXO refers to the amount of frequency change (in ppm) with respect to a change in the control voltage. The frequency deviation specification can be found on the datasheet. 13. What is the transfer function for this product series? Often called slope, the transfer function of a TCVCXO is the direction the frequency changes with respect to the control voltage. Positive slope means the output frequency increases with an increase in control voltage. Negative slope means that the output frequency is decreasing with increasing control voltage. The transfer function specification can be found on the datasheet. 14. What is linearity and what are the linearity specifications for this product series? Often called monotonic linearity, this parameter is the calculation of the frequency error expressed in percentage with reference from the best straight line curve fit drawn on the output frequency versus control voltage graph. The linearity curve is the relationship between output frequency versus control voltage for a TCVCXO. The linearity specification can be found on the datasheet. 15. What is the input impedance for this product series? Input impedance specifies the load of the TCVCXO control voltage input pad. The input impedance specification can be found on the datasheet. 16. What is the modulation bandwidth for this product series? Often called tuning or video bandwidth, modulation bandwidth (MBW) is the modulation frequency at the input of the TCVCXO at which the output frequency deviation decreases to -3dB of its DC value. The MBW specification can be found on the datasheet. 17. Does this series offer a tri-state output function? This product series does not offer a tri-state output function. 18. What is oscillator aging and what are the aging specifications for this product series? Aging is the systematic change in frequency with time due to internal changes in the crystal and/or oscillator. Aging is often expressed as a maximum value in parts per million per year [ppm/year]. The rate of aging is logarithmic in nature. The following factors effect oscillator aging: adsorption and desorption of contamination on the surfaces of the quartz, stress relief of the mounting and bonding structures, material outgassing, and seal integrity. The oscillator aging specification can be found on the datasheet. EQUD33 TEN10-005-294 Rev A Page 3 of 6 Ecliptek Frequently Asked Questions 19. What are the phase noise characteristics for this product series? Phase noise is a measure in the frequency domain and is specified in decibels at various offset points from the carrier (-dBc/Hz). Ecliptek uses a proprietary design, exclusive processing methods and a unique ASIC output driver circuit enabling this product series to have exceptionally low phase noise. The phase noise specification can be found on the datasheet. 20. What are the output and output load characteristics for this product series? Ecliptek offers this product series with a clipped sinewave output. An external DC-Cut capacitor is required on the output of the oscillator. The output load specification and recommended capacitor value can be found on the datasheet. 21. Is start-up time specified for this product series? Start-up time is defined as the time from when the power supply reaches its specified VIH value to the time the oscillator output signal amplitude reaches its steady state VOH output logic high level and the output is within the specified frequency tolerance. In order to ensure proper start-up, the power supply start-up should have an increasing monotonic curve typical of a capacitive charge of a linear voltage ramp. The start-up time specification can be found on the datasheet. 22. How do I electrically test this product series at my facility? The recommended electrical test fixture can be found on the datasheet. 23. Is this product series compatible with my existing assembly process equipment? If the part number is specified with the TR packaging option, oscillator products are delivered to the customer in EIA481 compliant tape and reel packaging. Without the TR option, products are delivered to the customer in bulk packaging as specified on the datasheet. 24. Is this product series compatible with my existing reflow processes? This product series is capable of withstanding industry standard high temperature (260°C, 10 seconds) convection reflow processes and is rated MSL1 per J-STD-020. The suggested solder reflow diagram is provided on the datasheet. 25. Is this product series RoHS compliant and Pb-free? This product is RoHS compliant and Pb-free as defined in the Ecliptek RoHS Compliant (Pb-free) Roadmap. 26. How can I obtain a RoHS compliant (Pb-free) certification for this product series? A RoHS and Pb-free product certification letter can be obtained directly from our website by using the Ecliptek RoHS/Pb-Free Certification Generator. 27. Is an IPC-1752 material declaration available for customer review? Ecliptek can provide a Material Declaration in compliance with IPC-1752 to assist customers with their material compliance requirements. EQUD33 TEN10-005-294 Rev A Page 4 of 6 Ecliptek Frequently Asked Questions 28. How do I layout my printed circuit board for this product series? A suggested solder pad layout is provided on the datasheet. The customer should layout their PCB to include proper connections for the voltage control input function. 29. Who do I contact if I have additional technical questions about the use of this product series? The Global Customer Support team at Ecliptek can provide applications engineering support or answer customer technical questions. 30. How do I order an oscillator that has custom requirements not specified on the standard oscillator series specification sheet? Please contact the Ecliptek Global Customer Support team for additional support or questions regarding your oscillator requirements. 31. What are the environmental and mechanical specifications for this product series? The environmental and mechanical specifications for this product series are listed on the datasheet. 32. What reliability information is available for this product series? Failure in Time (FIT) and Mean Time to Failure (MTTF) reliability data is available for this product series within the product series qualification and reliability report found on the series home page. 33. Is thermal resistance information available for this product series? θJA and θJC values are available for this product series and can be found on the Environmental / Mechanical section of the series homepage. 34. What is the marking scheme for this product series? As shown on the datasheet, this series of product has marking content on the top of the part. This marking consists of a pad one locator dot and additional lines of alpha numeric marking. The datasheet provides the marking content. 35. Can I identify the Ecliptek part number or specification based upon the markings on top of the part? In order to protect our customer’s intellectual property, the Ecliptek part marking does not identify the Ecliptek part number or specifications. 36. Where can I get the information regarding discontinued or End of Life (EOL) products? Any Ecliptek part number currently under an End of Life statement will be identified as EOL on Ecliptek’s Quotation, along with a link to the EOL statement. This information can also be found on the End of Life Statements for Discontinued and Obsolete Products section of our website. 37. Is Ecliptek ISO 9000 Certified? Yes, Ecliptek is ISO 9001:2008 certified. EQUD33 TEN10-005-294 Rev A Page 5 of 6 Ecliptek Frequently Asked Questions 38. How can I obtain a REACH compliance statement for this product series? A Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) compliance statement can be obtained directly from our website by using the Ecliptek REACH Compliance Resources page of our website. 39. How can I obtain a Conflict Minerals Report for this product series? A Conflict Minerals Reporting Template can be obtained directly from our website by using the Ecliptek Conflict Minerals Compliance Resources page of our website. EQUD33 TEN10-005-294 Rev A Page 6 of 6