Time Machines: ABI Research Studies Oscillators and Silicon Timing Devices.

OYSTER BAY, N.Y. -- "Timing, synchronization and frequency control are critical elements in almost every electronics application," says John Marino, author of a new ABI Research study on the topic. Oscillators and silicon-based timing devices are essential to modern technologies: computers, telecommunications, consumer electronics, wireless handsets and GPS navigation all depend on them.

The new study, "Quartz Crystal Oscillators and Silicon Timing Devices: XTAL, XO, VCXO, TCXO, OCXO, Silicon & SAW Devices," examines the oscillator and timing device industry, identifies the major players and key markets, and examines the technological changes in the industry.

The current trend, says Marino, is a gradual convergence between "traditional" oscillators (XOs, TCXOs, VCXOs, OCXOs) built from a number of discrete components, and semiconductor-based devices (IC clocks, PLL-based zero delay clock drivers, buffers and synthesizers). There is an increasing push to integrate all the device's functions onto a single chip.

What's driving this trend? Mainly it is the explosive growth in production of electronic devices. Larger volumes prompt manufacturers to seek a single-chip silicon solution.

The consequences for manufacturers of traditional oscillators are clear. "The crystal business is not going to go away," says Marino, "because in many case you still need the crystal reference. However the VCXOs and TCXOs, and to a degree the XOs, are growing at slower rates." The study forecasts that over the next five years, silicon timing device markets will grow at double, or more than double, the rate of the traditional oscillator markets.

How are manufacturers meeting these challenges? Semiconductor makers will look at acquiring frequency control-based companies and many of the big frequency control companies, Marino says, are partnering with the larger semiconductor makers, so when they go to market, they can offer the solution that fits the customer's needs, whether it be traditional or semiconductor-based.

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