Stable timing is the unsung backbone of every synchronous electronic system. Whether you’re designing a radio front end, an automotive instrument cluster, an industrial controller, or a battery-powered IoT sensor, the choice of clock, oscillator, or battery-backed real-time clock (RTC) directly affects system reliability, sampling accuracy, and energy budget.
For a concise primer on what a clock signal is and why jitter, drift and holdover matter to digital and mixed-signal designs, see the clock signal overview on Wikipedia — it’s a handy reference to align terminology (jitter, phase noise, holdover) with the rest of this guide.
This practical guide — focused on Timing IC Power Solutions — compares representative timing parts, highlights their power-related characteristics, and gives engineers actionable selection and board-level guidance. It also embeds a few procurement and demo anchors so you can quickly verify parts and follow vendor evaluation workflows.
What this article contains
Short and deep analyses of seven representative timing ICs chosen for power-sensitive designs.
A compact comparison table focused on power and timing tradeoffs.
Board-level power sequencing and decoupling guidance tailored to timing ICs.
Practical lab bring-up checklist, demo resources and procurement anchors.
Ten focused FAQs about timing + power selection.
For practical configuration and evaluation board walkthroughs, vendor demo videos such as ClockBuilder/Clock programming examples on YouTube are excellent hands-on references. For system-level context on synchronization (PTP, GNSS discipline and holdover strategies), see the analysis on IEEE Spectrum.
Selected models (power-conscious timing parts)
Below are seven representative devices/families chosen to illustrate the intersection of timing and power design. Each entry includes the key power attributes to check in the datasheet.
Si5332 family (Silicon Labs / Skyworks lineage) — any-frequency multi-output clock generator (power scales with number of enabled outputs).
8N3Q001 (IDT / Renesas — FemtoClock family) — low phase-noise programmable oscillator / VCXO variants with modest active power.
MCP7940N (Microchip) — battery-backed I²C RTC with ultra-low VBAT standby (ideal for coin-cell retention).
PCF85063A (NXP) — ultra-low-power RTC/calendar with calibration and µA/nA standby class.
Epson SG-series (SPXO / TCXO) — fixed oscillators and TCXOs with low static current; TCXO consumes more power for temperature compensation.
Abracon AMPM (MEMS programmable oscillators) — programmable MEMS with µA-class standby and robust mechanical behavior.
SiT3807 (SiTime) — MEMS VCXO family with predictable Kv linearity and reasonable active current (see the SiT3807 product page on yy-ic for procurement and package options).
Quick procurement starting point: browse RTC SKUs and package/lead-time filters in the yy-ic Real-Time Clocks category to shortlist VBAT capable parts.
How I verified these parts
Each family listed above exists and has accessible datasheets from the manufacturer or mirrored repositories. For offline reference of specific VBAT figures and register behavior, see the MCP7940N datasheet (PDF) mirror. Use the SiT3807 product page on yy-ic to validate packaging and lead-time for that MEMS VCXO family before placing orders.
Detail: What to check (power focus) for each selected device
Si5332 family — any-frequency multi-output clock generator
Power points to verify: core VDD and per-output VDDO rails and currents, power domain isolation options, capabilities to disable unused outputs, and data on power scaling when multiple outputs are active.
Board notes: QFN packages require thermal pad and plane planning; enabling many outputs increases board power and may require a beefier regulator.
8N3Q001 / FemtoClock (IDT / Renesas)
Function: factory-programmed oscillator family with VCXO variants.
Power points to verify: operating voltage options (e.g., 2.5 V / 3.3 V), typical active current, any standby mode specs, and the power used by the VCXO control/tune network.
Board notes: small footprint — watch thermal coupling and neighboring switching regulators.
MCP7940N (Microchip) — battery-backed I²C RTC
Function: RTC/calendar with VBAT backup, optional SRAM, alarms and square-wave outputs.
Power points to verify: VBAT backup current (nA → µA), active I²C current, crystal load current, and the VBAT switchover behavior. For offline review, consult the MCP7940N datasheet (PDF).
