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- What are the EPO™ series oscillators?
The EPO™ series oscillators are simply crystal controlled oscillators in which the
frequency is set using an EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read-Only-
Memory) integrated circuit. Utilizing a proprietary design and an exclusive
programming method, the EPO™ series oscillators are programmed to the specified
frequency prior to shipment to the customer.
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- Why do we offer the EPO™ series oscillators?
The EPO™ series oscillators were not designed as a replacement for the fixed
frequency oscillator series. It was designed to compliment our existing fixed
frequency oscillator series, offering quick turn delivery of products in a variety of
packages at a reasonable price. By designing the EPO™ on the front end and
the fixed frequency for large volume production on the back end, the customers
needs can be served from start to finish.
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- How do the EPO™ series oscillators work?
The EPO™ series oscillators consist of a fundamental mode crystal controlled
oscillator and an EPROM integrated circuit. The EPROM contains programmable
functions that control the operating characteristics of the device (i.e. output
frequency, output drive, power down versus tri-state, 5.0Vdc versus
3.3Vdc supply voltage, and duty cycle).
At the heart of the EPO™ EPROM is a programmable high resolution PLL (Phase
Locked Loop, see Figure 1). The PLL consists of a reference
counter divider, a feedback counter multiplier, and an output divider. Utilizing a proprietary
design and an exclusive programming methodology, the EPO™ series oscillator is programmed
with specific values that define the operating characteristics of the oscillator.
Figure 1: PLL Block Diagram
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- What benefits does this product series offer?
The EPO™ series oscillators have very short lead times with cost effective pricing.
Oscillators can be shipped in as little as 1 day. Additionally, there are no
minimum order quantities on any of the EPO™ series products.
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- What are the EPO™ series oscillator applications?
The EPO™ series oscillators can be used by any customer who is currently using
our standard fixed frequency crystal oscillator products. However, it is
recommended that the customer obtain the applicable specifications from our
web site and compare all electrical and mechanical parameters of each series.
Here is a list of the most common applications for the EPO™ series oscillators.
- Set-top Boxes
- Scanners/Printers
- Modems
- LCD Displays and HDTV
- Interface Controllers
- Medical Equipment
- PDA's and Portable Media Players
- Digital Cameras and Gaming Products
- Notebook Computers
- Video Cameras and Video Recorders
- Portable Devices
- Computer Peripherals and Networking Products
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- What are the different package configurations for the EPO™ series oscillators?
The EPO™ series products are offered in industry standard packages. They are currently offered in a 14 or 8 Pin
metal can DIP (EP11 or EP13) package,
a 5mm by 7mm ceramic four pad SMD package (EP25 or
EP26), a 3.2mm by 5mm ceramic four pad SMD package
(EP35 or EP36),
a 2.5mm by 3.2mm ceramic four pad SMD package (EP13E7, EP15E7
or EP16E7)
and a plastic j-lead SMD package (EP14 or
EP15). The package dimensions for each product series can be found on the applicable specification sheet.
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- What input voltage (power supply) options can this product offer?
The metal can EP11 series,
the 5mm x 7mm ceramic EP25 series,
the 3.2mm x 5mm ceramic EP35 series, and the plastic
EP14 series are 5.0Vdc versions. The
metal can EP13 series,
the 5mm x 7mm ceramic EP26 series,
the 3.2mm x 5mm ceramic EP36 series,
the 2.5mm x 3.2mm ceramic EP13E7 series,
and the plastic EP15 series are 3.3Vdc versions.
The 2.5mm x 3.2mm ceramic EP15E7 series is offered at 2.5Vdc and the 2.5mm x 3.2mm ceramic
EP16E7 series is offered at 1.8Vdc for lower voltage applications.
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- What is the input current for these product series?
The input current specification is listed in milliamps as a maximum value
on the respective datasheet.
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- How do I specify the overall frequency stability of an Ecliptek EPO™ series oscillator?
Ecliptek specifies the frequency stability performance of the device inclusive of specific
oscillator operating conditions. This is often called the "Inclusive Method". Ecliptek specifies the
following parameters for these series of products:
- Calibration Tolerance at 25°C
- Frequency Stability over Operating Temperature Range
- Supply Voltage
- Output Load
- First Year Aging at 25°C
- 260°C Reflow
- Shock
- Vibration
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- What inclusive frequency stability options can I obtain for these oscillators?
Ecliptek offers ±100ppm, ±50ppm, and ±25ppm frequency stability options,
depending upon the applicable series. These
frequency stability options apply for both the –20°C to +70°C and –40°C to
+85°C operating temperature range.
