MEMS oscillator improves wireless charging speed by 25%

SiTime has introduced the SiT3901 µPower digitally-controlled MEMS oscillator (DCXO) that claims to enable up to 25% faster wireless charging, while reducing the timing solution area by 90%. Targeting power-sensitive and space-constrained mobile and IoT applications, the DCXO, housed in an ultra-small 1.5 × 0.8-mm package, is suited for wireless charging systems for smartwatches, activity trackers, hearing aids, and wearables.

“Wireless charging standards such as Qi and AirFuel rely on resonant power transfer to enable proximity charging,” said SiTime. “However, environmental interference may dynamically impact the resonant charging frequency, which slows down the charging process.”

The SiT3901 enables the charger to dynamically tune the resonant frequency, enabling the device to deliver up to 25% faster charging, said SiTime. In addition to the small size, the digital control feature on the SiT3901 eliminates the need for additional passive components on the board, which reduces the timing solution area.

Key features include ultra-low-power consumption of 105 µA, programmable frequency from 1 MHz to 26 MHz, and an ultra-wide digital pull range of up to 15% for output frequency. The SiT3901 operates over a temperature range from -40^°C to 85^°C with stability over temperature of ±50 and ±100 ppm.

SiT3901 block diagram. Click for larger image. (Source: SiTime)

The SiT3901 DCXO is the latest addition to the SiTime µPower MEMS oscillator family. These devices are said to consume up to 90% less power and up to 90% less space compared to quartz oscillators.

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