在2012年國際消費電子展(CES)上展示在高性能混合信號技術產品方面的研發實力

荷蘭埃因霍溫和美國內華達州拉斯維加斯，2012年1月9日訊—— 恩智浦半導體NXP Semiconductors N.V.（NASDAQ：NXPI）今日發布了一款基于MEMS的超緊湊型高精度頻率合成器。這款極具說服力的合成器，可用來替代基于石英晶體的計時裝置。恩智浦的MEMS技術用一個裸硅片來替代石英晶體，其體積比目前最小的晶體還要小20倍。該MEMS芯片無需任何專用的石英、陶瓷或金屬密封封裝。它通過與其它集成電路(IC)合并，就能得到一個低成本的標準塑料封裝。這款不含石英晶體的頻率合成器是恩智浦本周在2012年國際消費電子展（展位CP8）上展出的幾款先進的高性能混合信號技術產品之一。

High-Precision MEMS Resonator Technology
NXP’s proprietary resonator technology for MEMS-based timing devices features higher frequency stability, lower timing jitter and lower temperature drift compared to other CMOS oscillators. The first prototype currently released for production enables a highly stable clock reference that is ideal for communications equipment using Gigabit Ethernet, USB, PCI-Express and S-ATA, plus CPU timing, memory and control in consumer electronics devices. Its high level of system integration and very small form factor make it a compact, robust and highly cost-effective alternative to quartz crystal-based timing devices, as described in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sIElkrIWWI

Key features of NXP MEMS resonator technology include:

Higher frequency stability. The resonator exhibits very low motion damping and hence a very high quality factor (Q-factor), allowing for high frequency stability and low close-to-carrier noise levels of the oscillator. Low damping is achieved using a mono-crystalline silicon resonator that is placed under reduced atmospheric pressure in a low-cost, on-wafer processed hermetic cavity. The resonator shows no significant ageing, even after accelerated lifetimes such as HTOL, HAST and TMCL.
Lower timing jitter. NXP’s MEMS resonator uses a unique piezo-resistive concept combining strong electro-mechanical coupling with a high resonance frequency. The high oscillation frequency that is made possible with this concept enables very low timing jitter. By using the piezo-resistive concept, the resonator overcomes the classical issue of weak electro-mechanical coupling at high resonance frequency, which is encountered in conventional silicon MEMS resonators.
Lower temperature drift. The NXP resonator exhibits 10 times less temperature drift compared to conventional silicon resonators, and is comparable to quartz-crystal tuning forks. The reduction in temperature drift is realized passively, and therefore does not require any additional power that is often needed in conventional temperature drift correction schemes. As a result, the oscillator is able to realize very high frequency stability of only a few parts-per-million (ppm).
Advanced Technologies Featured at CES
Other cutting-edge technologies which are being presented by the NXP R&D team at CES this week include:

Multi-modal smart sensors for use in smart buildings, climate control, automotive comfort and perishable goods monitoring
Multi-protocol smart home and building management systems for operating multiple home networks, including wireless monitoring of energy consumption
High-efficiency solar energy harvesting for off-grid solar applications and solar battery charging
Wireless audio ear buds as an alternative to wired or Bluetooth-based headphones based on magnetic induction radio technology
High-performance gigabit communications systems to enable high-speed mobile and computer connectivity, and for applications such as automotive safety radar and high-resolution body scanners
René Penning de Vries, CTO of NXP Semiconductors, said: “We’re very excited to present our groundbreaking MEMS resonator technology as well as other R&D innovations at CES 2012. NXP’s entire culture is built around innovation, and we strive to exceed our customers’ expectations by pushing the envelope with new and potentially game-changing technologies. The solutions we’re showing at CES clearly illustrate NXP’s ongoing commitment to improving our work, home and leisure environments through smarter electronics.”