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- Are the period jitter characteristics of the EPO™ series different than our standard fixed frequency products?
In certain cases, EPO™ series period jitter may be higher than the Ecliptek standard fixed frequency
products. It is recommended that customers review the applicable specifications
from our web site and compare the jitter specification at the specific frequency
of operation and input voltage condition. In conjunction with using a proprietary
design and exclusive programming methods, Ecliptek has implemented controlled
rise and fall times, unique output driver circuitry, and innovative circuit layout
techniques enabling the EPO™ oscillator to have exceptionally low jitter.
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- Can I obtain a non-tri-state EPO™ series oscillator?
Because Ecliptek uses a 2 wire 4 pin programming interface, this series product
does not offer a no connect(NC) option for pin 1. Only the power down (PD) and
tri-state/output enable (TS) options are available. However, the customer can
use the EPO™ oscillator as a non-tri-state oscillator by setting the control
voltage on pin 1 to either no connect or logic high. The oscillator has an internal
pull up resistor on pin 1.
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- What are the differences between the tri-state(TS) and power down(PD) options?
The EPO™ oscillator contains EPROM programmable power down (PD) and tri-
state/output enable (TS) options for power management.
If the power down function is selected, then all active circuitry within the
oscillator is shut down when the voltage at the control pad/pin is set to a logic
low state. In this condition, the output signal is forced to a logic low and the
input current on the power supply line is negligible (typically less than 10uA).
The power down disable current can be found on the applicable datasheet.
If the tri-state/output enable option is selected, the output is three-stated (tri-state)
when the voltage at the control pad/pin (pad/pin 1) is set to a logic low state. In
this condition, the oscillator and PLL continue to operate. However, the output
signal is now high impedance and the input current on the power supply line is
only slightly decreased from normal operating current (typically 70% of steady state current consumption).
The tri-state disable current can be found on the applicable datasheet.
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- Can I obtain frequencies outside the published frequency range listed on the EPO™ datasheet?
The EPO™ series features standard frequencies or frequency ranges as outlined on the applicable datasheet.
Certain frequencies not listed on the datasheet can be provided on a case by case basis.
Please consult the factory
with your specific requirements.
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- What are the differences between the EPO™ series oscillator and other similar
series products offered by Ecliptek?
Although mechanically identical to other Ecliptek oscillator series, there are
some electrical differences. It is recommended that the customer obtain the
applicable specifications from our web site and compare the electrical
parameter(s) in question.
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- What are the output load characteristics for these product series?
These series of oscillators have a high speed CMOS output driver that enables the output
signal to swing from ground to VDD. The oscillator output topology is designed so as to optimize
circuit load matching and signal performance. Signal integrity is optimized when the low
impedance output of the oscillator is driving a high impedance-low capacitance input.
The output load specification is listed on the applicable datasheet. If a customer requires
a different load from that specified on the datasheet, please contact Ecliptek with your
custom requirements.
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- Is tight duty cycle (symmetry) available for this product series?
Tight duty cycle (45% minimum, 55% maximum) is available for these product series.
However, for certain series, it may not be for all frequency ranges.
Please see the applicable specification datasheet for tight duty cycle limitations.
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- What is oscillator aging and what are the aging specifications for these oscillator series?
Aging is the systematic change in frequency with time due to internal changes in the
quartz resonator and/or oscillator. Aging is often expressed as a maximum value in parts per million
per year (ppm/year). The rate of aging is logarithmic in nature. The following factors effect oscillator
aging: adsorption and desorption of contamination on the surfaces of the quartz resonator,
stress relief of the mounting and bonding structures, material outgassing, and seal integrity.
At a rated operating temperature of 25°C, these series of products typically age at a rate
of less than ±3ppm over the first year, ±1ppm over the following year, logarithmically
declining each year there after.
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- Is start-up time specified for these product series?
Start-up time is defined as the time from when the power supply reaches its specified
value to the time the oscillator output signal amplitude reaches its minimum voltage output
logic high threshold (VOH) and the output is within the specified frequency tolerance.
For the EPO™ Series, characterization test data indicates that the start-up time
is typically around 2 to 3mS.
Note: In order to ensure proper start-up, the power supply start-up should have an
exponential curve typical of a capacitive charge or a linear voltage ramp. If you have a
special voltage start-up profile (i.e. odd ramp steps or shapes),
please contact Ecliptek to discuss possible oscillator performance issues.
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- What are the differences between these Ecliptek BAW resonator oscillators
used in the EPO™ series and the SAW resonator oscillator products offered by our competitors?
