Tiny 32.768kHz MEMS resonator reducing size of devices

It has been announced that Murata has developed what they believe to be the world’s smallest 32.768kHz MEMS resonator (the WMRAG series), which is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing the size and power consumption of IoT devices and wearable devices.

Demand is growing for compact electronic components that consume less electrical power for use in digital devices for IoT and wearable applications where small size and long operating times are essential to market success. As many modern devices rely on accurate timing, there is an increasing need for low power consumption resonators, which are required to operate continuously to provide timing signals.

Based on miniature MEMS technology, the new resonators exhibit stable frequency characteristics with a temperature drift of less than 160ppm across their operating range of -30 to +85°C. Initial frequency accuracy is ±20ppm which is at the level expected of a more sophisticated (and expensive) crystal resonator.

An in-built 6.9pf capacitor reduces the components necessary for the circuit that generates the reference clock signal, thereby reducing the space required as well as giving designers more flexibility in designing their solution.

Measuring just 0.9×0.6×0.3mm, the new MEMS resonator is over 50% smaller than a conventional 32.768kHz crystal resonator, which measures 1.2×1.0x0.3mm. Available in silicon-based wafer-level chip scale packaging (WL-CSP), the resonator can be fully integrated into an IC made of a homogeneous semiconductor material.

The new resonator generates stable reference clock signals by reducing the IC gain based on a low ESR value of 75kΩ. Internal tests at Murata indicate that the device cuts power consumption by 13% when compared to conventional 32,768kHz resonators.

Mass production of the new resonator is scheduled to begin in December 2018 and devices will be showcased on the Murata booth at CEATEC JAPAN 2018, which will be held at Makuhari Messe from October 16th to 19th, 2018.

The product will also be on display in Hall C4 Stand 141 at electronica at Messe München from November 13th to 16th, 2018.