Board notes: route VBAT with minimal leakage; ESD/protection parts can increase VBAT drain if not selected carefully.
PCF85063A (NXP) — ultra-low-power RTC/calendar
Function: compact RTC with trimming and alarm features.
Power points to verify: standby current, wake-up current, calibration options that can reduce drift while preserving VBAT life.
Board notes: choose package and crystal to match battery life targets.
Epson SG-series (SPXO / TCXO)
Function: fixed oscillators and TCXOs (TCXO consumes more power due to active compensation).
Power points to verify: static current for SPXO vs TCXO, temperature compensation current for TCXO, and aging/ppm specs.
Board notes: use SPXO when stability requirements are modest and power is a constraint; choose TCXO when ppm stability across temperature is required and extra power is acceptable.
Abracon AMPM (MEMS programmable)
Function: programmable MEMS oscillators offering small footprint and low standby.
Power points to verify: standby and active current (µA class for standby is common), start-up energy and time (impacts wake-from-sleep designs), and oscillator wake-up spikes.
Board notes: MEMS often tolerate mechanical stress better than quartz.
SiT3807 (SiTime) — MEMS VCXO
Function: MEMS VCXO with selectable pull ranges and linear Kv.
Power points to verify: active current, any control circuit/headroom for Kv tuning, and total system cost of the tune loop (control amp, buffer, etc.). See the SiT3807 product page on yy-ic for supplier details.
Power-centric comparison table
Numeric values vary by exact part number and ordering codes — always consult the datasheet for the part you intend to buy.
Model
Power items to check
VBAT / Standby
Active current notes
Best fit (power)
Si5332
Core + per-output VDDO currents; output enable
N/A
Scales with # outputs & drive strength
Multi-domain boards if power budget allows
8N3Q001
Supply voltage options; VCXO control power
N/A
Low–moderate
Low-noise single refs with modest power
MCP7940N
VBAT backup current; VBAT switchover
nA–µA (datasheet)
Low during I²C access
Long-life battery RTCs
PCF85063A
Standby & calibration currents
µA–nA
Low
Ultra-low standby RTC apps
Epson SG
SPXO low current; TCXO higher
N/A
Low–moderate
Fixed-freq low-power modules
Abracon AMPM
Standby µA-class; startup spikes
µA class
Low active; check wake spikes
Wearables, sensors
SiT3807
Active supply & Kv control network
N/A
Low–moderate
VCXO with predictable tuning
Key takeaway: For multi-year battery operation, prefer RTCs or MEMS families with documented nA/µA VBAT standby; for minimal jitter at the cost of some active power, choose low-phase-noise VCXOs and account for tune-loop power.
Board-level power & sequencing guidance
Timing ICs intersect with power design in several important ways — follow these practical rules:
Follow vendor power sequencing precisely. Some generators require core power before output rails; incorrect sequencing can produce configuration corruption or increased inrush.
Use a low-noise LDO for sensitive timing rails. Switching regulators are OK for bulk rails, but use an LDO or post-filter for sensitive reference rails to avoid injecting switching noise into phase noise.
Decoupling and plane layout matter. Place decoupling capacitors close to the device pins and follow manufacturer layout recommendations to minimize ground bounce and supply impedance.
Minimize VBAT leakage. For RTCs, route VBAT with care — stray leakage paths and protective components can increase standby drain.
Implement output enable/power gating. Disable unused outputs or power domains to save active power where supported.
Design for inrush and startup spikes. Provide regulator headroom and decoupling to tolerate start-up transients without resetting other devices.
Measure under worst-case loads. Measure board current when all outputs are enabled and under the intended loads; vendor tables are guides but board parasitics matter.
Lab bring-up checklist (power + timing)
Power up following recommended sequence; monitor rails for droop or overshoot.
With outputs disabled, measure quiescent core current; enable outputs one-by-one and measure incremental current.
Measure phase noise and integrated RMS jitter with the target load and power topology.
