Q-Tech Corporation announced the expansion of its QT2020/QT2021 Series of microcomputer compensated crystal oscillators (MCXOs). Q-Tech’s space-qualified MCXOs are the first and only such devices on the market designed to withstand radiation levels of 50kRad(Si) TID. They also lead the industry in offering a minimum single-event latch-up of 29MeV-cm²/mg for the QT2020 series and up to 75MeV-cm²/mg for the QT2021 series. Both series consume a maximum of 90 mW, which is 30 orders of magnitude lower than comparable oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs). Meanwhile, these rad-tolerant MCXOs provide exceptional “OCXO-level” temperature stability of up to ±10 ppb over 0°C to +70°C; and in addition to ±20 ppb, now offering ±50 ppb and ±100 ppb stabilities over -40°C to 85°C.

Devices in the QT2020 and QT2021 MCXO series are offered with 1PPS input and output, standard frequencies of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100 MHz, as well as a choice of CMOS or Sine Wave logic outputs. Their low phase noise and jitter, along with high shock and vibration tolerance (G-sensitivity of 1 ppb/g), make them suitable for a range of applications where smaller size, weight and power is desired, or where fast start-up time (1.5 s to ±50 ppm) and initialization time (as little as 15 s from power on to full ppb performance) are needed to support frequent power cycling. Additionally, the QT2020/2021 series has a small-form-factor package weighing just 50 g, versus similar OCXOs weighing 100 g or more.

“By expanding the selection of stability levels in our QT2020/QT2021 series to include 50 ppb and 100 ppb versions, we’re now able to supply our space-qualified MCXOs with shorter lead times — and at lower cost — for the many applications that require their exceptional tight frequency stability performance,” said Scott Sentz, Q-Tech’s vice-president of sales and marketing.