Because of its versatility, quartz has long been established as the best material to create accurate and durable timing solutions. Pieces of quartz are manipulated to meet the needs of many different systems. This versatility is a benefit for engineers, but at times adds confusion when they are looking to source specific components.
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For a smoother process, focus on the following frequency control parameters to narrow options and identify the most relevant components for your system.
Quartz naturally carries frequency, but it must be transformed from its natural state into the pieces or crystals that are utilized in timing solutions. Most quartz crystal frequencies fall between 32.768 kHz and 200 MHz. It is imperative that your quartz crystal oscillator matches the necessary frequency for your system. When designing circuits, remember that frequency is independent of other parameters.
Engineers look to avoid volatile and unexpected behavior from their quartz crystal oscillators, so they must be aware of the frequency tolerance of the crystals supporting their system. Frequency tolerance represents the maximum expected deviation from the rated crystal frequency during normal operation in ambient temperatures. This is a guaranteed figure from manufacturers that ensures the oscillating frequency of the quartz crystal stays within a certain range as long as the timing solution is utilized correctly. Select a timing solution with a maximum crystal frequency tolerance that safely falls within the acceptable range of your system.
Reputable manufacturers identify the quartz crystal frequency stability in two ways: Frequency deviation across the accepted operating temperature range and frequency deviation per change in temperature. These figures provide engineers with enough information to identify the timing solutions that are adequate for their systems. This allows them to anticipate the effects of temperature fluctuations on each potential timing solution and make the most informed choice.
One characteristic of quartz crystals that must always be considered is temperature dependency. All quartz crystal packages have temperature tolerances on their datasheet. Operating outside of guaranteed tolerances does not always lead to immediate problems, but it will lead to improper functioning over time. Be sure to source timing solutions that include crystals that are capable of withstanding all possible conditions.
Reputable manufacturers identify the quartz crystal frequency stability in two ways: frequency deviation across the accepted operating temperature range and frequency deviation per change in temperature. These figures provide engineers with enough information to identify the timing solutions that are adequate for their systems. Having the ability to anticipate the effects of temperature fluctuations on each potential timing solution allows engineers to make the most informed choices.
To maintain the most precise frequency within an oscillator, the correct load capacitance of the circuit must be considered. Load capacitance refers to the amount of external circuit capacitance in parallel with the quartz crystal itself. Quartz crystals are specifically manufactured to operate within a specified load capacitance range, so it is imperative to identify the needs of your system and marry them to the timing solution you are sourcing.
While performance isnt affected by the size of crystal packages, many circuit board designs fail because the size of each component was not considered. Package size is ultimately determined by frequency requirements. The lower the required frequency, the longer the crystal needs to be. Other factors that affect the size of crystal packages include:
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Whether you are looking to browse and compare potential components or work with a specialist to identify the needs of your system, ECS Inc. makes it easy to find the components you need.
Our Parametric Search and Search Inventory pages are perfect for narrowing down your options by the parameters identified above amongst others. The components we manufacture include real time clocks, resonators, filters and more.
For additional assistance, get in touch with an ECS Inc. sales representative to get the assistance you need or complete the contact form online to have one of our industry professionals contact you.
For purchasing, utilize the authorized distributors page on our website to locate trusted distributors near you.
When faced with the task of buying a quartz oscillator or designing one into a new development at the right time, it makes sense to get to know with the characteristics of these frequency control components in advance. Six criteria have to be considered when you are looking for a reliable quotation.
Package form: A hermetically sealed and radially wound metal package is generally used with quartz crystals for conventional mounting (THT), including for clock crystals with a frequency of 32.768MHz. With this type, the packages are typically over 6mm long, and are therefore not suitable for space-saving applications. Quartz crystals in SMD packages offer considerably more compact constructions, measuring for example just 1.6x1.2x0.3mm.
Note: For technical reasons, a quartz oscillator cannot be reduced in size arbitrarily; i.e. not every quartz crystal is available in every mounting form.
Frequency: The frequency of common quartz crystals lies between 32.768kHz and approx. 200MHz. Quartz crystals with higher frequencies are usually available in smaller mounting forms. Thus, an 8MHz quartz crystal measures around 7x5mm while a 20MHz quartz crystal just 2x1.6mm crucial for circuit design.
Operating temperature range: Quartzs demonstrate a certain level of temperature dependency. If the limit values of the datasheet are overstepped, this does mean that problems necessarily occur immediately, and, depending on the circumstances, operation can continue. However, this prevents the application from staying with the guaranteed tolerances.
Frequency tolerance at 25°C: By specifying the frequency tolerance (= maximum expected total deviation from the rated frequency at an ambient air temperature of +25°C and operation within the permitted parameters), the manufacturer guarantees that the oscillating frequency of the quartz crystal will stay within the permissible range. By choosing a suitable frequency tolerance, the best possible solution in terms of economical operation and functional security can be achieved for the demands of the particular application.
Frequency stability across operating temperature range: Manufacturers specify both frequency stability across the operating temperature range and frequency deviation in ppm per K change in temperature. Developers can therefore take temperature influences into account in advance and compensate if necessary.
Tip: For particularly high demands on frequency stability, it makes sense to look at using temperature-compensated crystal oscillators.
Load capacitance: The right load capacitance (CL) of the oscillator circuit (= capacitance C, which the quartz oscillator recognises at its connections) is crucial when it comes to maintaining the frequency as precisely as possible. Manufacturers trim quartz crystals so that they operate within the promised range across the specified range of the load capacitance. Specific alterations in the load capacitance makes it possible to change the frequencies of the quartz crystals slightly, optimising them for particularly high frequency-precision requirements. Known as "pullability," this characteristic of quartz crystals, however, is limited if you exceed the tolerance sensitivity, steady oscillation is no longer assured.
If you have specified all six criteria, you can obtain a quotation tailored to exactly your requirements quickly and easily from your distributor. It should be noted at this point that type designations vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. A corresponding Ordering Guidance helps with classification.We are happy to advise and support you in selecting the right quartz crystals for your individual project.In the webshop we have for you the quartz crystals and quartz oscillators of the manufacturer Red Frequency.
The company is the world’s best crystal oscillator manufacture supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.