Five Things To Consider When Choosing A Crystal Oscillator

Oscillators are used in most electronic systems for a variety of practices including digital clock synchronization, stabilizing an RF signal for a receiver or transmitter, and keeping accurate time in real-time clocks. The specifications for the system and how the oscillator needs to function will determine most of the parameters of the device. The LC or RC resonator will control the frequency and determine what stability specifications may be achieved in many applications, but the addition of a quartz crystal will greatly improve the frequency stability of the device by several orders of magnitude, often with a minimal cost impact. Download the full paper for five considerations when choosing a crystal oscillator for a specific application.