It is an electronic component that utilizes the piezoelectric effect of quartz crystal (SiO ₂) to generate high-precision and high stability periodic electrical signals, providing a clock reference (heartbeat) for digital systems
Features:
1. Ultra high stability
The frequency stability is extremely high, and ordinary crystal oscillators can reach ± 10-100ppm (parts per million).
TCXO/OCXO can reach levels of ± 0.1ppm~ppb (parts per billion).
2. High precision
The frequency error is extremely small and the timing is precise (such as 32.768kHz used for RTC, with a daily error of<1 second).
3. High Q value
High quality factor, pure signal, strong anti-interference ability.
4. Wide frequency range
Low frequency (32.768kHz, RTC) to high frequency (tens of MHz~GHz, communication/processor).
5. Small size and long lifespan
Surface mount packaging can reach up to 2.0 × 1.6mm, with no mechanical wear and a semi permanent lifespan.
Applications:
1. Real time clock (RTC)
32.768kHz crystal oscillator: a time reference for electronic watches, mobile phones, computer motherboards, and IoT devices.
2. Microcontroller/Processor (MCU/CPU)
Provide clock frequencies (such as 8MHz, 16MHz, 25MHz) to determine the computing speed.
3. Consumer electronics
Timing control for televisions, set-top boxes, routers, hard drives, and digital cameras.
4. Communication equipment
Mobile phones, base stations, WiFi modules (26MHz, 40MHz): frequency reference and signal synchronization.
5. Industrial and Automotive Electronics
Industrial control board PLC、 Automotive Electronics (TCXO/OCXO): Suitable for wide temperature and high reliability environments.
6. Measuring instrument
Oscilloscope, frequency meter, GPS: provide high-precision frequency reference.