I. Breakthroughs in Core Technology

1. 625 MHz true centre frequency, 15 fs ultra-low jitter (the ideal frequency for AI and optical modules)

Tajing Technology (China): Launched the TK-D625M differential crystal oscillator in March

Frequency: 625 MHz true centre frequency (no PLL multiplication)

Phase Jitter: 15fs (typical) (12kHz–20MHz)

Applications: 400G/1.6T/3.2T optical modules, AI server SerDes

Significance: The world’s lowest-jitter mass-produced crystal oscillator; the first time China has surpassed Japan and the US in high-end specifications

NDK (Japan): Launched a 625MHz differential crystal oscillator in March

Jitter: 25fs, supports **105°C** high-temperature operation, ±20ppb frequency accuracy

Targets: 800G/1.6T optical modules, automotive applications

Kyocera (Japan): Mass production of X-series differential oscillators in March

Jitter: 30fs, monthly production capacity 200,000 → expanded to 2 million in June

Focus: AI servers, high-speed data transmission

2. Revolution in high-frequency lithography processes

Traditional: Mechanical cutting → Frequency multiplication (noise increase, spurious signals)

New: High-frequency lithography chips directly output 625MHz

Eliminates PLL frequency multiplication noise, reduces jitter by 50%+

Chinese manufacturers such as Taijing and Jingkexin are leading the way in mass production

3. MEMS Oscillators Disrupting Traditional Quartz

SiTime (US): Next-generation Super-TCXO in 2026

Time error: 82 ns (vs. quartz TCXO 1,633 ns, ≈20 times better)

Vibration resistance: 10–25 times that of quartz, MTBF 1.96 billion hours

Dimensions: 1.6×1.2mm, thickness < 0.5mm

Trend: MEMS rapidly replacing quartz in consumer, automotive and industrial applications

4. New Materials and Extreme Stability

Gallium nitride (GaN) oscillators: 60GHz+, 450-fold increase in power density

OCXO (Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator): Raltron OX6580MK (100MHz)

Extreme near-end phase noise, used in radar, navigation and precision measurement

II. Dramatic Market Shifts

Demand Inflection Points

AI Computing Power: Large models / servers / optical modules driving demand for 625MHz/1.25GHz ultra-low jitter oscillators

High-Speed Communications: 1.6T/3.2T optical modules require jitter **<35fs**

Automotive Electronics: Intelligent driving / domain controllers drive demand for high-temperature, high-reliability, automotive-grade oscillators

Consumer Electronics: TWS / smartwatches / AI glasses drive miniaturisation and adoption of MEMS technology

Restructuring of the Competitive Landscape

High-end (<30fs): China (Tajing 15fs) → Japan (NDK / Kyocera) → USA (Microchip)

Mid-range (TCXO / Differential): China (Tajing, Huilun, Jingkexin) dominates global production capacity

Consumer / Wearables: MEMS (SiTime + Chinese MEMS manufacturers) rapidly replacing quartz

Chinese manufacturers overtaking competitors

Global leadership in high-frequency lithography and 625MHz true centre frequency

High-end crystal oscillators breaking the Japan-US monopoly and entering the core supply chains for AI and optical modules

Localisation rate for mature processes > 70%, with costs 30–40% lower than Japan and the US

III. Industry Impact and Market Trends

Signal integrity revolution: 15–30fs jitter enables 1.6T/3.2T long-distance transmission

Simplified Architecture: True centre frequency eliminates the need for a PLL, reducing power consumption by 30%, cutting costs by 20% and improving reliability

Supply Chain Shift: AI and optical module manufacturers prioritise Chinese high-end oscillators (performance + lead times + cost)

MEMS Penetration: By 2026, consumer electronics **>45%, automotive >25%**