Frequency Control & Timing Devices

Electronic devices rely on multiple circuits, each requiring a stable clock signal that oscillates at regular intervals to function properly. Timing devices provide these essential signals, ensuring the correct timing and speed for data transmission. By using quartz crystals, MEMS, and ceramic resonators, stable frequency oscillations can be achieved.

In every electronic device, timing devices are critical for sending precise clock signals to various circuits, enabling efficient operation. Frequency control ensures the stability of clocking and timing in digital devices. All modern digital circuits require clocks to synchronize processes at specific intervals. This concept, first applied in the 1970s with digital watches using kHz watch crystals, is still in use today. Real-Time Clocks (RTC) are vital for timing in processors, while oscillators provide RF signals, and TCXOs support clear communication in two-way devices.

Crystal Oscillators

crystal oscillators
A crystal oscillator is an electronic oscillator circuit that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material to create an electrical signal with a precise frequency.

Crystal oscillators are electronic devices that use the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal to generate a stable and precise frequency signal. These oscillators are widely used in electronic circuits as frequency references, providing accurate timing for various applications such as microcontrollers, microprocessors, communication equipment, and more. Crystal oscillators are preferred over other types of oscillators in many applications due to their high stability and reliability.

Tuning Fork Crystals

Crystal packages are becoming increasingly compact. Sizes as small as 1.2 x 1.0 mm and 1.6 x 1.2 mm, with 3.2 x 2.5 mm being the most common globally. The popular 32.768 kHz watch crystals are also shrinking, with 3.2 x 1.5 mm and 1.2 x 1.0 mm sizes leading the market. Despite the trend towards smaller sizes, the HC-49 SM packages remain best-sellers due to their cost-effectiveness. Crystals are primarily used in processors and require matching capacitors on the PCB to complete the oscillator loop.

TCXO and OCXO

TCXOs (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillators) are available in sizes, making them suitable for various applications, including GPS. Depending on the application—whether analog or digital.

OCXOs (Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators) feature an internal heater and temperature control circuit to keep the crystal at its optimal “turn-point.” OCXOs provide superior stability, reduced jitter, and lower phase noise compared to other oscillators. However, their design and manufacturing are more costly due to the complexity of maintaining precise temperature control.

We distribute frequency control and timing devices that meet the highest standards of precision and stability, catering to electronics, automotive, medical, networking, aerospace & defense (A&D), and IEEE 1588 design requirements. Our collection includes compact, ultra-low phase noise, and wide operating temperature range frequency reference solutions.

IBS Electronics distributes quartz-crystal oscillators and programmable oscillator ICs to meet the needs of virtually any application. Capabilities include inventory management, supply chain management, in-plant warehousing, automated inventory replenishment, barcoding and labeling. Electronic oscillators can be used in defense, aerospace, industrial, commercial, healthcare, medical, computer and test equipment industry applications. Services include design engineering, quick-turn prototyping, contract and custom manufacturing, box build, in-circuit and functional testing and assembly services.

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One of the most important features of any oscillator is its frequency stability, or in other words its ability to provide a constant frequency output under varying load conditions. We provide a large variety of different Simple Packaged Crystal Oscillators & SAW Oscillators with various sizes, frequencies, OE/ST functions, and temperature ranges for every application. standard and custom electronic precision quartz crystal oscillators. Products offered include OCXO, TCXO, VCXO, and clock oscillators. Specifications vary depending upon models including 0.1 Hz to 1 GHz frequency range, +/- 0.005 to +/- 15 ppm frequency stability, and -55 degrees C to 125 degrees C operation temperature. Features include low phase noise, low jitter, and various output signals such as HCMOS and sine. Available in a variety of packages, including DIP and SMT.

Distributor of electronic oscillators, specifically crystals and resonators for contract manufacturers and OEMs in industries including military, aerospace, medical, and automotive. Also offers piezoelectric devices, terminals, cable assemblies, connectors, and switches. Provides same-day shipping for listed in-stock items and value-added services including solderability, electrical, and delid-decap internal testing.

Clock Oscillators

Quartz crystal oscillators are comprised of a crystal unit and an inverting amplifier; and emit a stable frequency when subjected to a specific voltage. Quartz crystal oscillators are a simple means of providing the clock generators used for information processing in office automation and other electronic equipment.

Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillators (TCXOs)

A temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) compensates the frequency-temperature characteristics of the crystal unit using a temperature compensation circuit to provide a highly stable output frequency. They are mainly used as reference signal sources in the radio frequency circuits of cellular phones.