For RTCs, switch to VBAT and measure time retention; compute expected coin-cell life from VBAT figures in the datasheet (see MCP7940N datasheet (PDF) for VBAT numbers).
For VCXOs, sweep tune voltage to log Kv (Hz/V) and measure tune-loop current draw.
Thermally cycle the board to measure frequency drift and current variation across operating temperatures.
For practical programming and eval-board demos, vendor videos on YouTube are useful to see real GUI flows and measurement setups.
When validating packaging, pull-range options and lead times for SiTime VCXOs, check the SiT3807 product page on yy-ic.
For an offline datasheet mirror of the MCP7940N (useful for VBAT and register behavior), use the MCP7940N datasheet (PDF) link.
(The three procurement/data anchors above are provided as semantic inline links to speed your validation and downloads.)
System perspective (industry context)
Timing selection must map to system-level reliability strategies. Synchronization techniques such as PTP/IEEE-1588 discipline, GNSS disciplining and holdover strategies interact with oscillator selection and aging characteristics — for systems guidance and discussion on tradeoffs, see the IEEE Spectrum article, which helps frame device-level choices in a broader network reliability context.
Quick selection checklist
Battery life first: choose RTCs with documented nA/µA VBAT standby (MCP7940N, PCF85063A) or MEMS with µA standby (Abracon AMPM).
Lowest phase noise: FemtoClock (IDT) or SiTime VCXO families — account for tune-loop power.
Many clocks / BOM reduction: Si5332 class synthesizers — budget total power for enabled outputs.
Rugged / vibration: MEMS oscillators (SiTime, Abracon) often perform better under mechanical stress.
Simple fixed-freq low-power: SPXO family (Epson) unless TCXO stability is required.
10 FAQs — Timing IC Power Solutions
How do I compute coin-cell life for an RTC? Battery life ≈ battery capacity (mAh) ÷ average VBAT current (mA). Use VBAT standby figures from the RTC datasheet and include periodic wake-up energy.
Does a programmable clock generator always consume more power than discrete XOs? Not necessarily — a single synthesizer can replace many XOs and sometimes reduce total idle power, but active current typically increases with enabled outputs and drive strengths.
Should I use an LDO or switcher for a VCXO? Use a low-noise LDO for the sensitive clock rail; if using a switcher for efficiency, follow with a clean LDO or LC filter to isolate noise.
How to reduce Si5332 power on my board? Disable unused outputs, use reduced drive strength, and use separate VDDO domains to power down unused banks.
Are MEMS oscillators always better for battery devices? Some MEMS families provide excellent standby current and mechanical robustness — check VBAT/standby specs per part.
How to estimate total PLL tune-loop power? Sum VCXO active current + control amplifier/current for tuning + PLL IC consumption; measure under expected duty cycle.
Do RTC VBAT circuits need protective components? Yes — follow manufacturer recommendations for diode/resistor placements; avoid leakage paths that add VBAT drain.
How to avoid jitter coupling from nearby switching converters? Separate converters physically, use planes and filtering, and place a clean post-LDO for clock supplies.
What startup behavior should I expect from programmable parts? Check datasheet start-up and inrush current figures — ensure regulators and reset logic tolerate transient spikes.
Where can I find hands-on programming and measurement demos? Vendor evaluation board and programming demos are widely available on YouTube — search for vendor tool names plus device family.
