What is a piezoelectric crystal oscillator?
A crystal oscillator is an electronic oscillator circuit that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material to create an electrical signal with a constant frequency. Quartz crystals are manufactured for frequencies from a few tens of kilohertz to hundreds of megahertz.
Why are quartz crystal oscillators popularly used?
Virtually all microprocessors, micro-controllers, PICs and CPU’s generally operate using a Quartz Crystal Oscillator as its frequency determining device to generate their clock waveform because as we already know, crystal oscillators provide the highest accuracy and frequency stability compared to resistor-capacitor, ( …
Where are crystal oscillators used?
They are widely used in computers, instrumentation, digital systems, in phase-locked loop systems, modems, marine, telecommunications, in sensors and also in disk drives. Crystal Oscillator is also used in engine controlling, clock and to trip computer, stereo, and in GPS systems. This is an Automotive application.
Can MEMS oscillators replace crystal oscillators?
While MEMS oscillators have yet to fully invade the market space for temperature-compensated crystal oscillators (TCXOs) and oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs), they are fully capable of replacing other crystal oscillator types commonly at lower cost.
How do I choose a crystal oscillator?
Five things to consider when choosing a crystal oscillator
- Output Frequency. The most fundamental attribute of any oscillator is the frequency that it will produce.
- Frequency Stability and Temperature Range. The required frequency stability is determined from the system requirements.
Which oscillator has best frequency stability?
A crystal oscillator is the most stable frequency oscillator.
Why are crystal oscillators preferred?
A Crystal Oscillator Is Compact and Inexpensive The compact size and low cost of crystals are reasons why they are used in various industries. Any product that requires precision timing and measurement can take advantage of these oscillators.