What is the difference between crystal, resonator and oscillator?

Here we will discuss: What is the difference between a crystal, resonator, and oscillator? Resonators and crystals are a main part of electronics for timing devices for generating accurate signals in different circuits. They have different designs and come with different uses. Crystal is made with piezoelectric materials and vibrates for a given frequency, while resonators are made with capacitors and coils and generate a resonant circuit that oscillates at a certain frequency.

The oscillator is an electronic or mechanical device that produces oscillating output for energy in sine or square wave. So let’s get started with: What is the difference between a crystal, resonator, and oscillator?

Introduction to Crystals?

• If a signal voltage is given at a crystal, it vibrates at a certain and stable frequency and is made with piezoelectric materials such as quartz. The piezoelectric effect explains features of materials such as quartz for producing electrical charge when mechanical force is provided.
• The piezoelectric effect is a process explained for certain materials that face mechanical stress and are then deformed. The moderate voltage provides crystal, resulting in mechanical vibration that generates an electrical voltage at a certain frequency. Due to that crystal, it provides constant and correct oscillation frequency and is good for generating correct timing signals in circuits.
• Crystals come with high-frequency having a table as compared to conventional timing modules such as RC circuits. Crystals produce timing signals that come with low frequency and low phase noise, used for timing purposes such as communication systems.
• Crystals are high-cost and larger sizes as compared to timing devices, so they are used for fewer applications.

Types of Crystals

• There are different types of crystals, such as AT-cut, BT-cut, and SC-cut, that are used for different applications based on frequency range, temperature stability, and aging features.
• Commonly used crystals are AT-cut crystals that come with temperature stability for some components per million for different temperature ranges.
• For communication circuits, BT-cut crystal is used when they need high-frequency stability.
• SC-cut crystals come with temperature stability, so they are employed for highly precise circuits like atomic clocks.

What are resonators?

The resonators are devices that come with a coil and capacitor that work to make a resonant circuit that oscillates for a certain frequency value. Resonators than crystals not configured on piezoelectric features and not made with solid state materials

The capacitors and coils of the resistor are configured with a parallel combination that results in a tuned circuit that resonates at a given frequency. The resonant frequency is obtained through coil and capacitor conditions and is stable over a limited range of temperatures.

Resonator comes with low-frequency stability as compared to crystals but is low cost.

Different devices, such as remote controls, sensors, and controls, use resonates because they need stable frequency. A resonator is employed to provide a reliable clock signal that synchronizes with the working of electrical components.

Types of Resonators

• Ceramic resonators, surface acoustic wave resonators, and crystal oscillators configured with capacitors are resonators. Ceramic resonators are commonly used and are low-cost and smaller than crystal oscillators.
• For wireless communication systems, surface acoustic wave resonators are used because they require strong frequency stability and low-phase noise.

Crystal oscillator vs. resonator

Crystal Oscillator

• Its frequency range is 10 kHz to 100 MHz.
• It has high stability for output.
• It is less based on temperature.
• Low tolerance for shock and vibration
• It uses external capacitors and is made with quartz.
• It is used in TVs, toys, etc.

Ceramic Resonator

• 190 kHz to 50 MHz is its frequency range.
• It is based on temperature and has high tolerance.
• It comes with inner or external capacitors.
• It is made with lead zirconium titanate (PZT) and used for microprocessor applications where frequency stability is not needed.