CTS Announces Breakthrough in High Stability, Low-Noise Analog TCXOs

    ELKHART, Ind.--June 7, 2001--CTS Corporation today announced the implementation of a new analog temperature compensation method for achieving precise frequency versus temperature stability, which is now being utilized in select CTS precision temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) designs.
    This innovative technique is based on intellectual property developed by CTS during research on temperature compensation methods. Known as the Voltage Tuned Thermister Network (VTTN(TM)), this patent-pending technology is ideal for the design of TCXOs used in applications such as communications infrastructure, Satcom and test equipment, with a served available market in excess of $100 million.
    "When it is necessary to achieve precise frequency versus temperature stability, traditional analog temperature compensation methods have been constrained by a time-consuming, labor intensive process," states James Hart, vice president and general manager of CTS Frequency Products. "Other low-cost analog compensation methods are limited in the degree of compensation accuracy that can be achieved. The CTS method, incorporated in VTTN(TM) based products, provides for very fine resolution in the adjustment of the frequency compensation electronics and enables complete automation of the calibration process, thereby reducing labor and yield issues normally associated with traditional manufacturing methods of precision TCXO products.
    "TCXOs with digital compensation are available at similar stabilities, but are inherently noisy and exhibit discrete steps in frequency as the compensation data is updated causing loss of lock in phase lock loop applications, disrupting system timing integrity. CTS VTTN based oscillators, however, are totally free from the spurious noise and quantization steps typically seen in digitally compensated units. This phase-continuous performance has been shown to be critical in Satcom and Wireless applications such as satellite radios and point-to-point microwave for cellular back-haul, the wireless communication link between the cellular base station and the cellular master site controller. Also, the high performance compensation network has been demonstrated to meet the demanding requirements of Stratum 3 standards," Hart concluded.
    Currently packaged in an industry standard, 4-pin, dual in-line package, the CTS Model 540 line of VTTN TCXOs is offered in a frequency range of 2 MHz to 166 MHz. Using low voltage semiconductor technology, excellent frequency stability is achievable with supply voltages as low as plus 3.3 volts dc. HCMOS and Sinewave output drive are available. Stabilities as tight as plus/minus 0.4 ppm are available over the temperature range of minus 40 degrees C to plus 85 degrees C. Enhanced stability is offered over narrower temperature ranges, such as plus/minus 0.1 ppm over 0 degrees to plus 50 degrees C. The compensation network is frequency independent, therefore, any oscillator frequency can be accommodated.
    Samples of CTS VTTN Model 540 TCXOs are available from stock. For complete product specifications, contact your local CTS Sales Representative, or CTS Frequency Products' Customer Service at (717) 243-5929. For additional CTS frequency products, visit our website at www.ctsreeves.com.