Use-Cases for a Durable Product with a High Level of Stability
While there are many crystals that possess the piezoelectric effect that oscillators require for their performance, there is one type that stands out among the rest, and this is why this particular material is selected for a high number of use-cases in manufacturing: quartz.
While Rochelle salt possesses the greatest amount of piezoelectricity, it is rather fragile. Tourmaline generates the least amount of piezoelectricity, but it does meet a durability standard that is higher than Rochelle salt crystals. The downside here, however, is that tourmaline is costly.
Quartz crystal oscillators present the best middle-ground as a durable, but less expensive option than tourmaline, and are therefore most often used because of their vibration when voltage is applied. In addition, the relative strength of the material creates a compromise between Rochelle salt and tourmaline.
Industrial uses for both Rochelle salt and tourmaline in crystal oscillators are so common that we come into contact with them every day. And yet, the list of products in which quartz crystal oscillators are used is perhaps more practical and broad. In fact, it’s almost certain that a crystal oscillator is right in front of you, right now.
As you’ll find out, quartz crystal is essential for oscillation in the common devices that you have in your home.
Bluetooth
When it comes to the required electronic components that are necessary to connect wirelessly to computing devices, Bluetooth utilizes quartz crystal because of its stability, or high Q-factor. A high Q-factor means that the material’s vibration is far more stable than other materials.
A temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) also can be used in crystal oscillators for specific Bluetooth applications when a specific frequency-temperature is required for proper function of that use-case.
Ranging between 16 MHz to 38.4 MHz crystals, Bluetooth utilizes oscillators to bring you the hands-free, wireless technology our society has come to rely on. Industry leaders who develop quartz crystal oscillators have likely played a role in meeting the global demand for Bluetooth products.
Watches
The “quartz watch” is now a familiar concept, but at one time this fact was heavily marketed because the application of crystal for oscillation was a new development in the manufacturing of watches. Now, you’d never expect anything but a crystal oscillator to be used in your watch’s design.
When a quartz crystal oscillator receives electricity through a circuit, it vibrates frequently and precisely (32,768 times per second, in fact), which contributes a consistent vibration that can be counted by the circuit, creating a second-long pulse. The pulse drives the motor, and the motor turns the clock’s hands with a high level of accuracy.
But what is so special about quartz compared to other crystals? The consistency and stability of the vibration is what makes this material so useful and precise, and it is therefore used in timing applications outside of the wristwatch that require a stable frequency.
Computer Timing
We’ve already established the quartz crystal oscillator’s relative strength compared to others as well as its high Q-factor, which refers to the stability of its vibration, creating the precision for a hand-held timing application as well as a consistent frequency, as in its use for Bluetooth.
While it may seem like a watch’s application and a computer’s are surely different, the crystal oscillator is used in one very similar way – to conduct a stable frequency used for timing, which is key to how computers can log and display time.
You’ll also find crystal oscillators in graphics cards and sound cards. The frequency of the crystal oscillator in a graphics card allows the LCD screen to display as intended. When pixels need to be processed per second for proper display, your graphics card needs a stable, consistent, precise frequency. For a sound card, a cluster of crystal oscillators develops a wider range of frequencies, necessary for the production of accurate, high-quality sound.
Crystal Oscillators Are Everywhere
Like so many other products, once you’ve learned about them, you start noticing them in everyday life. The crystal oscillator accompanies most people as they move through their day, from the office to home and back.
Because of its ubiquity, this product represents engineering ingenuity at its finest. The wide variety of use cases is a testament to the ways that innovation can develop long-standing, durable, effective solutions. Moreso, the quartz crystal oscillator will likely be used in products we’ve yet to imagine.