<h2><strong>Introduction</strong></h2>
<p>Stable timing is the unsung backbone of every synchronous electronic system. Whether you’re designing a radio front end, an automotive instrument cluster, an industrial controller, or a battery-powered IoT sensor, the choice of clock, oscillator, or battery-backed real-time clock (RTC) directly affects system reliability, sampling accuracy, and energy budget.</p>
<p>For a concise primer on what a clock signal is and why jitter, drift and holdover matter to digital and mixed-signal designs, see the <em>clock signal</em> overview on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clock_signal?utm"><strong>Wikipedia</strong></a> — it’s a handy reference to align terminology (jitter, phase noise, holdover) with the rest of this guide.</p>
<p>This practical guide — focused on <strong>Timing IC Power Solutions</strong> — compares representative timing parts, highlights their power-related characteristics, and gives engineers actionable selection and board-level guidance. It also embeds a few procurement and demo anchors so you can quickly verify parts and follow vendor evaluation workflows.</p>
<h2><strong>What this article contains</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Short and deep analyses of seven representative timing ICs chosen for power-sensitive designs.</li>
<li>A compact comparison table focused on power and timing tradeoffs.</li>
<li>Board-level power sequencing and decoupling guidance tailored to timing ICs.</li>
<li>Practical lab bring-up checklist, demo resources and procurement anchors.</li>
<li>Ten focused FAQs about timing + power selection.</li>
</ul>
<p>For practical configuration and evaluation board walkthroughs, vendor demo videos such as ClockBuilder/Clock programming examples on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jR_hCiap58&utm"><strong>YouTube</strong></a> are excellent hands-on references. For system-level context on synchronization (PTP, GNSS discipline and holdover strategies), see the analysis on <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/synchronizing-networks-with-ptp-yields-precision-but-also-vulnerability?utm"><strong>IEEE Spectrum</strong></a>.</p>
<h2><strong>Selected models (power-conscious timing parts)</strong></h2>
<p>Below are seven representative devices/families chosen to illustrate the intersection of timing and power design. Each entry includes the key power attributes to check in the datasheet.</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Si5332 family (Silicon Labs / Skyworks lineage)</strong> — any-frequency multi-output clock generator (power scales with number of enabled outputs).</li>
<li><strong>8N3Q001 (IDT / Renesas — FemtoClock family)</strong> — low phase-noise programmable oscillator / VCXO variants with modest active power.</li>
<li><strong>MCP7940N (Microchip)</strong> — battery-backed I²C RTC with ultra-low VBAT standby (ideal for coin-cell retention).</li>
<li><strong>PCF85063A (NXP)</strong> — ultra-low-power RTC/calendar with calibration and µA/nA standby class.</li>
<li><strong>Epson SG-series (SPXO / TCXO)</strong> — fixed oscillators and TCXOs with low static current; TCXO consumes more power for temperature compensation.</li>
<li><strong>Abracon AMPM (MEMS programmable oscillators)</strong> — programmable MEMS with µA-class standby and robust mechanical behavior.</li>
<li><strong>SiT3807 (SiTime)</strong> — MEMS VCXO family with predictable Kv linearity and reasonable active current (see the <strong>SiT3807 product page on yy-ic</strong> for procurement and package options).</li>
</ol>
<p>Quick procurement starting point: browse RTC SKUs and package/lead-time filters in the <a href="https://www.yy-ic.com/category"><strong>yy-ic Real-Time Clocks category</strong></a> to shortlist VBAT capable parts.</p>
<h2><strong>How I verified these parts</strong></h2>
<p>Each family listed above exists and has accessible datasheets from the manufacturer or mirrored repositories. For offline reference of specific VBAT figures and register behavior, see the <strong>MCP7940N datasheet (PDF)</strong> mirror. Use the <strong>SiT3807 product page on yy-ic</strong> to validate packaging and lead-time for that MEMS VCXO family before placing orders.</p>
<h2><strong>Detail: What to check (power focus) for each selected device</strong></h2>
<h3><strong>Si5332 family — any-frequency multi-output clock generator</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Function:</strong> multi-output programmable clock synthesis (supports LVCMOS/LVDS/LVPECL outputs).</li>
<li><strong>Power points to verify:</strong> core VDD and per-output VDDO rails and currents, power domain isolation options, capabilities to disable unused outputs, and data on power scaling when multiple outputs are active.</li>
<li><strong>Board notes:</strong> QFN packages require thermal pad and plane planning; enabling many outputs increases board power and may require a beefier regulator.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>8N3Q001 / FemtoClock (IDT / Renesas)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Function:</strong> factory-programmed oscillator family with VCXO variants.</li>
