Striving to produce a smaller temperature-controlled crystal oscillator (TCXO), Vectron International has developed their model VTM3 TCXO in a hermetic surface-mount package measuring just 3.2 x 2.5 mm. The oscillator, which can be specified with output frequency from 8 to 45 MHz, can run on +2.8, +3.0, or +3.3 VDC supply voltage. The RoHS-compliant TCXO offers phase-noise performance that is similar to the company's proven (and larger) VTC1 and VTC4 models, with a phase-noise floor of -155 dBc/Hz.

According to Alan Mond, Vectron's Vice-President of Global Sales, the low-power oscillator leverages advanced crystal design and simulation techniques to achieve low phase noise: "Vectron is continually working to combine its investment in innovation and next-generation technology with creative uses of existing technology to develop advanced solutions that meet ongoing demands for smaller, low cost, high performance designs." The TCXO features stable frequency performance of better than 0.5 PPM at temperatures from -30 to +80 degrees Centigrade. The TCXO is optimized for a wide range of wireless applications, including in Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, WiMAX, WLAN, and WiFi base stations, Bluetooth systems, wireless meter readers, and in test equipment. The TCXO is ideally suited for battery powered applications, such as PDA’s, satellite radios, mobile TV, point-to-point radio and handsets.

Vectron International (www.vectron.com)