Epson launches VCXOs for mobile base stations and optical communications equipment

USA: Epson Electronics America Inc. (EEA) has begun shipping samples of the VG-4513CB series of voltage controlled crystal oscillators (VCXO).

Designed for optical networking and LTE (long-term evolution) base stations applications, the VG-4513CB uses a high-frequency fundamental crystal to achieve output frequencies up to 500 MHz with no spurs and very low phase noise and low jitter. The VG-4513CB is packaged in a very small package, 87 percent smaller than existing VCXOs, and has excellent vibration sensitivity.

Epson’s VG-4513CB is the industry’s first VCXO to deliver output frequencies up to 500 MHz without using a PLL or frequency multiplier. By using a high-frequency fundamental-mode AT-cut crystal, Epson achieves better reliability, lower power, and lower phase noise than existing 500 MHz VCXO products.

Using a fundamental-mode crystal, Epson’s VG-4513CB achieves very low jitter, 50 fs rms at 491.52 MHz. Unlike PLLs and frequency multipliers, Epson’s fundamental technology does not generate spurs.

The high-frequency fundamental-mode crystal is fabricated using Epson’s QMEMS(*5) technology. QMEMS combines the superior material characteristics of Quartz with MEMS (Micro-Electrical Mechanical System) fabrication techniques. In addition to allowing reliable fundamental-mode oscillation, QMEMS enables size reduction of the VCXO and improves vibration sensitivity.

Epson’s VG-4513CB is delivered in a very small 5.0 mm x 3.2 mm x 1.3 mm package. Its footprint is 87 percent smaller than 14 mm x 9 mm VCXO products. This dramatic size reduction enables very dense designs such as multi-channel optical networking equipment and multi-channel MIMO (multiple input multiple output) LTE base stations.

Epson’s QMEMS technology enables Epson to improve vibration resistance three-fold over previous products. At a mere 0.6 ppb/g, Epson’s VG-4513CB provides a stable frequency reference for base stations which must be installed in challenging environments, such as near railroad tracks.