--- title: Inside Frequency Control | Bliley Technologies | Rob Rutkowski (2) description: Bliley Technologies has been a leader in low phase frequency control products for more than 80 years. Our blog discusses radio frequency, electronic design, and industry news. (2) --- [![Bliley technologies](https://blog.bliley.com/hubfs/Logo_Files/Bliley-logo-dark-bgArtboard%202.svg "Bliley technologies")](https://www.bliley.com) - Solutions - [Blog](https://blog.bliley.com) - - [Buy Online](https://shop.bliley.com/) # Inside Frequency Control ## Rob Rutkowski ### Recent Posts ## [4 Key Questions to Ask to Find the Perfect Crystal Oscillator for Your Design](https://blog.bliley.com/perfect-quartz-crystal-oscillator-4-key-questions) Posted by [Rob Rutkowski](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski) on Dec 19, 2023 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/4-key-questions-to-ask-to-find-the-perfect-crystal-oscillator-for-your%20-design.jpg?width=441&height=245&name=4-key-questions-to-ask-to-find-the-perfect-crystal-oscillator-for-your%20-design.jpg)](https://blog.bliley.com/perfect-quartz-crystal-oscillator-4-key-questions) The harsh truth is, selecting the wrong quartz crystal oscillator can quickly kill any design. With the wide variety of options and specs available on the market today, selecting the perfect crystal oscillator for your design can be a difficult and time-consuming task. [Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/perfect-quartz-crystal-oscillator-4-key-questions) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/perfect-quartz-crystal-oscillator-4-key-questions#comments-listing) Topics: [crystal oscillators](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/crystal-oscillators) ## [Your Guide to Electronic Frequency Control Methods for Crystal Oscillators](https://blog.bliley.com/electronic-frequency-control-methods) Posted by [Rob Rutkowski](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski) on Nov 21, 2023 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/electronic-frequency-control-methods.jpg?width=441&height=245&name=electronic-frequency-control-methods.jpg)](https://blog.bliley.com/electronic-frequency-control-methods) What's better than a crystal oscillator? A crystal oscillator combined with electronic frequency control (EFC)! Of course, determining if EFC would be a good addition to your crystal oscillator circuit design (and if so, which method is best for you) comes down to your specific application and its requirements. There are four options to choose from when selecting an electronic frequency control method for your crystal oscillator: 1. Pulse width modulation (PWM) & low-pass filter (LPF) 2. Reference RF signal & phase locked loop (PLL) 3. Voltage divide 4. Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) In this post,  we'll take a closer look at each option and their best applications. [Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/electronic-frequency-control-methods) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/electronic-frequency-control-methods#comments-listing) Topics: [crystal oscillators](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/crystal-oscillators), [RF Technology](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/rf-technology) ## [AT vs. SC-Cut Quartz Crystals: Is EFC Over-Specification Costing You?](https://blog.bliley.com/at-cut-vs-sc-cut-crystals-efc-over-specification) Posted by [Rob Rutkowski](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski) on Oct 12, 2023 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/at-vs-sc-cut-quartz-crystals-efc-over-specification-costing-you.png?width=441&height=245&name=at-vs-sc-cut-quartz-crystals-efc-over-specification-costing-you.png)](https://blog.bliley.com/at-cut-vs-sc-cut-crystals-efc-over-specification) What if we told you that specifying more electronic frequency control (EFC) than you need could actually be hurting your company's wallet? Well, it very well may be! Paying attention to whether your supplier is using AT-cut or SC-cut crystals will help you save money in the long run when it comes to oscillators. In this article, we'll review the difference between these two types of cuts and the impacts of EFC pull.  [Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/at-cut-vs-sc-cut-crystals-efc-over-specification) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/at-cut-vs-sc-cut-crystals-efc-over-specification#comments-listing) Topics: [crystal oscillators](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/crystal-oscillators), [Clocks & Crystals](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/clocks-crystals), [RF Technology](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/rf-technology) ## [How to Prevent Frequency Perturbations in Crystal Oscillators](https://blog.bliley.com/frequency-perturbations-crystal-oscillators) Posted by [Rob Rutkowski](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski) on Sep 19, 2023 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/how-to-prevent-frequency-perturbations-in-crystal-oscillators.jpg?width=441&height=245&name=how-to-prevent-frequency-perturbations-in-crystal-oscillators.jpg)](https://blog.bliley.com/frequency-perturbations-crystal-oscillators) Frequency perturbations, also referred to as activity dips, can be difficult to spot in crystal oscillators. But a single perturbation can cause major problems in an application’s signal, including within GPS or missile systems. Imagine launching a missile and then losing control of its navigation. Or getting a very inaccurate GPS velocity reading of an aircraft. These (and many other problems) can be caused by a failure to spot activity dips in crystals. In this article, we'll help you  understand what frequency perturbations are and how to prevent them from occurring in crystal oscillators. [Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/frequency-perturbations-crystal-oscillators) 2 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/frequency-perturbations-crystal-oscillators#comments-listing) Topics: [crystal oscillators](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/crystal-oscillators) ## [The Secret to Low Phase Noise in Crystal Oscillator Circuits](https://blog.bliley.com/maintain-ultra-low-phase-noise-in-crystal-oscillator-circuits) Posted by [Rob Rutkowski](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski) on Sep 12, 2023 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/The-Secret-to-Maintaining-Low-Phase-Noise.jpg?width=441&height=245&name=The-Secret-to-Maintaining-Low-Phase-Noise.jpg)](https://blog.bliley.com/maintain-ultra-low-phase-noise-in-crystal-oscillator-circuits) Quartz crystal oscillators are the high and mighty option for low phase noise and added frequency stability in circuit design. Yes, simple oscillators like those made with resistor-capacitor (RC) or inductor-capacitor (IC) resonators are fine for some circuits. But if you're dealing with higher performance applications in the aerospace, military, and space industries, you're going to want a higher performance crystal oscillator that can maintain low phase noise and strong stability. Otherwise, you'll risk deviating from the very specific (and usually critical) center frequency selected for your design. In this blog, we'll discuss how to measure low phase noise and how to maintain it in your applications. [Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/maintain-ultra-low-phase-noise-in-crystal-oscillator-circuits) 3 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/maintain-ultra-low-phase-noise-in-crystal-oscillator-circuits#comments-listing) Topics: [crystal oscillators](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/crystal-oscillators), [RF Technology](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/rf-technology), [Integrated RF](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/integrated-rf) ## [7 Incredibly Effective Ways to Prevent Pressure Transducer Problems](https://blog.bliley.com/ways-to-prevent-pressure-transducer-problems-failure) Posted by [Rob Rutkowski](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski) on Jul 18, 2023 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Prevent%20pressure%20transducer%20failure.jpg?width=441&height=245&name=Prevent%20pressure%20transducer%20failure.jpg)](https://blog.bliley.com/ways-to-prevent-pressure-transducer-problems-failure) Poor manufacturing environments can significantly reduce the performance quality of a pressure transducer. A failing pressure transducer will lead to problems with sensors and will provide inaccurate readings (or none at all). A faulty pressure transducer can not only cause frustration and waste time, but it can also lead to unnecessary costs. To prevent pressure transducer problems or failure from happening in the first place, let's take a look at seven pressure transducer troubleshooting methods to keep your transducers and sensors working great! [Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/ways-to-prevent-pressure-transducer-problems-failure) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/ways-to-prevent-pressure-transducer-problems-failure#comments-listing) Topics: [Clocks & Crystals](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/clocks-crystals), [RF Technology](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/rf-technology), [general](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/general) ## [The Ultimate Guide to Atomic Clocks in Space](https://blog.bliley.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-atomic-clocks-in-space) Posted by [Rob Rutkowski](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski) on Jun 21, 2023 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Graphics/The%20Ultimate%20Guide%20to%20Atomic%20Clocks.png?width=441&height=245&name=The%20Ultimate%20Guide%20to%20Atomic%20Clocks.png)](https://blog.bliley.