June 5, 2003 – Discera Inc. soon will begin selling limited quantities of its micro-oscillator — and touting the technology as a potential replacement for bulky components in mobile wireless devices, according to a news release.

The MRO-100 will be available in low volume to qualified partners by June 30, and in general samples later this year. The samples will be sold as discrete components or as chipsets composed of a resonator unit and an integrated circuit for control electronics, the release said.

The Ann Arbor, Mich.-based startup said the micro-oscillator, made using mainstream silicon technology processes, is designed to replace an increasing number of quartz crystal-based components in a given wireless device, such as a cell phone. The technology involves micromechanical vibrating sensor devices that are designed to provide the necessary performance while cutting power consumption, as well as component count and cost, the release said.

Discera’s lead investor is Ardesta LLC, parent company of Small Times Media.