Frequency Control & Timing Devices

Electronic devices rely on multiple circuits, each requiring a stable clock signal that oscillates at regular intervals to function properly. Timing devices provide these essential signals, ensuring the correct timing and speed for data transmission. By using quartz crystals, MEMS, and ceramic resonators, stable frequency oscillations can be achieved.

In every electronic device, timing devices are critical for sending precise clock signals to various circuits, enabling efficient operation. Frequency control ensures the stability of clocking and timing in digital devices. All modern digital circuits require clocks to synchronize processes at specific intervals. This concept, first applied in the 1970s with digital watches using kHz watch crystals, is still in use today. Real-Time Clocks (RTC) are vital for timing in processors, while oscillators provide RF signals, and TCXOs support clear communication in two-way devices.

Crystal Oscillators

A crystal oscillator is an electronic oscillator circuit that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal made from piezoelectric material to create an electrical signal with a precise frequency.

Crystal oscillators are electronic devices that use the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal to generate a stable and precise frequency signal. These oscillators are widely used in electronic circuits as frequency references, providing accurate timing for various applications such as microcontrollers, microprocessors, communication equipment, and more. Crystal oscillators are preferred over other types of oscillators in many applications due to their high stability and reliability.

Tuning Fork Crystals

Crystal packages are becoming increasingly compact. Sizes as small as 1.2 x 1.0 mm and 1.6 x 1.2 mm are available, with 3.2 x 2.5 mm being one of the most common package sizes globally. The popular 32.768 kHz watch crystals are also shrinking, with 3.2 x 1.5 mm and 1.2 x 1.0 mm packages widely used. Despite the trend toward smaller sizes, HC-49SM packages remain popular due to their cost-effectiveness. Crystals are primarily used in processors and require matching capacitors on the PCB to complete the oscillator loop.

TCXO and OCXO

TCXOs (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillators) compensate for the frequency-temperature characteristics of the crystal using a temperature compensation circuit. They provide highly stable output frequencies and are suitable for a wide range of applications, including GPS, telecommunications, wireless communications, and other precision timing applications. TCXOs are available in various package sizes and configurations for both analog and digital applications.

OCXOs (Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators) feature an internal heater and temperature control circuit that maintains the crystal at an optimized operating temperature. OCXOs provide superior frequency stability, reduced jitter, and lower phase noise compared with many other oscillator types. However, their design and manufacturing are more costly due to the complexity of maintaining precise temperature control.

We distribute frequency control and timing devices that meet demanding requirements for precision and stability, catering to electronics, automotive, medical, networking, aerospace & defense (A&D), and IEEE 1588 applications. Our collection includes compact, ultra-low phase-noise, and wide-operating-temperature-range frequency reference solutions.

We distribute quartz-crystal oscillators and programmable oscillator ICs to meet the needs of virtually any application. Capabilities include inventory management, supply chain management, in-plant warehousing, automated inventory replenishment, barcoding, and labeling. Electronic oscillators can be used in defense, aerospace, industrial, commercial, healthcare, medical, computer, and test equipment applications. Services include design engineering, quick-turn prototyping, contract and custom manufacturing, box build, in-circuit and functional testing, and assembly services.

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One of the most important features of any oscillator is its frequency stability, or its ability to provide a constant frequency output under varying load conditions. We provide a large variety of Simple Packaged Crystal Oscillators and SAW Oscillators with various sizes, frequencies, OE/ST functions, and temperature ranges for different applications. Standard and custom electronic precision quartz crystal oscillators are available. Products offered include OCXO, TCXO, VCXO, and clock oscillators. Specifications vary depending upon the model, including frequency ranges from 0.1 Hz to 1 GHz, frequency stability from ±0.005 to ±15 ppm, and operating temperatures from -55°C to 125°C. Features include low phase noise, low jitter, and various output signals such as HCMOS and sine wave. Available package options include DIP and SMT.

We distribute electronic oscillators, including crystals and resonators, for contract manufacturers and OEMs in industries such as military, aerospace, medical, and automotive. Products may also include piezoelectric devices, terminals, cable assemblies, connectors, and switches. Value-added services can include solderability, electrical, and internal testing.

Clock Oscillators

Quartz crystal oscillators are comprised of a crystal unit and an inverting amplifier and emit a stable frequency when subjected to a specific voltage. Quartz crystal oscillators provide a simple and reliable means of generating clock signals used for information processing in office automation and other electronic equipment.

Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillators (TCXOs)

A temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) compensates for the frequency-temperature characteristics of the crystal unit using a temperature compensation circuit to provide a highly stable output frequency. TCXOs are mainly used as reference signal sources in radio-frequency circuits, including cellular phones and other wireless communication equipment.