What is Crystal Oscillator ?

What is Crystal Oscillator ?

Crystal Oscillator Definition

A crystal oscillator is defined as a device that uses the inverse piezoelectric effect to convert vibrations into stable oscillations.

Working Principle

The oscillator works by applying an alternating voltage to a crystal, causing it to vibrate at its natural frequency.

Circuit Design

Crystal oscillators are designed to operate in series-resonant mode (low impedance) or parallel-resonant mode (high impedance).

Frequency Stability

They offer excellent frequency stability, making them suitable for high-frequency applications.

Applications

Crystal oscillators are widely used in devices like communication systems, GPS, and microprocessors due to their reliability and low cost.