Timing components can save up to 80% of board space
Industry's smallest multi-output MEMS clock generator
Wide frequency range processing without external crystals

As consumer demand for small IoT and portable electronic devices rapidly grows, product developers need solutions that extend battery life while reducing application size. Timing devices play a critical role in the operation of these products, but clock sources typically require multiple components to meet the frequency requirements of the electronic devices, consuming board space and power.

To address these challenges, Microchip Technology today announced the launch of a new family of industry-leading, smallest MEMS clock generators.
Microchip's DSC613 family can replace up to three crystals and oscillators on a single board, reducing board space consumed by timing components by up to 80 percent. The DSC613 clock family features a low-power, high-stability Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) resonator, eliminating the need for an external crystal.

To support the frequency bands currently required for smart devices, system developers must either place multiple crystals/oscillators next to the controller on the system board or use a clock generator with an external crystal for the reference input.

The DSC613 family is a single-chip solution that integrates a MEMS resonator and two low-power phase-locked loops (PLLs) in a 6-pin DFN package measuring as small as 1.6 mm x 1.2 mm.

Based on its small package size and wide frequency support, the DSC613 family is suitable for small devices that operate at low power, such as digital cameras, smart speakers, VR headsets, streaming sticks, and set-top boxes.

The DSC613 family supports up to three clock outputs from 2 kHz to 100 MHz, making it suitable for microcontroller-based embedded systems.

For IoT applications, the clock generator can be used to provide a MHz main reference clock, a 32.768 kHz real-time clock for the MCU, and another MHz clock for various functions such as connectivity and sensors.

The DSC613 family includes two low-power fractional PLLs, along with an AnyRate clock synthesizer capable of generating frequencies between 2 kHz and 100 MHz. With a power consumption of approximately 5 mA when driving three outputs, it offers up to 45% power savings compared to solutions using three low-power quartz oscillators. If additional power savings are required, the clock output can be disabled on the output enable pin.

“Microchip is the only comprehensive timing supplier offering network synchronization, clock generation and buffers, and MEMS, crystal and SAW-based oscillators covering frequencies from kHz to GHz,” said Rami Kanama, vice president of Microchip’s timing and communications business unit. “The DSC613 clock generation family, the latest addition to our existing MEMS timing products, provides a true single-chip timing solution for MCU-based systems, providing a superior clock offering for Microchip’s MCU and MPU devices.”

MEMS products are manufactured using standard semiconductor processes, offering the same reliability and stability as integrated circuits, with operating temperatures ranging from -40°C to +125°C, maintaining ±20 ppm stability. All products are supported by Microchip's customer-driven end-of-life policy, ensuring production for as long as customers need them.

The DSC613 family is supported by Microchip's ClockWorks online configuration tool. Customers can enter clock settings, download custom part numbers and datasheets, and order free samples at https://clockworks.microchip.com/timing/.

Clock settings include output frequency, control pin function, package size, PPM accuracy, and temperature range. Up to three output drive strengths are available, depending on the custom board's loading conditions. Spread-spectrum clocking is also available for EMI reduction. Application support, including board layout guidelines and schematic reviews, is also available.

The DSC613 product line is available for sample orders and mass production. For pricing and details, contact a Microchip representative, authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip's website.