How Crystal Oscillator work

In electronic devices, oscillators are a crucial component that generates stable frequency signals and is widely used in communication, timing control, timing systems, etc. Among them, the Crystal Oscillator has become one of the most commonly used oscillators in electronic devices due to its high stability and precision.

1. The basic structure of Crystal Oscillator
Crystal Oscillator is an oscillator that works using the piezoelectric effect of quartz crystals. It consists of components such as quartz crystals, capacitors, and resistors, with quartz crystals being the core component.
When quartz crystals are subjected to mechanical stress, they produce a change in charge, a phenomenon called piezoelectric effect. When a quartz crystal is subjected to voltage, it undergoes deformation inside it, resulting in an electrical signal. Conversely, when an electrical signal is applied to the crystal, the crystal will also undergo mechanical deformation, and this bidirectional characteristic allows the quartz crystal to achieve stable frequency output.

2. Working principle
The core working principle of Crystal Oscillator is resonance. It produces a stable signal through the resonant frequency of the quartz crystal.
Piezoelectric effect: When a quartz crystal is subjected to voltage, it deforms internally and generates an electric charge, thus forming a potential difference at both ends of the crystal and generating an electrical signal.
Resonant Frequency: The resonant frequency of quartz crystals is determined by their physical size, material properties, and external circuitry. Typically, quartz crystals have a resonant frequency between a few hundred kilohertz (kHz) and tens of megahertz (MHz).
Oscillation circuit: Crystal Oscillator usually form an oscillation circuit with capacitors, resistors, and other components to stabilize and regulate the output frequency.

3. Advantages of Crystal Oscillator
High stability: The oscillation frequency of Crystal Oscillator is very stable and is not affected by factors such as temperature, voltage, humidity, etc., making them suitable for use in high-precision electronic devices.
High precision: Its frequency accuracy can reach ±less than 100ppm (parts per million), suitable for timers, counters, signal generators, etc.
Strong reliability: Due to its stable working principle, Crystal Oscillator have a long lifespan, making them suitable for long-term operation.
Easy Integration: Modern Crystal Oscillator can be integrated on circuit boards, allowing for easy design and manufacturing.

4. Application scenarios

Crystal Oscillator are widely used in the following fields:  

Communication equipment: such as wireless communication base stations, mobile phones, routers, etc. 

Timing systems: such as electronic clocks, computer clocks, electronic watches, etc.  

Sensor systems: Used in industrial automation, medical equipment, etc.

Electronic measuring instruments: such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, etc. 

Embedded systems: such as microcontrollers, embedded processors, etc.

5. Summary
Crystal Oscillator is a highly stable and high-precision oscillator based on piezoelectric effect, and its working principle is based on the resonant characteristics of quartz crystal. It plays an indispensable role in electronic devices and is widely used in communication, timekeeping, measurement and other fields.
With the development of technology, the performance of Crystal Oscillator continues to be optimized, and their application range is also expanding, providing a solid cornerstone for the development of modern electronic technology.
If you want to know more about the selection, circuit design or application cases of Crystal Oscillator, please feel free to continue asking questions with California Triangle online customer service!