A voltage controlled oscillator is a timing component that allows the fine tuning of a clock frequency within an electronic system, thus allowing a receiving system to be synchronized with a transmitting system that is not at the same location.

1. Voltage Controlled Oscillator – Usage of Voltage Controlled Oscillators
A voltage controlled oscillator is a timing component that allows the fine tuning of a clock frequency within an
electronic system, thus allowing a receiving system to be synchronized with a transmitting system that is not at
the same location. The fine-tuning (pulling) of the output frequency can be controlled with an analog voltage input
that is offered on one of the pins. Voltage controlled oscillators (VCXO) are generally made of quartz crystals,
though recently, all silicon oscillators that utilize MEMS technology have also begun to offer VCXO devices.
Today’s programmable and MEMS-based Voltage Controlled MEMS Oscillator that are flexible and provide
innovative solutions for various applications such as telecom clock synchronization, wireless networking, FPGA-
based systems, instrumentation, audio and video. Two main categories of Voltage Controlled Oscillators are the
Differential VCXO and High Performance LVCMOS VCXO. The salient features and benefits are listed below-
Differential VCXO
 100% compatible with quartz crystal VCXOs
 Provide a differential clock output, at LVPECL, LVDS and other popular signaling levels.
 Excellent jitter and frequency stability allows designers to resolve timing margin concerns and increase
system reliability. Increased timing margin translates into fewer system errors and higher long-term
reliability
 Programmable differential VCXOs are easily customization and can be optimized for the system
application for the best system performance.
 Extremely short lead times (3-5 weeks for production volumes) minimize inventory overhead and reduce
cost
 Better availability reduces shortage risk.
High Performance VCXO
 LVCMOS signaling levels, with frequencies up to 220 MHz
 100% drop in replacement for quartz crystal VCXOs.
 Excellent jitter and frequency stability allows designers to resolve timing margin concerns and increase
system reliability. Increased timing margin translates into fewer system errors and higher long-term
reliability
 Programmable high performance VCXOs are easily customization and can be optimized for the system
application for the best system performance. Best linearity results in simpler loop monitoring in software
controlled system PLL
 More reliable PLL bandwidth over operating range
 Quicker lock time and calibration
 Decrease in of modulation harmonics
 Tighter PLL bandwidth and simpler system design
Voltage controlled oscillators have a number of uses, for instance in clock functions to control computer processes.
They are also used to give out electronic signals in stationary as well as wireless devices like radio receivers, radio
transmitters, routers, modems, game consoles and television. In addition to that, it can be also located on
function generators and electronic jamming equipment.
Learn more about :- Differential Oscillator , Clock Generator , Silicon Oscillator