An end user can achieve improved frequency stability (i.e. frequency change as a function of temperature)
through the use of a bulk acoustic resonator (BAW) resonator, significantly improving performance
over a surface acoustic wave (SAW) oscillator. This is accomplished through the use of an AT cut quartz
crystal that is used as the reference to the EPO™ oscillator. This design solution offers superior
performance with a comparable cost of competing SAW-based oscillators.
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- As a customer, should I add both the EPO™ series oscillator and
the standard fixed frequency Ecliptek product to my AVL (approved vendors listing)?
Yes! As a customer, you should add both the EPO™ series oscillator and the
standard fixed frequency Ecliptek product to your AVL in order to obtain greater
cost economies. Below are a cross matrix listing EPO™ products and standard
fixed frequency products.
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- What information is needed to order an EPO™ Series Oscillator?
Ordering on-line is simple. Simply fill in the required information in the part
number constructor for the specific EPO™ series that you would like to order. You can go to a part
number constructor now by selecting a link below:
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- How do I electrically test these products at my facility?
It is recommended that the customer use the test fixture specified by Ecliptek.
This information is available in 'Other Resources' section on the applicable series
specification datasheet.
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- Are these oscillator series compatible with my existing assembly processes and equipment?
If the part number is specified with the TR option (tape and reel packaging),
these oscillators are delivered to the customer in EIA-481 compliant tape and reel packaging.
Without the TR option, these products are delivered to the customer in bulk packaging.
See the applicable specification datasheet for the tape and reel packaging dimensions and
suggested solder reflow diagrams.
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- Are these oscillators RoHS compliant and Pb-free?
The RoHS and Pb-free compliance status of each EPO™ series product is defined in the
Ecliptek Pb-free Roadmap.
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- How can I obtain a RoHS compliant (Pb-free) certification for these product series?
For RoHS compliant product, a RoHS product certification letter can be obtained directly
from our website by using our Ecliptek RoHS Certification Letter Generator.
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- How do I layout my printed circuit board for these product series?
The customer should layout their PCB to include proper connections for the tri-state or
power down input function. See the applicable series recommended solder pad dimensions for
details.
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- How do I cross these product series with a competitor part number?
Please see the Ecliptek Competitor Part Number Crosser
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- What information is needed to obtain a quote for these product series?
Obtaining a quote on-line is simple. Simply fill in the required information in the part
number constructor for the specific series that you would like to order. This part number will define
the specifications you desire. After you construct a part number, you can request a quote or check stock
by following the prompts on our website.
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- How do I obtain a pdf copy of the product series specification datasheet?
You can go to the specific series you desire now by selecting a link below.
At the bottom of the page under Other Resources, select download specification or click on the Adobe PDF icon
in the top right hand corner of the page.
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- How do I obtain a pdf copy of the specification datasheet for a specific part number?
Simply fill in the required information in the part number constructor for the specific
series that you would like to order. This part number will define the specifications you desire.
After you construct a part number, you will be prompted with the following: Get a datasheet
for this part number (PDF).
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- How do I obtain a pdf copy of the specification datasheet for a specific part number?
Simply fill in the required information in the part number constructor for the specific
series that you would like to order. This part number will define the specifications you
desire. After you construct a part number, you will be prompted with the following:
Get a datasheet for this part number (PDF).
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- Who do I contact if I have additional technical questions about the use of these product series?
The Engineering Staff at Ecliptek can provide applications engineering
support or answer customer technical questions.
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- How do I order an oscillator that has custom requirements not specified on the standard oscillator series specification sheets?
Complete the Ecliptek Custom Oscillator Request Form from our website. From this
page you will be able to enter custom specifications that are unavailable from the standard
part number constructor forms. These parameters will be sent to our Engineering team where
they will be evaluated. Upon acceptance, a custom part number will be assigned and an
engineering document created to represent your product.
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- What are the "Environmental and Mechanical Specifications" for this product family?
The "Environmental and Mechanical Specifications" for each product type is listed on the applicable
specifications.
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- What reliabilty information is available for this product family?
Failure in Time(FIT) and Mean Time To Failure(MTTF) reliability data is available from the factory.
Please contact us with your request for this data.
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- Is thermal resistance information available for these product series?
θJA and θJC values are available for these product series. Please see the
Oscillator Thermal Resistance information provided.
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- IBIS models available for these product series?
IBIS modeling information is available for some of these product series. The IBIS modeling
information can be found in the 'Other Resources' section of the applicable datasheet.
If the IBIS modeling information is not available for your desired series,
please contact us with your request for this data.
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