Understanding Crystal Oscillators in Electronic Circuits
A crystal oscillator plays a crucial role in electronic circuits, providing a stable and precise clock signal for various applications. There are two main types of crystal oscillators: passive and active.
Passive Crystal Oscillators
Passive crystal oscillators are components that rely on an external clock circuit to generate an oscillation signal. They come in different packages, such as PTH-2P, SMD-2P, and SMD-4P, and can meet different voltage requirements.
These oscillators cannot oscillate independently and require an external circuit for operation.
Active Crystal Oscillators
Active crystal oscillators, on the other hand, are complete oscillators that include a quartz crystal, a transistor, and passive components. They offer high precision but have a fixed signal level and minimal flexibility in output selection.
Active crystal oscillators are typically available in SMD-4P packages.
Distinguishing Features
- Internal Structures: Passive oscillators consist of a quartz crystal and electrodes, while active oscillators include an IC for independent oscillation.
- Casing Markings: Active oscillators have a dot (·) in the casing, indicating pin 1 as the tri-state pin.
- Pin Configurations: Passive oscillators operate without a power supply and rely on external clock circuits, while active oscillators require a dedicated power supply and have specific pin assignments.
If you have any inquiries about PCB or PCBA services, feel free to reach out to us at info@wellcircuits.com.
