On September 19, SiTime (USA) announced that it has reduced the size of a new type of chip by approximately nine times compared to existing products on the market. This chip line is suitable for use in 5G networks and military electronic devices.
The new chip line is named Epoch Platform.
SiTime’s products are known as timing devices, which are among the oldest and most widely used components in all computer systems. Timing devices help synchronize all other parts of the system, such as networks and memory chips.
For decades, timing devices have operated based on the principle of transmitting electricity through quartz crystals, causing the crystals to vibrate at a fixed frequency, producing a steady rhythm, similar to quartz clocks.
However, SiTime utilizes technology known as micro-electromechanical systems manufactured like a computer chip. This technology allows for a reduction in the size of timing devices, enabling customers to use SiTime chips in systems such as the Dojo supercomputer.
According to SiTime, the new chip line, named Epoch Platform, processes faster and has better resistance to temperature fluctuations up to 95 degrees Celsius and vibrations compared to quartz devices. The California-based company believes that this chip will be suitable for outdoor 5G devices or defense electronics that need to pass rigorous testing.
SiTime expects that the new chip will be mass-produced starting in 2024.
