TCXOs sense the ambient temperature through the internal circuit, and the sensor converts the temperature information into a digital signal. Using the digital signal to transform capacitance, the internal circuits control the output frequency of the crystal oscillator to achieve the effect of stabilizing the output frequency. This means that the part will maintain its output frequencies regardless of external temperature environment.
Why does temperature matter for crystal oscillators?
Temperature in the external environment can affect the crystal oscillator's ability to maintain its frequency output stability. Thus, temperature compensated crystal oscillators (TCXO) were developed to easily adapt to changes in temperature in various external environments. At low temperatures, the TCXO can compensate the oscillation frequency deviation generated by the surrounding temperature change according to its own temperature compensation circuit, the temperature compensation circuit then adjusts the frequency in real time, which results in a higher degree of resilience and functionality.
The advantages of a temperature compensated crystal oscillators are:
- Miniature size – TCXO can be as small as 2.0 mm x 1.6 mm footprint
- Low power consumption – TCXO may consume as little as 4mA
- High stability – typical TCXO can reach ±1ppm to ±0.28ppm, with some models reaching as low as ±0.05ppm
With advancement in design and technology, TCXOs can offer frequency stability that rivals older OCXO designs while boasting significantly lower power consumption in a much more compact design.
With its low power consumption and miniature design, TCXOs are best suited for mobile and portable applications such as mobile SATCOM, base stations, radar, beacons and rescue systems, WLAN, test and instrumentations. These crystal oscillators are also a cost-effective solution that is suitable for 5G, base stations, and clock reference.
Dynamic Engineers offers a wide range of TCXOs with various standard and custom frequencies up to 1GHz, as well as a variety of output waveforms, supply voltage, and other specifications. We can also customize designs based on your desired specifications.