Epson Toyocom Develops Switchable Output Frequency Transmission Module for Use in Near-Field Communications

Epson Toyocom Corporation (Epson Toyocom), the leader in crystal devices, has developed a new transmission module called the ET-2000CB that offers two switchable output frequencies and a footprint of just 5.0 x 3.2 mm. The small size and frequency options will help communications equipment manufacturers to reduce the size of their equipment and shorten their development lead-times for a variety of applications in markets that use short-range wireless and specified low-power radio bands. Commercial development is scheduled for the first half of fiscal 2009.

The ET-2000CB is a versatile transmission module for near-field communications that supports both short-range wireless and specified low-power radio. In a single package, this module integrates a crystal SAW resonator with an outstanding frequency-temperature coefficient enabled by Epson Toyocom’s original technology, an oscillation circuit, and an amp circuit. The ET-2000CB eliminates the need for communications equipment manufacturers to design their own transmitter oscillation and amp circuits. It has built-in frequency regulation and output level regulation functions that enable the circuitry to be tuned to customers’ systems. Since this relieves communications equipment manufacturers of the need to tune system circuitry themselves, they save valuable time in designing RF circuits that include difficult-to-tune oscillation circuits.

Among its functions, the module offers output in two different frequencies. Communications system malfunctions triggered by interference waves in adjacent frequencies can be avoided by selectively switching between oscillation frequencies. Epson Toyocom uses its high-density packaging technology to integrate these functions into a compact 5.0 x 3.2mm module, thus reducing the number of external parts and downsizing the transmitter (Fig. 1).

Since 2002, Epson Toyocom has applied its original technology to supply products that feature superior frequency-temperature coefficients, with a second-order temperature coefficient less than half that of typical SAW resonators (ST cut). The company will continue to refine this technology and offer SAW devices to meet various market needs.
Main features

1. A SAW resonator, oscillation circuitry and amp circuitry integrated into a single-package transmission module
2. Two switchable output frequencies
3. Frequency tuning and output level tuning functions
4. An output power selection mode setting to enable support for both short-range wireless and specified low-power radio standards (conforming to ARIB STD-T93)
5. A small footprint (5.0 x 3.2 mm)

Epson is a global leader in imaging products including printers, 3LCD projectors and small- and medium-sized LCDs. With an innovative and creative culture, Epson is dedicated to exceeding the vision and expectations of customers worldwide with products known for their superior quality, functionality, compactness and energy efficiency.
Epson is a network of 88,925 employees in 109 companies around the world, and is proud of its ongoing contributions to the global environment and to the communities in which it is located. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corp., the Group had consolidated sales of 1,347 billion yen in fiscal 2007.