<li><strong>Power points to verify:</strong> operating voltage options (e.g., 2.5 V / 3.3 V), typical active current, any standby mode specs, and the power used by the VCXO control/tune network.</li>
<li><strong>Board notes:</strong> small footprint — watch thermal coupling and neighboring switching regulators.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>MCP7940N (Microchip) — battery-backed I²C RTC</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Function:</strong> RTC/calendar with VBAT backup, optional SRAM, alarms and square-wave outputs.</li>
<li><strong>Power points to verify:</strong> VBAT backup current (nA → µA), active I²C current, crystal load current, and the VBAT switchover behavior. For offline review, consult the <strong>MCP7940N datasheet (PDF)</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>Board notes:</strong> route VBAT with minimal leakage; ESD/protection parts can increase VBAT drain if not selected carefully.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>PCF85063A (NXP) — ultra-low-power RTC/calendar</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Function:</strong> compact RTC with trimming and alarm features.</li>
<li><strong>Power points to verify:</strong> standby current, wake-up current, calibration options that can reduce drift while preserving VBAT life.</li>
<li><strong>Board notes:</strong> choose package and crystal to match battery life targets.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Epson SG-series (SPXO / TCXO)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Function:</strong> fixed oscillators and TCXOs (TCXO consumes more power due to active compensation).</li>
<li><strong>Power points to verify:</strong> static current for SPXO vs TCXO, temperature compensation current for TCXO, and aging/ppm specs.</li>
<li><strong>Board notes:</strong> use SPXO when stability requirements are modest and power is a constraint; choose TCXO when ppm stability across temperature is required and extra power is acceptable.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Abracon AMPM (MEMS programmable)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Function:</strong> programmable MEMS oscillators offering small footprint and low standby.</li>
<li><strong>Power points to verify:</strong> standby and active current (µA class for standby is common), start-up energy and time (impacts wake-from-sleep designs), and oscillator wake-up spikes.</li>
<li><strong>Board notes:</strong> MEMS often tolerate mechanical stress better than quartz.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>SiT3807 (SiTime) — MEMS VCXO</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Function:</strong> MEMS VCXO with selectable pull ranges and linear Kv.</li>
<li><strong>Power points to verify:</strong> active current, any control circuit/headroom for Kv tuning, and total system cost of the tune loop (control amp, buffer, etc.). See the <strong>SiT3807 product page on yy-ic</strong> for supplier details.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Power-centric comparison table</strong></h2>
<p>Numeric values vary by exact part number and ordering codes — always consult the datasheet for the part you intend to buy.</p>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p><strong>Model</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Power items to check</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>VBAT / Standby</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Active current notes</strong></p>
</td>
<td>
<p><strong>Best fit (power)</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Si5332</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Core + per-output VDDO currents; output enable</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>N/A</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Scales with # outputs & drive strength</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Multi-domain boards if power budget allows</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>8N3Q001</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Supply voltage options; VCXO control power</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>N/A</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Low–moderate</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Low-noise single refs with modest power</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>MCP7940N</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>VBAT backup current; VBAT switchover</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>nA–µA (datasheet)</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Low during I²C access</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Long-life battery RTCs</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>PCF85063A</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Standby & calibration currents</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>µA–nA</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Low</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Ultra-low