Crystal oscillator

A crystal oscillator, or system crystal, is a part of a computer. The computer uses it like a clock to keep track of time. It makes use of the mechanical resonance of the vibrating crystal, which has piezoelectric properties, in order to obtain an electric signal with a high-precision frequency. Crystal oscillators are considered superior to ceramic resonators as they have higher stability, higher quality, lower cost and are smaller in size.

These oscillators are usually made of Quartz crystal, even though other substances like Rochelle salt and Tourmaline exhibit the piezoelectric effect because, quartz is inexpensive, naturally-available and mechanically-strong when compared to others.

Crystal Oscillator Media

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  Piezoelectric Crystal Unit (including Crystal Unit, Quartz )

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  Quartz crystal resonator (left) and quartz crystal oscillator (right)

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  100 kHz crystal oscillators at the US National Bureau of Standards that served as the frequency standard for the United States in 1929

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  Very early Bell Labs crystals from Vectron International Collection

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  Modes of oscillation of a crystal

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  Schematic symbol and equivalent circuit for a quartz crystal in an oscillator

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  Frequency response of a 100kHz crystal, showing series and parallel resonance

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  Internals of a quartz crystal.

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  25 MHz crystal exhibiting spurious response

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  Common package types for quartz crystal products