Low Power, ultra-stable , programmable MEMS TCXO for high shock and vibrations environments

The work per this proposal in response to DMEA234-D01 solicitation will result into the availability of a production released, fully qualified, commercial off-the-shelf low power, ultra-stable, reliable, programmable MEMS TCXO for high shock and vibrations environments. This proposal uses a new TCXO platform already designed, prototyped and partially validated by SiTime, increasing the chance of success, reducing cycle time to production availability and enabling Direct to Phase 2 proposal for productization. The new TCXO uses the most advanced MEMS resonator technology for timing devices already developed by SiTime coupled with the newest lower power CMOS circuit for high performance. It is packaged in a surface-mount 5.0 x 3.2 mm2 ceramic package to meet the frequency stability requirement over temperature and time. It is expected to deliver +100ppb frequency stability over operating temperatures from -40°C to 105°C, 1E-11 ADEV, low power less than 30 mW at 1.8V or a 4 time reduction compared to current market MEMS based TCXO with this stability, and programming capability in the range of 1-105MHz. The new TCXO is expected to operate through 30kG shock and survive under 100kG shocks. MEMS oscillators have shown low sensitivity to vibration without vibration compensation, and capable of survival and operation under shock in aerospace and defense equipment. The target g-sensitivity of the TCXO is less than 0.001ppb/g per axis: this present of measurement challenge as no known test facility is equipped to measure such g-sensitivity. This proposal offers to tackle this challenge. The new TCXO is expected to meet the performance in shock and vibration without tradeoff in frequency stability over temperature. The new TCXO will cover all frequencies in the range of 1 to 105MHz using the same hardware where the frequency is programmed via I2C. SiTime typically programs the part to order. The user can also program the part using a specialized apparatus referred to as the Time Machine to be developed as part of this proposal. In addition, the user can implement a I2C digital control to pull the frequency up to +800 ppm with a resolution of 0.1 ppt during system operation. The statement of work includes full validation, optimization, characterization, test program development and qualification of a reliable and programmable TCXO with readiness to start production for DoD needs and the aerospace and defense and industrial markets.  This work will start from a partially validated prototype through productization of the features incorporated in the design which meet DMEA234-D01 requirements in accordance with the volume 2 description. The approach is to guarantee performance, quality and reliability by design, by characterization and by test for high volume production and a high-quality product. The work will be performed at SiTime facilities specifically equipped for high performance timing R&D with highly trained technical personnel.