Miniature crystal oscillator for critical timing in low- and battery-powered applications

Microchip Technology’s EX‑423 Evacuated Miniature Crystal Oscillator (EMXO) is a compact, low‑power timing solution designed for applications that demand high stability, accuracy and long‑term reliability. The EX‑423 delivers high RF performance in a low‑profile 13mm x 13mm package for space‑ and power‑constrained designs.

Ruggedised for demanding environments, the EX‑423 is sealed in an ultra‑high vacuum designed to provide optimal thermal insulation and help improve frequency stability. Its quartz crystal uses a four‑point mount to enhance shock survivability and reduce g‑sensitivity, making it well suited for GPS/GNSS tracking, military radios, medical devices, Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) seismic systems, test and measurement equipment and satellite communications.

“When developing the EX‑423, we focused on the key parameters designers use to evaluate high‑performance reference oscillators,” said Randy Brudzinski, corporate vice president of Microchip’s frequency and time systems business unit. “Delivering this level of performance in a rugged, small footprint helps customers simplify designs without compromising timing accuracy.”

The EX‑423 combines ultra‑low phase noise with tight temperature control, strong short‑term stability (Allan deviation), fast warm‑up, and long‑term frequency stability. Operating over a standard 10–20 MHz frequency range, the device consumes 1W during warm‑up and as little as 0.2W at +25 °C in steady state, helping extend battery life while maintaining a clean, stable reference under specified operating conditions.