Frequency Control and Timing Devices

Every piece of electronic equipment incorporates a number of electronic circuits. A clock signal, a stable signal that oscillates at regular intervals is necessary for circuits to work properly. Timing devices provide electronic devices with signals for transmitting information at the right time and speed. Applying these principles to quartz crystals, MEMS, and ceramic resonators makes it possible to generate oscillations with stable frequencies. 

Both ceramic resonators and quartz crystals work on the same principle: they vibrate mechanically when an AC signal is applied to them. However, quartz crystals are more accurate and temperature stable than ceramic resonators. This tight stability makes crystal suitable for ZigBee/Bluetooth and many other wireless applications. Crystals can be specified with precise frequency stability and as the surrounding heat increases, the crystal oscillator is able to keep the frequency stability with minimal frequency change at 10 PPM (parts Per Million or 0.001%) over -20 ~ +70°C. Unlike the crystal, a ceramic resonator carries a 0.5% or 5,000 PPM frequency tolerance and are generally used in microprocessor applications where absolute stability is not as critical. However, ceramic resonators offer some advantages over crystals, including lower cost, smaller size, as well as high ESD and shock/vibration tolerance. With the advent of MEMS oscillator technology, electronics engineers are now able to design their products to higher levels of performance than ever before in regards to power consumption, startup time and short-term stability as compared to quartz. MEMS oscillator signal quality, as measured by phase noise, is now sufficient for radio frequency applications as well as high speed serial data links and instrumentation. High precision MEMS temperature-compensated oscillators (TCXO) are accurate to +/- 0.1ppm frequency stability over temperature. Additionally, MEMS oscillators are performing slightly better than the best quartz tuning forks in terms of frequency stability over temperature and solder-down shift.

TTI carries a broad and deep inventory for all types of ceramic resonators, crystal oscillators, and MEMs devices including SPXO (simple packaged crystal oscillator), TCXO (temperature compensated crystal oscillator), VCXO (voltage controlled crystal oscillator), and OCXO (oven controlled crystal oscillator). Abracon, Kyocera, and Murata are among the industry leaders in the realm of timing device/frequency control, offering cutting-edge products in tune with today’s highly demanding applications including wireless,  IoT, and wearables. Contact TTI and let us help find the most effective solution for your product today!