Genuway Crystal Oscillators

SPXO (Simple Packaged Crystal Oscillator) provides basic oscillator function with typical stability of ±10 to ±50ppm. It uses a standard crystal without temperature compensation, making it cost-effective for general applications. TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator) incorporates temperature compensation circuitry to achieve better stability of ±0.5 to ±2.5ppm across temperature variations. It uses a temperature sensor and compensation network to counteract crystal frequency drift. OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator) maintains the crystal at a constant elevated temperature using a precision oven, achieving the best stability of ±0.005 to ±0.1ppm. OCXOs are larger, consume more power, and are used in applications requiring highest precision like base stations and test equipment.

Choose SPXO for cost-sensitive applications, TCXO for improved stability requirements, and OCXO for highest precision applications.

Crystal oscillator frequency changes with temperature due to the crystal's temperature coefficient. AT-cut crystals, most commonly used, have a characteristic parabolic frequency vs temperature curve with turning points around 25°C and 80°C. Frequency deviation can be ±10 to ±50ppm over industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) for standard crystals. TCXOs use compensation circuits to reduce this to ±0.5 to ±2.5ppm. OCXOs maintain constant crystal temperature, virtually eliminating temperature effects. When selecting oscillators, consider your operating temperature range and required stability. For wide temperature ranges with tight stability requirements, TCXO or OCXO is necessary.

For wide temperature operation, select TCXO or OCXO based on your stability requirements, or contact our FAE team for guidance.

Phase noise measures the short-term frequency instability of an oscillator, representing noise sidebands around the carrier frequency. It's specified in dBc/Hz at various offset frequencies from the carrier. Lower phase noise (more negative dBc/Hz values) indicates cleaner spectral purity. Phase noise is critical in: RF Communications - Affects receiver sensitivity and selectivity

High-speed Digital - Impacts jitter and bit error rates

Radar Systems - Determines detection capability

Test Equipment - Limits measurement accuracy. Differential oscillators (LVDS/LVPECL) typically offer better phase noise than single-ended CMOS. For communications applications, phase noise at specific offset frequencies (like 1kHz, 10kHz, 100kHz from carrier) is often specified.

For RF and high-speed applications, select oscillators with specified phase noise performance, or contact our FAE team for recommendations.