What are RF Crystals or Quartz Crystals?
A quartz crystal is a piece of crystalline silicon dioxide (SiO2) that resonates at a particular frequency when a voltage is applied to it. The resonant frequency of the crystal is determined by the shape and size of the crystal. The resonant frequency of the crystal is a result of molecular vibrations within the crystal. As a result of this, the crystals usually have a stable oscillating frequency and can be used to create a reference frequency in electronic devices. Quartz crystals are used to create crystal oscillators which are used in a wide range of RF & Microwave systems to provide a reference frequency.
When looking for RF Crystals, here is a list of specifications that one must evaluate:
Quartz Crystal Frequency: The resonant frequency of the RF crystal. This is usually specified in kHz or MHz.
Frequency Tolerance or Frequency Stability (PPM/ PPB): The frequency tolerance/stability is the variation of resonant frequency from its expected value. It is usually represented in ppm or ppb.
Temperature Stability: This tells us how much the resonant frequency of the crystal varies in response to a change in temperature. This is usually represented in ppm or ppb.
Crystal Aging: There is usually a small deviation in the resonant frequency of a quartz crystal over its life span is called aging. It is very important to take care of this small deviation while using the crystal for in devices which are going to be used over a long period of time. It can be measured by placing the crystal at high temperature followed by evaluation of its frequency at fixed intervals. Frequency modifications due to again are also represented in ppm or ppb.
Insulation Resistance: The insulation resistance accounts for the minimum value between the crystal leads and the base of the crystal
everything RF has listed Quartz Crystals / RF Crystals from the leading manufacturers. You can narrow down the crystals based on operating frequency, Frequency stability, temperature stability, aging, and other parameters. Once you find products that meet your specification, you can view complete product information, download datasheets and request quotes. Quotation requests are directed to the company and its distributors in your region.
