CTS Adds 166.6285 MHz Frequency to Panther Line of Low Jitter VCXOs

    ELKHART, Ind.--June 28, 2001--CTS Corporation today announced an expanded, higher frequency range to its successful Panther(TM) line of miniature, surface mount, low jitter voltage controlled crystal oscillators (VCXOs). Previously limited to a maximum frequency of 155.520 MHz, CTS Frequency Products has now extended its high frequency range to 166.6285 MHz (i.e., "Panther(TM) With Parity") for use in a wide range of communication applications, including SONET, Gigabit Ethernet, SDH, ATM, STM-1, STS-3c, and OC-3 through OC-192. The served available market for potential applications is expected to reach $30 million annually. The CTS Panther(TM) series oscillator makes use of CTS' proprietary high frequency fundamental crystal technology.
    "At 166.6285 MHz, the VCXO is ideal for Forward Error Correction, per the Reed-Solomon 255,239 algorithm, which allows for error detection and correction within the same byte-block. Since the fundamental crystal frequency is the same as the output frequency, no frequency multiplication is required, thereby achieving jitter performance of less than 1 Pico-Second," states James Hart, vice president and general manager of CTS Frequency Products. "Low jitter performance is important to fiber optic communication applications because of the impact on bit error rates and data integrity," Hart concluded.
    There are many methods for measuring and characterizing phase jitter as it relates to differing specific applications. When comparing the jitter performance of different oscillators, it is important to ensure that the same measurement techniques and data formats are being used. Customer application testing has confirmed that CTS' Panther(TM) products are among the lowest jitter, commercially available VCXOs on the market. Packaged in a 9x14mm hermetically sealed ceramic package, this 166.6285 MHz Panther(TM) with Parity fundamental crystal oscillator operates at plus 5.0 volts DC, or plus 3.3 volts DC, with complementary PECL output waveforms, which is required in most SONET specifications.
    Samples of the new CTS "Panther(TM) With Parity" VCXOs are available from stock. For samples, or complete product information, contact your local CTS Sales Representative, CTS Frequency Products' Customer Service at 717-243-5929, or visit our website at www.ctspanther.com.