Epson Toyocom Corporation announced the development of a new, smaller, frequency-stable TCXO (temperature-compensated crystal oscillator) with frequency stability high enough even for demanding GPS applications. The new oscillator, the TG-5025BA, is housed in a 2016-sized package (actual dimensions are 2.1 mm × 1.7 mm), putting it in the world’s smallest category of packages. Commercial development is scheduled for February 2009, the oscillator will then be available at distributor Rutronik. The market for GPS (global positioning system) capability in mobile terminals has been expanding in recent years. The percentage of cell phones, in particular, with built-in GPS functions is rising globally, largely due to the lure of applications that allow the location of a cell phone to be pinpointed in the event of an emergency call. The expansion of the market for navigation systems is also driving demand for frequency-stable TCXOs, which are essential for accurate positioning. Mobile GPS devices such as these will be packing more features in increasingly dense assemblies.
www.rutronik.com