Linear Technology introduces a simple, accurate and slim PWM clock

Crystal oscillator

Quartz Oscillator 3225 20M OSC

MILPITAS (Linear Technology Corporation) introduced silicon oscillator LTC6992, the device is the latest member of the family of silicon timing devices TimerBloxTM. The LTC6992 provides simple and accurate pulse width modulation (PWM) for output frequencies from 3.81Hz to 1MHz. The device's frequency can be set with 1 to 3 resistors, with a guaranteed frequency error of less than 1.7%. In addition, the frequency can be dynamically controlled by a separate control voltage. The output pulse width (duty cycle) is simply controlled with an analog signal from 0V to 1V. The LTC6992 provides interference-free and accurate initial start-up within 500us of the power-up.

Linear Technology 's LTC6992 is available in four versions, each offering a unique combination of minimum/maximum duty cycle limits. The minimum duty cycle is 0% or 5% and the maximum duty cycle is 95% or 100%. For applications that do not allow DC control signals, the 5% and 95% duty cycle limits ensure continuous output switching regardless of the control voltage state. The LTC6992 is ideal for heater control, PWM servo loops, LED dimming, signal isolation, and other duty cycle control applications.

The LTC6992 is a member of the TimerBlox Universal Silicon Timer family that combines an accurate programmable oscillator with precision circuitry and logic. These devices do not require capacitors, crystals, microcontrollers, and settings. TimerBlox is a solid state device that operates under extreme conditions of high acceleration, vibration and temperature. They provide greater accuracy, stability, and lower power consumption than typical resistor/capacitor based oscillators. The 20 mA supply and sink capability directly drives the opto-isolator and transformer to provide electrical isolation. The TimerBlox family of devices is fully specified over the -40°C to 125°C temperature range and is ideal for automotive and industrial environments where many oscillators and microcontrollers are not operational and demanding. The small footprint of the SOT23 package allows for each timing

The device is placed at the point of use, eliminating the need to transmit signals over long distances and providing an ideal timer for space-constrained applications such as handheld and portable devices.

Doug LaPorte , Linear Manager's design manager, said: "With the LTC6992 , it's extremely easy to generate a PWM signal without the need for a microcontroller and setup."

The LTC6992 is available now and is priced at $1.55 each in 1,000-piece quantities. For more information, please visit