standby RTC apps</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Epson SG</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>SPXO low current; TCXO higher</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>N/A</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Low–moderate</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Fixed-freq low-power modules</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>Abracon AMPM</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Standby µA-class; startup spikes</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>µA class</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Low active; check wake spikes</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Wearables, sensors</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p>SiT3807</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Active supply & Kv control network</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>N/A</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>Low–moderate</p>
</td>
<td>
<p>VCXO with predictable tuning</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>Key takeaway:</strong> For multi-year battery operation, prefer RTCs or MEMS families with documented nA/µA VBAT standby; for minimal jitter at the cost of some active power, choose low-phase-noise VCXOs and account for tune-loop power.</p>
<h2><strong>Board-level power & sequencing guidance</strong></h2>
<p>Timing ICs intersect with power design in several important ways — follow these practical rules:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Follow vendor power sequencing precisely.</strong> Some generators require core power before output rails; incorrect sequencing can produce configuration corruption or increased inrush.</li>
<li><strong>Use a low-noise LDO for sensitive timing rails.</strong> Switching regulators are OK for bulk rails, but use an LDO or post-filter for sensitive reference rails to avoid injecting switching noise into phase noise.</li>
<li><strong>Decoupling and plane layout matter.</strong> Place decoupling capacitors close to the device pins and follow manufacturer layout recommendations to minimize ground bounce and supply impedance.</li>
<li><strong>Minimize VBAT leakage.</strong> For RTCs, route VBAT with care — stray leakage paths and protective components can increase standby drain.</li>
<li><strong>Implement output enable/power gating.</strong> Disable unused outputs or power domains to save active power where supported.</li>
<li><strong>Design for inrush and startup spikes.</strong> Provide regulator headroom and decoupling to tolerate start-up transients without resetting other devices.</li>
<li><strong>Measure under worst-case loads.</strong> Measure board current when all outputs are enabled and under the intended loads; vendor tables are guides but board parasitics matter.</li>
</ol>
<h2><strong>Lab bring-up checklist (power + timing)</strong></h2>
<ol>
<li>Power up following recommended sequence; monitor rails for droop or overshoot.</li>
<li>With outputs disabled, measure quiescent core current; enable outputs one-by-one and measure incremental current.</li>
<li>Measure phase noise and integrated RMS jitter with the target load and power topology.</li>
<li>For RTCs, switch to VBAT and measure time retention; compute expected coin-cell life from VBAT figures in the datasheet (see <strong>MCP7940N datasheet (PDF)</strong> for VBAT numbers).</li>
<li>For VCXOs, sweep tune voltage to log Kv (Hz/V) and measure tune-loop current draw.</li>
<li>Thermally cycle the board to measure frequency drift and current variation across operating temperatures.</li>
</ol>
<p>For practical programming and eval-board demos, vendor videos on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jR_hCiap58&utm"><strong>YouTube</strong></a> are useful to see real GUI flows and measurement setups.</p>
<h2><strong>Procurement & quick verification anchors</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Browse RTC SKUs and packaging/stock filters in the <a href="https://www.yy-ic.com/category/integrated-circuits-ics-430?utm"><strong>yy-ic Real-Time Clocks category</strong></a> to shortlist VBAT-capable parts.</li>
<li>When validating packaging, pull-range options and lead times for SiTime VCXOs, check the <a href="https://www.yy-ic.com/product/sitime-sit3807ac-d-28ne?utm"><strong>SiT3807 product page on yy-ic</strong></a>.</li>
<li>For an offline datasheet mirror of the MCP7940N (useful for VBAT and register behavior), use the <strong>MCP7940N datasheet (PDF)</strong> link.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>(The three procurement/data anchors above are provided as semantic inline links to speed your validation and downloads.)</em></p>
<h2><strong>System perspective (industry context)</strong></h2>
<p>Timing selection must map to system-level reliability strategies. Synchronization techniques such as PTP/IEEE-1588 discipline, GNSS disciplining and holdover strategies interact with oscillator selection and aging characteristics — for systems guidance and discussion on tradeoffs, see the <a href="https://spectrum.ieee.org/synchronizing-networks-with-ptp-yields-precision-but-also-vulnerability?utm"><strong>IEEE Spectrum</strong></a> article, which helps frame device-level choices in a broader network reliability context.</p>
