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Microchip Ruggedizes Evacuated Miniature Crystal Oscillators

Microchip Ruggedizes Evacuated Miniature Crystal Oscillators

The EX-423 adds four-point crystal mounting, ultra-high vacuum housing, and MIL-STD-202 to Microchip's EX-421 EMXO lineup.


News May 28, 2026 by Jake Hertz
Ralph Hartley and the Origins of Digital Information Theory

Ralph Hartley and the Origins of Digital Information Theory

Whether designing modulation schemes or modeling entropy, engineers are still guided by Hartley's principle that information can and must be measured.


News May 15, 2026 by Luke James
SiTime Reveals MEMS Timing Device for AI Data Center GPU Optimization

SiTime Reveals MEMS Timing Device for AI Data Center GPU Optimization

The MEMS-based oscillator delivers less than 1 nanosecond of time synchronization accuracy for AI clusters.


News May 11, 2026 by Jake Hertz
Using Gilbert Multipliers as Phase Detectors in PLLs

Using Gilbert Multipliers as Phase Detectors in PLLs

This article explores the operation of the Gilbert-cell phase detector for both small and large signals.


Introducing the Lag-Lead Filter

Introducing the Lag-Lead Filter

Learn how using a pole-zero loop filter improves PLL performance and design flexibility over the simpler lag filter.


Understanding the Limitations of the Second-Order Type-1 PLL With a Lag Filter

Understanding the Limitations of the Second-Order Type-1 PLL With a Lag Filter

In this article, we analyze the steady-state errors and Bode plots for a second-order PLL with a simple, first-order loop filter.


Introduction to Second-Order Type-1 PLLs

Introduction to Second-Order Type-1 PLLs

Learn how adding a lowpass loop filter to a PLL with a single integrator impacts both the frequency-domain and time-domain response.


SiTime Introduces Jamming- and Spoofing-Resistant Precision Oscillator

SiTime Introduces Jamming- and Spoofing-Resistant Precision Oscillator

With an eye on aerospace and defense applications, SiTime designed the new oscillator—announced today—with multi-layer reliability for GNSS receivers.


News Dec 03, 2025 by Duane Benson
Analyzing First-Order PLLs Using Linear Models

Analyzing First-Order PLLs Using Linear Models

In this article, we'll use the linearized model of a first-order PLL to understand its response to a simple input change. We'll then use Matlab simulations to visualize the signals.


Analyzing a First-Order PLL in Acquisition Mode With a Nonlinear Model

Analyzing a First-Order PLL in Acquisition Mode With a Nonlinear Model

In this article, we'll use a nonlinear mathematical model to improve our understanding of how a first-order PLL locks to a signal.


FM Generation Techniques: Solved Examples

FM Generation Techniques: Solved Examples

In this article, we'll solidify our understanding of the reactance modulator and Armstrong modulator circuits by working through a series of design problems.


Armstrong’s Method of FM Generation

Armstrong’s Method of FM Generation

This article explores the concept of indirect FM generation and the basic operation of the Armstrong modulator.


SiTime Enters Resonator Market With Tiny MEMS-Based Devices

SiTime Enters Resonator Market With Tiny MEMS-Based Devices

Announced today, SiTime is expanding into a $4 billion resonator market with its Titan platform.


News Sep 17, 2025 by Jake Hertz
Understanding Varactor and PLL-Based FM Generation Using Crystal Oscillators

Understanding Varactor and PLL-Based FM Generation Using Crystal Oscillators

In this article, we examine two different methods of producing wideband FM signals. Both use crystal oscillators to provide improved frequency stability.


Microchip Specializes GNSS Disciplined Oscillator Modules for Defense

Microchip Specializes GNSS Disciplined Oscillator Modules for Defense

The new timing solutions bring precise synchronization to harsh or signal-denied environments.


News Sep 08, 2025 by Jake Hertz
Improving the Frequency Deviation and Stability of a Direct FM Generator

Improving the Frequency Deviation and Stability of a Direct FM Generator

In this article, we explore the limitations of LC oscillators for direct FM generation and how to deal with them using multipliers and automatic frequency control (AFC) circuits.


Using Varactor Diodes for FM Signal Generation

Using Varactor Diodes for FM Signal Generation

Learn how a varactor diode's variable capacitance, together with an LC tank circuit, can drive a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to create FM waveforms.


An FM Generator Circuit Using the Capacitance of a Collector-Base Junction

An FM Generator Circuit Using the Capacitance of a Collector-Base Junction

In this article, we examine a reactance modulator design that employs the variable capacitance of a bipolar junction transistor to modulate the output of a Colpitts oscillator.


Introduction to Reactance Modulators for Generating FM Signals

Introduction to Reactance Modulators for Generating FM Signals

In this article, we'll introduce the fundamental concepts of direct FM generation and examine a key FM modulation circuit: the reactance modulator.


Practical Insights Into Narrowband FM With a Single-Frequency Input

Practical Insights Into Narrowband FM With a Single-Frequency Input

In this article, we’ll use phasor diagrams to compare narrowband FM and conventional AM. We’ll also discuss the problem of oscillator phase noise and work through an example problem.