According to recent reports, the National Institute of Information and Communication Technology (NICT) has partnered with Tohoku University and the Tokyo Institute of Technology to establish a research group focused on piezoelectric materials. Recently, this collaborative team achieved a significant breakthrough by developing an ultra-small atomic clock system that is an order of magnitude more accurate than current atomic clocks. With its compact size and low power consumption, this advanced atomic clock holds great promise for integration into smartphones, sensor networks, and robotic control systems.
The team developed a microwave oscillator using a piezoelectric thin film resonator (FBAR), which demonstrates exceptional resonance performance in the 3.5 GHz band and can serve as a highly stable frequency reference. Notably, the design eliminates the need for external crystal oscillators or PLL multiplier circuits, resulting in a much simpler peripheral circuit configuration. This simplification not only reduces complexity but also enhances reliability and efficiency.
Overview of MEMS atomic clock principle and microwave oscillator composition (Source: NICT)
Compared to existing commercial atomic clocks, this new MEMS atomic clock chip offers a reduction of approximately 30% in size and a 50% decrease in power consumption. Currently, the piezoelectric thin film resonators (FBARs) and amplifiers are connected via wire bonding, but the research team aims to integrate these components into a single chip in future iterations, further enhancing performance and miniaturization.
Piezoelectric thin film resonator and amplifier are connected by wire bonding (source: NICT)
According to the research team, the frequency stability of this MEMS atomic clock is significantly better—about an order of magnitude higher—than that of commercial atomic clocks. Evaluation results of the FBAR oscillator show excellent oscillation performance in the 3.4 GHz band. Additionally, the phase noise at a 1 MHz offset frequency was measured at 140 dBc/Hz, indicating high signal purity and stability.
Characteristics of FBAR Oscillator (Source: NICT)
Evaluation results of MEMS atomic clock frequency stability (Source: NICT)
Looking ahead, the research team plans to simplify and integrate digital control systems to further reduce power consumption. They are also accelerating their R&D efforts to transition from lab prototypes to mass-produced chip-based atomic clocks, aiming for practical implementation in consumer and industrial applications in the near future.
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