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-atomic-clocks-in-space) Do you know all about atomic clocks in space and how they work? If not, it's about *TIME* you do. (Haha. Ha. Ha...) Timing is everything when it comes to GPS satellites and other space applications. Even just a one-microsecond error in timing can lead to an error of 300 meters on the ground. Because atomic clocks can maintain very precise timing, they're a great solution for GPS and other [LEO satellites](https://blog.bliley.com/5-faq-answers-new-space-leo-satellite-constellations). [Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-atomic-clocks-in-space) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-atomic-clocks-in-space#comments-listing) Topics: [Clocks & Crystals](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/clocks-crystals), [RF Technology](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/rf-technology), [Space & Satellites](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/space-satellites) ## [7 Key Factors of Crystal Oscillator Circuit Design](https://blog.bliley.com/7-key-factors-of-crystal-oscillator-circuit-design) Posted by [Rob Rutkowski](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski) on May 18, 2023 8:27:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Graphics/7%20Key%20Factors%20of%20Crystal%20Oscillator%20Circuit%20Design.png?width=441&height=245&name=7%20Key%20Factors%20of%20Crystal%20Oscillator%20Circuit%20Design.png)](https://blog.bliley.com/7-key-factors-of-crystal-oscillator-circuit-design) There are 7 key factors to understanding successful crystal oscillator circuit design. These include: 1. Series circuit 2. Crystal load capacitance 3. Parallel circuit 4. Drive level 5. Frequency vs. mode 6. Design considerations 7. Negative resistance In this post, we're going to cover the basics of oscillator design and each of the 7 key components of great crystal oscillator circuit design. [Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/7-key-factors-of-crystal-oscillator-circuit-design) 3 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/7-key-factors-of-crystal-oscillator-circuit-design#comments-listing) Topics: [crystal oscillators](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/crystal-oscillators) ## [What's The Differences Between the 5 GNSS Constellations?](https://blog.bliley.com/the-differences-between-the-5-gnss-satellite-network-constellations) Posted by [Rob Rutkowski](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski) on Jan 25, 2022 8:30:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Graphics/The%205%20GNSS%20Constellations%20Explained.png?width=441&height=245&name=The%205%20GNSS%20Constellations%20Explained.png)](https://blog.bliley.com/the-differences-between-the-5-gnss-satellite-network-constellations) Before we dive into the differences between the 5 GNSS constellations... It's important that we're all on the same page with the difference between GNSS and GPS. Many people get GNSS and GPS technology confused. A good way to think about the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is as the backbone (or underlying technology) behind GPS. The Global Positioning System (GPS) GPS is a GNSS constellation, but GNSS is not always GPS. GPS is one of the 5 GNSS constellations used around the world. The 5 GNSS constellations include GPS (US), QZSS (Japan), BEIDOU (China), GALILEO (EU), and GLONASS (Russia). We'll cover each of these constellations in-depth in this post. [Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/the-differences-between-the-5-gnss-satellite-network-constellations) 15 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/the-differences-between-the-5-gnss-satellite-network-constellations#comments-listing) Topics: [Space & Satellites](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/space-satellites), [GPS & GNSS](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/gps-gnss) ## [5 Best Waveform Signal Generators in 2022](https://blog.bliley.com/5-best-waveform-signal-generators) Posted by [Rob Rutkowski](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski) on Jan 25, 2022 8:15:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Graphics/5%20Best%20Waveform%20Signal%20Generators.png?width=441&height=245&name=5%20Best%20Waveform%20Signal%20Generators.png)](https://blog.bliley.com/5-best-waveform-signal-generators) I have a feeling you're in need of some new test equipment... a new signal generator to be exact. If so, you've come to the right place. Maybe your current signal generator is outdated. Or maybe you're looking for your first one (in which case we'd be honored).  