Dutch technology company SemiBlocks has launched a new timing module, the State Controlled Crystal Oscillator (SCXO), today at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. This product is designed for applications in 5G networks, atomic clocks, and Positioning, Navigation & Timing (PNT) systems. Additionally, it offers significant advantages for autonomous systems such as robots and drones.
The SCXO distinguishes itself through its ability to compensate for both temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress without relying on external sensors or ovens. According to SemiBlocks, the reliability of timing modules is becoming increasingly critical as 5G radio units, PNT equipment, and autonomous systems are more frequently deployed in environments exposed to harsh conditions.
Applications
Traditional timing modules face challenges due to temperature variations, which can reach up to 100°C from direct sunlight or extreme cooling due to hailstorms. Moreover, vibrations caused by wind and traffic can lead to frequency instability. Semiblocks claims that competing products only partially mitigate these issues, whereas the SCXO provides real-time compensation.
CEO Christiaan van der Sluijs highlights that the SCXO is “90% smaller than traditional oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs), highly energy-efficient, warms up within seconds, and maintains precision up to 105°C.”
Director of Product Development Ewout Rotte adds that the module is designed and tested for rapid temperature changes of up to three degrees per minute, making it particularly suitable for urban and industrial 5G applications.
Precision and Technology
The SCXO technology is based on patented Smart-Xtal technology, which directly interacts with the crystal to correct deviations in real time. This enables both low-cost and high-performance crystals to function with greater precision. The module integrates a proprietary oscillator IC, a quartz crystal, and supporting components, delivering a stable and accurate frequency reference without requiring an external oven or temperature sensor.
Beyond 5G networks and PNT systems, the SCXO is particularly well-suited for robots and drones, which face similar challenges related to vibrations and temperature fluctuations. The extended operational time without network connectivity—up to more than 48 hours—allows autonomous systems to operate more efficiently and further from existing networks.
