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Oscilent ceramic resonator

Ceramic resonators implement the mechanical resonance of piezoelectric ceramics (commonly Lead Zirconate Titanate) (PZT), that result in different vibration behaviors (modes) depending on the resonance frequency. Ceramic Resonator design utilizes this ceramic substrate by applying two metal electrodes evenly placed on both the top and bottom of the substrate. When voltage is applied, vibration of the ceramic substrate occurs between the electrodes. The thickness of the ceramic substrate determines the resonant frequency of the resonator.

Ceramic Resonators provide a viable alternative to Quartz Crystals for oscillation frequency stabilization. Although Ceramic Resonators inherently reduce the precision for which frequencies can be controlled as compared to Quartz Crystals, and other Quartz based products, the benefits of Ceramic Resonators can outweigh these shortcomings in many applications:

1. Production Costs:
Because of the difference in materials as compared to Quartz Crystals, Ceramic Resonators are more easily mass produced. When using package size versus cost as the basis for comparison, Ceramic Resonators are approximately 25 - 50% less expensive to produce in the surface mount package category, and approximately 50 - 75% less expensive to produce in the though hole package category as compared to Quartz Crystal products.

2. Package Size:
Ceramic Resonators can be manufactured in a smaller packages than their Quartz counterparts, thereby increasing their attractiveness where board space is limited.

3. Mechanical Ruggedness:
Ceramic Resonators handle shock and vibration better then their Quartz counterparts.

4. Component Count Reduction:
Most Oscilent Ceramic Resonator Series allow for inclusion of built-in capacitors thereby eliminating the need for external loading capacitors.

5. Other Considerations:
Because of their use of mechanical resonance, in principle, Ceramic Resonators are better equipped to handle fluctuations in external circuit or power supply voltage, providing stable oscillation without adjustment. Further, these characteristics provide for a much faster rise times and are independent of drive level considerations.

Understanding the Oscillation Circuit
Rt: Feedback Resistor:
A Feedback Resistor is used to determine the oscillation circuit bias. The feedback resistance will contribute to instability if it is too large by reducing feedback. Conversely, if it is too small, increases in current will be realized thereby reducing gain. Recent developments in IC design allows for the integration of the feedback resistor in many cases.

C1/C2: Loading Capacitor:
The Stability of the Oscillation circuit is largely determined by the C1/C2 values. If the load capacitance is too high, a stop in oscillation can be expected. If too small, unstable oscillation will occur because of oscillation waveform distortion. When comparing the same IC, oscillation circuits with lower frequencies require higher capacitance.

Rd: Damping Resistor (optional):
Abnormal harmonic oscillation can be suppressed using a dampening resistor. The dampening resistor and load capacitors work together as a low-pass filter to reduce gain in the MHz range of oscillation.

Rb: Bias resistor (optional):
A Bias Resistor can be utilized in the Ceramic Resonator Oscillation Circuit to change the bias point when a reduction in IC gain is required, or to suppress unstable oscillation. This may be especially considered when a 3 stage buffered IC, or TTL IC, is used. Oscilent Engineering can help with the circuit design if needed.

Oscilent Ceramic Resonator Products
Oscilent offer a full range of industry standard Surface Mount and Through Hole Ceramic Resonators both with and without internal capacitors. For standard Operating Temperatures (-20°C to 80°C), and for Automotive applications (-40°C to +125°C), Oscilent offers a wide range of frequencies and frequency stability options. Additionally, our Engineering and Design capabilities allow for custom design and characterization requirements that meet the demands of most applications.

Manufacturer/supplier's information

Company name:		Oscilent Corportation [ Homepage ]
Business address:		18195 East McDurmott Street Building D Irvine . CA USA
Zip/postal code:		92614
Telephone number:		1.949.252.0522
Fax number:		1.949.252.0599
Contact name:		Sales [ Email ]

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Product groups: ceramic resonator

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