Sand 9, Inc., a pioneer in precision MEMS timing products for wireless and wired applications, today announced that Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and services to mobile and fixed network operators, has invested $3 million in the company.

Timing devices provide the 'heartbeat' for all electronic applications, which include wireline communications infrastructure and cellular base stations, as well as mobile and wireless applications. Sand 9's micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) timing products offer significant advantages over legacy quartz crystal solutions, which currently dominate this market. Sand 9's timing products offer greater immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and vibration in combination with low noise and high stability, which ensures precision timing--even in ruggedized environments.

"Ericsson has a well-earned reputation as one of the world leaders in communications infrastructure and base station equipment," said Vince Graziani, CEO, Sand 9. "Their investment in Sand 9 validates our emphasis on MEMS timing products that deliver high robustness, without sacrificing performance."

Technical Differentiators

Sand 9's timing products are the first MEMS devices that use piezoelectric actuation to achieve the stringent phase noise and short-term stability requirements for wireless and wired applications. Their spurious-free resonator design, in conjunction with a low phase-noise oscillator, enables a low-jitter product, which can reduce packet loss and enhance network efficiency in communications applications. The capability for integration, combined with high immunity to noise, shock and lead-free reflow temperatures, addresses quartz crystal weaknesses that system designers have been forced to work around for decades.

About Sand 9

Founded in 2007 in Cambridge, MA, Sand 9 is a pioneer in advanced MEMS timing technology. Leveraging its precision MEMS platform, Sand 9 currently offers MEMS timing products that enhance quality and performance, simplify system design, and promote space and power savings in integrated electronic systems. Sand 9's technology serves wireless and wired systems in a wide range of market segments: mobile, industrial and communications. For more information on Sand 9, please contact us via phone: +617.453.2451, email: info@sand9.com or web: www.sand9.com.