<h2><strong>Quick selection checklist</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Battery life first:</strong> choose RTCs with documented nA/µA VBAT standby (MCP7940N, PCF85063A) or MEMS with µA standby (Abracon AMPM).</li>
<li><strong>Lowest phase noise:</strong> FemtoClock (IDT) or SiTime VCXO families — account for tune-loop power.</li>
<li><strong>Many clocks / BOM reduction:</strong> Si5332 class synthesizers — budget total power for enabled outputs.</li>
<li><strong>Rugged / vibration:</strong> MEMS oscillators (SiTime, Abracon) often perform better under mechanical stress.</li>
<li><strong>Simple fixed-freq low-power:</strong> SPXO family (Epson) unless TCXO stability is required.</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>10 FAQs — Timing IC Power Solutions</strong></h2>
<ol>
<li><strong>How do I compute coin-cell life for an RTC?</strong><strong><br /></strong>Battery life ≈ battery capacity (mAh) ÷ average VBAT current (mA). Use VBAT standby figures from the RTC datasheet and include periodic wake-up energy.</li>
<li><strong>Does a programmable clock generator always consume more power than discrete XOs?</strong><strong><br /></strong>Not necessarily — a single synthesizer can replace many XOs and sometimes reduce total idle power, but active current typically increases with enabled outputs and drive strengths.</li>
<li><strong>Should I use an LDO or switcher for a VCXO?</strong><strong><br /></strong>Use a low-noise LDO for the sensitive clock rail; if using a switcher for efficiency, follow with a clean LDO or LC filter to isolate noise.</li>
<li><strong>How to reduce Si5332 power on my board?</strong><strong><br /></strong>Disable unused outputs, use reduced drive strength, and use separate VDDO domains to power down unused banks.</li>
<li><strong>Are MEMS oscillators always better for battery devices?</strong><strong><br /></strong>Some MEMS families provide excellent standby current and mechanical robustness — check VBAT/standby specs per part.</li>
<li><strong>How to estimate total PLL tune-loop power?</strong><strong><br /></strong>Sum VCXO active current + control amplifier/current for tuning + PLL IC consumption; measure under expected duty cycle.</li>
<li><strong>Do RTC VBAT circuits need protective components?</strong><strong><br /></strong>Yes — follow manufacturer recommendations for diode/resistor placements; avoid leakage paths that add VBAT drain.</li>
<li><strong>How to avoid jitter coupling from nearby switching converters?</strong><strong><br /></strong>Separate converters physically, use planes and filtering, and place a clean post-LDO for clock supplies.</li>
<li><strong>What startup behavior should I expect from programmable parts?</strong><strong><br /></strong>Check datasheet start-up and inrush current figures — ensure regulators and reset logic tolerate transient spikes.</li>
<li><strong>Where can I find hands-on programming and measurement demos?</strong><strong><br /></strong>Vendor evaluation board and programming demos are widely available on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jR_hCiap58&utm"><strong>YouTube</strong></a> — search for vendor tool names plus device family.</li>
</ol>
Introduction
Stable timing is the unsung backbone of every synchronous electronic system. Whether you’re designing a radio front end, an automotive instrument cluster, an industrial controller, or a battery-powered IoT sensor, the choice of clock, oscillator, or battery-backed real-time clock (RTC) directly affects system reliability, sampling accuracy, and energy budget.
For a concise primer on what a clock signal is and why jitter, drift and holdover matter to digital and mixed-signal designs, see the clock signal overview on Wikipedia — it’s a handy reference to align terminology (jitter, phase noise, holdover) with the rest of this guide.
This practical guide — focused on Timing IC Power Solutions — compares representative timing parts, highlights their power-related characteristics, and gives engineers actionable selection and board-level guidance. It also embeds a few procurement and demo anchors so you can quickly verify parts and follow vendor evaluation workflows.
What this article contains
For practical configuration and evaluation board walkthroughs, vendor demo videos such as ClockBuilder/Clock programming examples on YouTube are excellent hands-on references. For system-level context on synchronization (PTP, GNSS discipline and holdover strategies), see the analysis on IEEE Spectrum.
Selected models (power-conscious timing parts)
Below are seven representative devices/families chosen to illustrate the intersection of timing and power design. Each entry includes the key power attributes to check in the datasheet.
Quick procurement starting point: browse RTC SKUs and package/lead-time filters in the yy-ic Real-Time Clocks category to shortlist VBAT capable parts.
