Here we will discuss What is the difference between crystal, resonator and oscillator? Resonators and crystals are used in electronics as timing devices to produce accurate signals to use in different circuits. Their features structure and uses are differnt. Crystal is made with piezoelectric material and vibrates at a given frequency while resonators are made with capacitors and coil and produce resonant circuits that oscillators at a certain frequency
An oscillator is an electronic or mechanical device that generates regular oscillating output in energy form mostly sine or square wave, So let’s get started with What is the difference between crystal, resonator, and oscillator?
Introduction to Crystals?
- if the voltage signal is provided to the crystal it vibrates at a certain and stable value of frequency since it is created with piezoelectric material, like quartz. The piezoelectric effect defines the featues of a material like quartz, to produce an electrical charge when mechncal force is applied
- The piezoelectric effect is a process defined as when a certain material faces mechanical stress and gets deformed. The moderate voltage given about the crystal resulted in mechanical vibration, which in results generated electrical voltage at a certain frequency value. Due to this feedback crystal offers constant and accurate oscillation frequency makes it good for producing correct timing signals in circuits.
- Crystals come with high frequency with stable than conventional timing devices like RC circuits. Crystsla generated timing signals that have low frequency and less phase noise, so used for timing uses like communication systems. \Crystsals can be high cost and larger size than other timing devices so not uses in differnt uses
Types of Crystals
- There are differnt types of crystals like AT-cut, BT-cut, and SC-cut that come for different uses based on frequency range, temperature stability, and aging features.
- Most used crystals are AT cut crystals that have temperature stability for some parts per million for different temperature ranges.
- In communication circuits BT cut crystal was used since they needed high-frequency stability.
- SC cut crystals provide temperature stability so used in highly precise circuits like atomic clocks.
What are Resonators?
A resonator is an electrical device tha has a coil and capacitor that operates to make a resonant circuit that oscillates at a certain frequency. Resonators as compared to crystals not based on piezoelectric properties and are not made up of solid-state materials.
The capacitor and coil of the resistor are connected in parallel combinations that result in the tuned circuit that resonates at the required frequency. The resonant frequency is found through coil and capacitor conditions and is relatively stable over a limited range of temperatures. Resonantors have less frequency stability than crystals but they are simple and less costly.
Differnt devices like remote controls, sensors, and controls use resonators since they need stable frequency. Rsonsntr is used to provide a reliable clock signal that synchronizes with the operation of electrical component
Types of Resonators
- Ceramic resonators, surface acoustic wave resonators, and crystal oscillators with integrated capacitors are resonators. Ceramic resonators are mostly used and are less costly and smaller in size than crystal oscillators.
- In wireless communication systems surface acoustic wave resonators are used since they need strong frequency stability and low phase noise
Crystal Oscillator vs. resonator
| Property | Crystal Oscillator | Ceramic Resonator |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10 kHz to 100 MHz | 190 kHz to 50 MHz |
| Output | High stability | Less stable than Crystal Oscillator |
| Effect due to Parameters | Less depends on the temperature | Depends on temperature |
| Tolerance & Sensitivity | Low tolerance against shock & vibration | High tolerance |
| Capacitor Dependency | it needed external capacitors | it has internal or external capacitors |
| Material Used | Quartz | Lead Zirconium Titanate (PZT) |
| Applications | Everything from televisions to children’s toys | Microprocessor applications where frequency stability is not needed |
