A new silicon oscillator from Linear Technology is fast, providing a simple, compact and robust timing solution for FPGAs, CPLDs, microprocessors and DSPs. The LTC6905 resistor-set oscillator can generate clock signals from 17 MHz to 170 MHz using only this SOT-23 device and one resistor. The output frequency is determined by the resistor, allowing generation of any frequency value over the entire range.

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The LTC6905 offers advantages for high-reliability applications. As a solid-state CMOS device, it contains no internal mechanical resonating element. Standard silicon fabrication and assembly means that the LTC6905 is inherently immune to shock and vibration-a key advantage over crystals and ceramic resonators. Versions of the LTC6905 are available with guaranteed specifications over the commercial (0°C to 70°C), industrial (-40°C to 85°C) and automotive (-40°C to 125°C) temperature ranges.

The low-jitter LTC6905 provides a stable frequency source over time and temperature. Internally, a proprietary feedback loop linearizes the relationship between the set resistor and frequency, meaning no PLL is required to generate signals over the entire 17 MHz to 170 MHz span. As a result, clock jitter is only 50 ps at 170 MHz, with typical rise times of 500 ps. In addition, temperature stability is competitive with most crystals at only ±20 ppm/°C. The clock output starts up reliably and quickly (100 microseconds), yet the device draws only 6 mA of supply current running at 100 MHz.

All versions are in full production, with pricing starting at $1.65 each in 1000-piece quantities.