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Inside Frequency Control

Crystal Oscillators: The Beginner's Guide (OCXO, TCXO, VCXO, & Clocks)

Posted by Bliley Technologies on Mar 28, 2023 8:00:00 AM

We'll be honest, crystal oscillators aren't the easiest topic to understand. That's mostly because there's a wide variety of crystal oscillator types that do different things, in different ways, for different purposes. This is largely due to their almost endless applications. From satellite communications in space, to military & defense, to telecom and more... there are so many different needs for crystal oscillators. 

In this post, we'll cover the most common types of crystal oscillators, which include:

  • Oven controlled crystal oscillators (OCXO)
  • Temperature compensated oscillators (TCXO)
  • Voltage controlled oscillators (VCXO)
  • Clock oscillators (XO)
  • And some other key types within these categories

I know it sounds like a lot to cover, but don't worry! We're about to make things a whole lot easier for you. By the end of this post, you'll learn the basic uses, advantages, and limitations of each crystal oscillator type.

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Topics: crystal oscillators, Clocks & Crystals

OCXO Lead Times Explained: How Aging Factors into OCXO Development

Posted by Bliley Technologies on Dec 5, 2022 8:00:00 AM

 

“Good things come to those who wait,” as the saying goes, and while aging is a part of all life cycles, crystals shouldn’t age prematurely. The careful production stages and the time it takes to complete them are necessary to the efficient operation of OCXOs. 

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Topics: crystal oscillators, Clocks & Crystals, RF Technology

Crystal Aging and a Counter-Intuitive Tip to Improve System Performance

Posted by Bliley Technologies on Nov 23, 2022 9:00:00 AM
One of the most common configurations of a frequency control device or oscillator is one where the voltage is adjusted to maintain a frequency lock within the system. In these types of systems, frequency error related to the oscillator can have a detrimental effect on system performance. In the most extreme cases, it can actually result in complete system failure when a good frequency lock cannot be maintained.
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Topics: crystal oscillators, Clocks & Crystals

Top 8 Cost Drivers of Crystal Oscillators (How to Save on Costs)

Posted by Rob Rutkowski on Jul 13, 2021 8:15:00 AM

One of the key things you need to know before purchasing a crystal oscillator is expected costs. There are multiple ways and specifications that can quickly drive up (and down) the costs of OCXOs and other crystal oscillators. In this post, you'll learn the top 8 cost drivers for crystal oscillators in order of most influential to least influential.

By the end of this post you'll have a much better idea of where to focus your cost-cutting efforts and to save the most in the long-term. Much of it just depends on your specific application and needs and where you're able to be more flexible.

Note: Oscillator pricing is very dependent on your specific needs and application. Be sure to contact us for specific information and pricing based on your needs.

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Topics: crystal oscillators, Clocks & Crystals, General Topics

Buy OCXOs - Immediate Oscillator Pricing for Design Engineers

Posted by Rob Rutkowski on Oct 6, 2020 8:30:00 AM

Have you noticed how difficult it seems to find transparent pricing for frequency control & crystal oscillator components? If so, you're not wrong. Traditionally, it has been difficult to find quick, standard pricing for all things frequency control. Instead, you're basically forced to go through the long quoting process to even get an idea of expected pricing. So why is this? In this post I'm going to explain why OCXO oscillator pricing has been traditionally hard to find, and how Bliley's innovative pricing approach will make your procurement process so much easier.

Also, be sure to check out our OCXO immediate pricing guide at the end of this post!

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Topics: crystal oscillators, Clocks & Crystals

The TCXO Oscillator: 5 Elements of Temperature Compensated Oscillators

Posted by Bliley Technologies on Jun 23, 2020 8:15:00 AM

The most common types of crystal oscillators in the world of electrical & RF engineering include OCXO, VCXO, clock oscillators, and (you guessed it) TCXO oscillators. If you're reading this post, you must want to learn more about temperature compensated crystal oscillators (TCXO). Let's dive in and learn the basics of TCXO oscillators.

Introducing the TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator)

The TCXO, Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (Xtal oscillator), is a form of crystal oscillator used where a precision frequency source is required within a small space and at a reasonable cost.

By applying temperature compensation within the quartz crystal oscillator module, it is possible to considerably improve on the basic performance of the crystal.

In view of their usefulness, a wide range is available from many suppliers in a whole variety of packages and mounts (surface, through-hole). Some TCXOs are compatible with the dual in line format used for many through hole mounted integrated circuits.

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Topics: crystal oscillators, Clocks & Crystals

Procuring Frequency Control Devices - 3 Powerful Tips

Posted by Rob Rutkowski on May 27, 2020 8:15:00 AM

The crystal oscillator purchasing process can be a headache if you don't know what to expect. However, learning the basics of procuring frequency control devices can help you to plan accordingly and decrease your frustration. We'll keep this one short and to the point.

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Topics: crystal oscillators, Clocks & Crystals

Can a Crystal Oscillator Operate Outside the Specified Temperature Range?

Posted by Bliley Technologies on May 26, 2020 8:30:00 AM


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Topics: crystal oscillators, Clocks & Crystals

How EFC Over-Specification May Be Costing You (AT vs. SC Cut Crystals)

Posted by Rob Rutkowski on Oct 2, 2019 11:14:09 AM

What if I told you that specifying more Electronic Frequency Control (EFC) than you need could actually be hurting your pocketbook? Well, it very well may be! Paying attention to whether your supplier is using AT cut vs SC cut crystals will help you save money in the long run with OCXOs.

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Topics: crystal oscillators, Clocks & Crystals, RF Technology

What The Heck is an OCXO Oscillator? (Facts & Functionality)

Posted by Rob Rutkowski on Aug 20, 2019 8:20:00 AM

Ahh the mysterious OCXO. What the heck is an OCXO anyway? What's it good for? When should you use one in your electronic system design? These questions and more will all be answered in this post.

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Topics: crystal oscillators, Clocks & Crystals

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