Q-Tech & Axtal News Archives - Page 2 of 2

August 1, 2023

4 min read

Comparing OCXOs to MCXOs

Oven-controlled (OCXO) and microprocessor-controlled (MCXO) crystal oscillators each provide exceptional frequency stability over a wide temperature range, using very different approaches. Introduction This post will describe the technology behind OCXOs and MCXOs and delve into the Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) benefits provided by MCXOs. The next article in this series will introduce the first space-qualified MCXO for low-earth orbit (New Space) applications. Crystal Oscillator Stability All crystal oscillators are based on the very stable frequency vibrations of a piezoelectric quartz crystal resonator. Usually, the crystals and their associated circuitry are carefully designed and crafted so that the quartz crystal…

July 6, 2023

4 min read

MEMS vs. Crystal Oscillators: It’s All in the Application

Putting timing and frequency control technologies in their proper place Introduction Precision frequency control and timing are essential to all modern electronics technology. Almost every electronic device you can imagine depends on a precision clock; without precision oscillator clocks, all electronic communication would stop. This article compares the benefits of the latest precision clock technologies as they perform in different applications. The Evolution of Precision Clocks Introduced in the 1920’s, the quartz crystal oscillator has long been the workhorse amongst electronic timing devices. A newer type of oscillator that has been in development since the 1960s and available in production…