No matter the reason, we wanted to share with you the best selection of waveform signal generators on the market today to help you make the best purchase based on your needs. [Read More](https://blog.bliley.com/5-best-waveform-signal-generators) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.bliley.com/5-best-waveform-signal-generators#comments-listing) Topics: [General Topics](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/general-topics), [Engineering Equiptment](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering-equiptment) [< Previous](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski/page/1) [All posts](https://blog.bliley.com/all) [next >](https://blog.bliley.com/author/rob-rutkowski/page/3) Search for a Topic Search [![GPSDO Oscillator Infrastructure Ebook.png](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/GPSDO%20Oscillator%20Infrastructure%20Ebook.png?width=240&height=272&name=GPSDO%20Oscillator%20Infrastructure%20Ebook.png "GPSDO Oscillator Infrastructure Ebook.png")](https://resources.bliley.com/gpsdo-oscillator-white-paper-gps) ### Subscribe... get an eBook! ### Categories - [crystal oscillators (68)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/crystal-oscillators) - [RF Technology (63)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/rf-technology) - [Space & Satellites (43)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/space-satellites) - [engineering (38)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering) - [general (38)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/general) - [Defense & PNT (26)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/defense-pnt) - [General Topics (26)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/general-topics) - [Press Release (22)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/press-release) - [Clocks & Crystals (20)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/clocks-crystals) - [Military & Defense (17)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/military-defense) - [aerospace (17)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/aerospace) - [Leadership (16)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/leadership) - [Integrated RF (14)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/integrated-rf) - [GPS & GNSS (9)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/gps-gnss) - [Engineering Equiptment (7)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/engineering-equiptment) - [5G (6)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/5g) - [IoT (6)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/iot) - [Filters & Multiplexers (1)](https://blog.bliley.com/topic/filters-multiplexers) See all ### See What's Popular ### Most Recent [Creepy Radio Frequencies: The Scariest Sounds in Space](https://blog.bliley.com/creepy-sounds-from-space) posted on 8/30/21 6:30 AM ![creepy radio frequencies: the scariest sounds in space](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/creepy-radio-frequencies-the-scariest-sounds-in-space.jpg?width=100&height=50&name=creepy-radio-frequencies-the-scariest-sounds-in-space.jpg) [Clipped Sine Wave Oscillators: TCXOs & Their Common Applications](https://blog.bliley.com/clipped-sine-wave-oscillators-tcxos) posted on 8/30/21 6:30 AM ![clipped sine wave oscillators tcxos and their common applications](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/clipped-sine-wave-oscillators-tcxos-and-their-common-applications.jpg?width=100&height=50&name=clipped-sine-wave-oscillators-tcxos-and-their-common-applications.jpg) [RF PCB Design Considerations: RF Circuit Board Layout Guidelines](https://blog.bliley.com/rf-pcb-design) posted on 8/30/21 6:30 AM ![rf pcb design considerations rf circuit board layout guidelines](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/rf-pcb-design-considerations-rf-circuit-board-layout-guidelines.jpg?width=100&height=50&name=rf-pcb-design-considerations-rf-circuit-board-layout-guidelines.jpg) [3 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Crystal Oscillator Manufacturer](https://blog.bliley.com/questions-for-crystal-oscillator-manufacturers) posted on 8/30/21 6:30 AM ![3 questions to ask before choosing a crystal oscillator manufacturer](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-a-crystal-oscillator-manufacturer.jpg?width=100&height=50&name=3-questions-to-ask-before-choosing-a-crystal-oscillator-manufacturer.jpg) [CMOS vs. LVCMOS: Which Is the Best Output Signal for Your Application?](https://blog.bliley.com/cmos-lvcmos-best-output-signal) posted on 8/30/21 6:30 AM ![cmos vs lvcmos which is the best output signal for your application](https://blog.bliley.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cmos-vs-lvcmos-which-is-the-best-output-signal-for-your-application.jpg?width=100&height=50&name=cmos-vs-lvcmos-which-is-the-best-output-signal-for-your-application.jpg) ##### Disclosure: This blog contains product affiliate links to help support the blog. 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