IDT Announces World's First CMOS Oscillators to Support 5Gbps Super-Speed USB 3.0 Controller Applications

The new series of IDT CMOS oscillators support all Super-Speed (SS) USB 3.0 specifications, including frequency accuracy and jitter, while offering the extremely low power required by these applications. The devices also support low frequency periodic signaling (LFPS) and timing in USB 3.0 suspend mode with the inclusion of an optional secondary ultra-low-power LFPS oscillator. This feature enables all frequency reference circuits to be removed from the USB 3.0 controller, reducing overall solution cost and board space. These devices have garnered considerable interest from early customers; with design successes including USB 3.0 flash memory drives and USB 3.0 to S-ATA bridge devices.

Additionally, IDT has expanded its portfolio of CMOS oscillators that support High-Speed (HS) USB 2.0. The new additions include industrial temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) support and devices that detect the state of the USB controller’s crystal oscillator driver circuit to simplify crystal resonator replacement. With this technology, customers can replace a crystal resonator with an IDT CrystalFree oscillator and meet USB suspend-mode power requirements while achieving active oscillator performance – all without any specialized changes to the crystal driver circuit and no price premium.

“The frequency control market is experiencing a transformation as CMOS oscillator technology replaces legacy quartz crystals in the multi-billion dollar timing market. Consequently, many companies are seeking to leverage new technologies to remain competitive. Phison Electronics is one example of a company that recently licensed key patents from IDT for their USB controller products that employ CMOS oscillator technology,” said Michael S. McCorquodale, Ph.D. and general manager of the Silicon Frequency Control Business Unit at IDT. “IDT is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this inflection point given our leadership position in silicon timing that includes CMOS oscillators, a broad patent portfolio, and the ability to deliver state-of-the-art CrystalFree oscillators that compete against quartz-based products on all dimensions.”

IDT is the recognized world leader in the development of CMOS oscillator technology for quartz crystal resonator and oscillator replacement including a patent portfolio that exceeds 35 pending and issued patents. The company’s initial products were an industry first and have resulted in significant and continued commercial success in crystal resonator replacement for USB timing, particularly in Taiwan and China. The new IDT family expands upon this success and complements the other products in IDT’s CrystalFree CMOS oscillator family.