FAQs

1. What are SiTime MEMS oscillators, and why choose them over quartz?

SiTime MEMS oscillators are silicon-based timing devices that replace traditional quartz crystals and clock oscillators. They offer higher reliability, better vibration and shock resistance, tighter frequency stability over temperature, and shorter lead times. For many applications, they are a direct or near drop-in replacement for quartz oscillators with improved performance and flexibility.

2. What types of SiTime oscillators does Semix offer in Israel?

Semix offers the full SiTime portfolio in Israel, including:

• General-purpose MEMS oscillators

• High-stability TCXOs (temperature compensated oscillators)

• Ultra-stable OCXOs (oven-controlled oscillators)

• Low-jitter differential clock oscillators

• Automotive-grade AEC-Q100 oscillators

• 32 kHz low-power MEMS oscillators

We support both commercial and industrial/automotive temperature grades.

3. What is the difference between a SiTime TCXO and OCXO?

• TCXO (Temperature-Compensated Oscillator): Uses digital or analog compensation to maintain tight frequency stability over temperature. Lower power and smaller size, ideal for battery-powered, IoT, and telecom.

• OCXO (Oven-Controlled Oscillator): Includes a small oven that keeps the crystal or resonator at a constant temperature for extremely high stability. Higher power, used in network synchronization, test equipment, and systems requiring ultra-low drift.

SiTime offers both MEMS-based TCXO and OCXO families to cover these use cases.

4. Can SiTime MEMS oscillators replace existing quartz oscillators?

In many designs, SiTime MEMS oscillators can be used as drop-in or near drop-in replacements for quartz oscillators. Matching is typically done on frequency, supply voltage, output type (e.g., LVCMOS, LVPECL, LVDS, HCSL), stability, and package/footprint. Semix can help you cross-reference competitor part numbers and recommend the closest SiTime equivalent, including layout considerations if needed.

5. Which applications are SiTime MEMS oscillators suitable for?

SiTime MEMS oscillators are used in:

• 5G and telecom infrastructure

• Networking and data communications (e.g., 156.25 MHz low-jitter clocks)

• Industrial and factory automation

• Automotive and transportation (AEC-Q100)

• IoT and low-power embedded systems

• Aerospace, defense, and rugged environments

Their robustness and stability make them suitable for environments where quartz has limitations.

6. Does Semix offer in-house programming for SiTime oscillators?

Yes. Semix operates an in-house SiTime programming machine in Israel.
We can program SiTime templates to final, customer-specific part numbers (frequency, voltage, output, stability, temperature range, etc.) and supply them with short lead time.

7. What is the typical delivery time for programmed SiTime MEMS oscillators from Semix?

For many SiTime templates that we support in-house, Semix can supply programmed oscillators within as little as 48 hours, subject to template availability and order quantity. For larger volumes or special part numbers, lead times may vary; contact us with your MPN and quantity for a precise estimate.

8. How do I request a custom-programmed SiTime oscillator from Semix?

You can send us one of the following:

• Exact SiTime part number (MPN), or

• Your required specification set (frequency, supply voltage, output type, stability, temperature range, package, and any jitter or EMI requirements).

Semix will select the appropriate SiTime family and template, program the parts in-house, and provide a quote with price, lead time, and minimum order quantity.

9. Can Semix help cross-reference an existing quartz part to a SiTime device?

Yes. If you provide your existing quartz oscillator or competitor MPN (for example from NDK, CTS, Epson, Raltron, Microchip, etc.), Semix can:

1. Cross-reference it to the closest SiTime device.

2. Highlight any differences in frequency stability, jitter, temperature range, or package.

3. Suggest layout or BOM changes if needed and provide a quote.

10. Do SiTime oscillators support automotive and AEC-Q100 requirements?

Yes. SiTime offers AEC-Q100 qualified MEMS oscillators for automotive and transportation applications. These devices support extended temperature ranges, enhanced reliability, and robustness to vibration and shock. Semix can help you select the right AEC-Q100 SiTime family and part number for your automotive design.

11. Are there low-jitter SiTime oscillators for high-speed communications (e.g., 156.25 MHz)?

Yes. SiTime provides low-jitter differential and single-ended clock oscillators optimized for high-speed communications (e.g., 156.25 MHz, 212.5 MHz, etc.). These are suitable for Ethernet, PCIe, SerDes, and other high-speed interfaces where phase noise and jitter are critical. Semix can recommend specific SiTime families and part numbers based on your interface and jitter budget.

12. Can SiTime MEMS oscillators reduce EMI compared to standard clocks?

Many SiTime families support spread-spectrum clocking options that help reduce EMI by spreading the energy over a small frequency range. This can simplify EMI compliance and reduce the need for additional filtering. Semix can advise whether spread-spectrum options are appropriate for your design and which SiTime devices support them.

13. What frequency stability and temperature ranges are available with SiTime MEMS oscillators?

SiTime MEMS oscillators are available with a range of stability options, typically from ±20 ppm to sub-ppm levels (depending on family: general-purpose, TCXO, or OCXO), and temperature ranges such as:

• 0 to +70 °C

• −40 to +85 °C

• −40 to +105 °C (and higher for some families)

Semix can help you choose the right balance of stability, temperature range, and cost for your application.

14. Do SiTime MEMS oscillators require any special layout or PCB design rules?

In most cases, SiTime MEMS oscillators follow standard PCB layout guidelines similar to quartz oscillators: short traces, controlled impedance for high-speed outputs, good decoupling, and a solid ground reference. For very low jitter or high-frequency applications, careful layout around the supply filtering, output routing, and reference planes is important. Semix can review your requirements and suggest layout best practices.

15. How can I get pricing and availability for SiTime oscillators from Semix?

You can contact Semix with:

• The SiTime part number, or

• Competitor MPN for cross-reference, or

• Your technical requirements (frequency, voltage, stability, temp range, package, quantity).

We will provide pricing, lead time, and options for in-house programming in Israel. For many standard templates, we can offer short delivery within 48 hours for suitable quantities.