How I verified these parts
Each family listed above exists and has accessible datasheets from the manufacturer or mirrored repositories. For offline reference of specific VBAT figures and register behavior, see the MCP7940N datasheet (PDF) mirror. Use the SiT3807 product page on yy-ic to validate packaging and lead-time for that MEMS VCXO family before placing orders.
Detail: What to check (power focus) for each selected device
Si5332 family — any-frequency multi-output clock generator
8N3Q001 / FemtoClock (IDT / Renesas)
MCP7940N (Microchip) — battery-backed I²C RTC
PCF85063A (NXP) — ultra-low-power RTC/calendar
Epson SG-series (SPXO / TCXO)
Abracon AMPM (MEMS programmable)
SiT3807 (SiTime) — MEMS VCXO
Power-centric comparison table
Numeric values vary by exact part number and ordering codes — always consult the datasheet for the part you intend to buy.
Model
Power items to check
VBAT / Standby
Active current notes
Best fit (power)
Si5332
Core + per-output VDDO currents; output enable
N/A
Scales with # outputs & drive strength
Multi-domain boards if power budget allows
8N3Q001
Supply voltage options; VCXO control power
N/A
Low–moderate
Low-noise single refs with modest power
MCP7940N
VBAT backup current; VBAT switchover
nA–µA (datasheet)
Low during I²C access
Long-life battery RTCs
PCF85063A
Standby & calibration currents
µA–nA
Low
Ultra-low standby RTC apps
Epson SG
SPXO low current; TCXO higher
N/A
Low–moderate
Fixed-freq low-power modules
Abracon AMPM
Standby µA-class; startup spikes
µA class
Low active; check wake spikes
Wearables, sensors
SiT3807
Active supply & Kv control network
N/A
Low–moderate
VCXO with predictable tuning
Key takeaway: For multi-year battery operation, prefer RTCs or MEMS families with documented nA/µA VBAT standby; for minimal jitter at the cost of some active power, choose low-phase-noise VCXOs and account for tune-loop power.
Board-level power & sequencing guidance
Timing ICs intersect with power design in several important ways — follow these practical rules:
Lab bring-up checklist (power + timing)
For practical programming and eval-board demos, vendor videos on YouTube are useful to see real GUI flows and measurement setups.
Procurement & quick verification anchors
(The three procurement/data anchors above are provided as semantic inline links to speed your validation and downloads.)
System perspective (industry context)
Timing selection must map to system-level reliability strategies. Synchronization techniques such as PTP/IEEE-1588 discipline, GNSS disciplining and holdover strategies interact with oscillator selection and aging characteristics — for systems guidance and discussion on tradeoffs, see the IEEE Spectrum article, which helps frame device-level choices in a broader network reliability context.
Quick selection checklist
10 FAQs — Timing IC Power Solutions
Battery life ≈ battery capacity (mAh) ÷ average VBAT current (mA). Use VBAT standby figures from the RTC datasheet and include periodic wake-up energy.
Not necessarily — a single synthesizer can replace many XOs and sometimes reduce total idle power, but active current typically increases with enabled outputs and drive strengths.
Use a low-noise LDO for the sensitive clock rail; if using a switcher for efficiency, follow with a clean LDO or LC filter to isolate noise.
Disable unused outputs, use reduced drive strength, and use separate VDDO domains to power down unused banks.
Some MEMS families provide excellent standby current and mechanical robustness — check VBAT/standby specs per part.
Sum VCXO active current + control amplifier/current for tuning + PLL IC consumption; measure under expected duty cycle.
Yes — follow manufacturer recommendations for diode/resistor placements; avoid leakage paths that add VBAT drain.
Separate converters physically, use planes and filtering, and place a clean post-LDO for clock supplies.
Check datasheet start-up and inrush current figures — ensure regulators and reset logic tolerate transient spikes.
Vendor evaluation board and programming demos are widely available on YouTube — search for vendor tool names plus device family.