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Quartz resonators are a precise solution for timing in electronic circuits. What is worth knowing about them?
What is a quartz resonator?
Quartz resonator
is an electronic component, the main part of which is a quartz crystal. The mineral is distinguished by its specific molecular structure, which translates into high stability also when current passes through the crystals. In addition, quartz is piezoelectric – this means that mechanical stresses cause an electric charge to appear on its surface. Due to the unique properties of quartz, the power connection makes the crystals vibrate at a very stable and precise frequency, which translates into the possibility of using them in electronic circuits. The basic mechanism of this type is precisely the quartz resonator – similar solutions can also be found in watches, where quartz ensures even and accurate timekeeping.
Generating oscillations of uniform frequency is important in many projects. Quartz resonators are appreciated in digital technology or radio engineering, among others. In addition, they are used in the synchronization of digital signals (e.g., in computers, laptops and phones), as well as in time-dependent systems.
How is a quartz resonator constructed?
Like most other electronic components,
quartz resonator
is characterized by its small size – in most cases, all of its case dimensions are less than 10 mm. This type of circuit can have two, three or four leads, and is designed to generate even vibrations with high precision.
Inside the casing of this device is a piece of quartz, or more precisely, a quartz dioxide, adapted in size to a given resonator model. The use of this mineral makes it possible to achieve coupling of the electric field with the deformation of the crystal plate, which leads to the creation of a voltage on the electrodes connected to the circuit.
The size and shape of the quartz crystal affects the parameters of the resonator, especially the frequency of oscillation. The mineral itself can vibrate in the range of tens of kHz to as much as several hundred MHz. At the same time, it is worth noting that quartz is characterized by high resistance to external factors (including temperature) and very good stability of operation, which is crucial in many electronic circuits.
How does a quartz resonator work?
Operation of
quartz resonator
is based on the use of the principle of mutual coupling of the electric field with the deformation of the quartz plate. This means that when a voltage is applied to the quartz, a resonance is created, i.e. an increase in the amplitude of oscillation for a certain frequency. After its occurrence, the oscillations of the system are stabilized, or more precisely, there is a sharp increase in the amplitude of oscillations and a decrease in electrical resistance.
Quartz resonator - application
Transmission of stable timing signals is of considerable importance in many electronic circuits, which translates into a wide field of applications for quartz resonators. Without elements of this type, many equipment could not function properly. It is worth noting that the resonator is a circuit that we can meet with in devices used every day – we are talking about, among others. o:
- clocks,
- car accessories,
- walkie-talkies,
- sound cards,
- LCD screens,
- microprocessors,
- wireless communication systems.
Quartz resonators are also used to synchronize digital and audio signals. They can be found in most devices where accurate measurement of time, frequency or both is needed.
How to increase the accuracy of the quartz resonator?
Many equipment do not use the maximum power of quartz resonators. This is not needed in watches, for example, but some devices require higher performance. This can be achieved in two main ways.
- The accuracy of the resonator can be improved by using special containers in which a constant temperature is maintained. Despite its high resistance to external conditions, the resonator can still lose its power through temperature fluctuations – so it is worth limiting the impact of this factor on system operation.
- Another way is to use stable platforms to eliminate fluctuations in the position of the resonator. With this type of solution, gyroscopes, gas pedals and special systems for leveling changes in position can be used.
Providing the quartz resonator with a stable substrate and proper temperature is the basis for using the full power of this component. This allows it to become even more precise, which is especially important in more sophisticated devices and systems.
How much does a quartz resonator cost?
Quartz resonator
is among the most useful, as well as the most widely used electronic components. Due to its wide application in mixed-use projects, as well as its relatively simple construction, you can also count on a low price. Single resonators are often an expense of only a few tens of pennies. For this reason, it is worth equipping yourself with a set of components of this type – most often we can meet with sets containing 10 pieces, sold at a price between PLN 6 and PLN 10.
It is worth noting that SMD-cased quartz resonators are more expensive than standard through-hole (THT) chips. Products that allow surface mount (SMD) mostly cost from approx. PLN 3 to approx. 5 zl for a single item. When buying a particular model, pay special attention to the frequency of the resonator. For watches, 32 kHz chips (to be precise – 32,768 Hz) are usually used, but depending on the design, you can also bet on products that provide oscillations up to 16 MHz.
Quartz resonators in the Botland store
Quartz resonators
are one of the many categories of electronic components that can be purchased from the store
Botland
. Our offer includes a number of proposals with a variety of characteristics, which allows you to easily adapt your choice to the characteristics and needs of a particular project. Take a look at the range
Botland
.
