SiTime’s precision timing innovation for autonomous vehicles

The differential oscillators are resilient and ensure operation of ADAS across extreme road conditions and temperatures. The launch of the automotive oscillator, AEC-Q100 SiT9396/7, expands the SiTime served available market (SAM) by $50m.

“Indeed, the market for radar, camera, LiDAR, and computing for ADAS is accelerating very fast,” reports Pierrick Bouley, Senior Analysts at Yole Intelligence, part of Yole Group. “With a 13.2% CAGR, we see this market growing from $15.4 billion in 2022 to $28.6 billion in 2027.”

As automotive safety systems integrate more sensors and cameras, they are generating an explosion of data that is crucial for safe, autonomous operation. According to the Automotive Edge Computing Consortium, a vehicle currently generates 2TB per hour, increasing 10x to 20TB per hour by 2025.

ADAS sensor data must be transferred at very high speeds within the in-car network, even in the most demanding environments, so that ADAS computers can make timely decisions for a safe, reliable journey.

Timing is the heartbeat of all high-speed communications. Legacy timing technology is one of the weakest links in sophisticated car electronics. In fact, quartz devices are susceptible to vibration and shock, extreme temperatures, and exhibit performance degradation over time.

SiTime’s SiT9396/7 precision timing innovations, based on resilient and reliable silicon MEMS technology are designed to perform in extreme conditions and ensure reliable operation of ADAS computers, domain/zone controllers, radar, and LiDAR subsystems.

“As more cars are equipped with ADAS technologies, precision timing becomes a critical component for safety,” said Piyush Sevalia, EVP marketing, SiTime. “SiTime’s automotive-grade timing solutions mitigate safety and reliability challenges, delivering unmatched benefits to automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. SiTime continues to expand its SAM and delivers higher performance levels to our automotive customers. We work with leading EV OEMs today to deliver autonomous driving innovations that are redefining how we drive, navigate, and experience our cars.”            

SiT9396/7 Automotive Timing Family Highlights

• AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified differential oscillators, temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) Grade 2 and 3 also available.
• High Performance: 150fs jitter (typ.)
• ±30 ppm stability: Ensures best system performance in hostile environments (contact SiTime for ±25ppm or better)
• 20x better vibration sensitivity
• Small form-factor: 2.0 x 1.6 mm package
• Flexible programmable features: 1MHz to 920 MHz, 1.8 V to 3.63 V
• Reliability: 1 billion hours MTBF
• Popular differential output drivers include LVPECL, LVDS, HCSL and low-power HCSL, and FlexSwingTM giving developers a flexible range of output options for their automotive system designs.

Availability

Samples of the SiT9396/7 differential oscillators are available now. Contact SiTime for order information and volume production expected in 2Q23.