quartz crystal oscillator for engineers

Discover Low First Year Aging Crystals for Your Crystal Oscillator Circuits

When quartz vibrates, the structure of this resonating surface relaxes, which causes frequency drift. All crystals must deal with this for the first few years of life.

ECS Inc.’s innovative team of manufacturers has developed a solution to account for this natural frequency drift. However, this solution doesn’t simply compensate for drift; it also accommodates a wider range of innovative applications that require a quartz crystal oscillator.

ECS Inc.’s “B Series” crystals – also called “low first year aging” surface-mount crystals provide an extraordinarily low frequency drift in a small form factor package. This product breakthrough from ECS Inc. – the leading design and engineering company for timing solutions, including quartz oscillators – ensures your latest feats of engineering can provide a precise frequency right out of the box.

Get to Know ECS Inc.’s “B Series” Crystal Oscillators

The concept and technology behind “B series” quartz crystal oscillators derives from the oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) manufacturing process, in which these components are tested to ensure their operation under certain conditions. Much like the OCXO testing, which tests the product’s functionality at extended temperatures, the “B Series” crystal is pre-aged and pre-stressed, so that by the time this crystal is being used as a quartz oscillator in your circuit board, the relaxation (and frequency drift) has already occurred. Essentially, ECS Inc.’s aging process primes this crystal for maximum performance within a quartz crystal oscillator circuit. When you purchase a low first year aging crystal, you now have an option for crystal oscillator frequency that won’t drift beyond a usable range.

Future-Forward Applications for the “B Series” Crystal Oscillators

Consider the “B Series” crystal from ECS Inc. for your emerging technologies and applications that require exceptionally minimal frequency drift.

ECS Inc.’s “B Series” crystals have been implemented globally in the following applications:

  • Smart city infrastructure, including lighting and signaling
  • 3D cameras, virtual reality and artificial intelligence
  • Atmospheric satellite connections

However, these are not the only applications that would benefit from a “B Series” crystal. If your use-case falls under one of the categories below, a quartz crystal oscillator circuit fashioned with a “B Series” low first year aging crystal will ensure your frequency solution is right on target.

  • Applications being deployed remotely: If your equipment is deployed remotely, you won’t be able to calibrate it or make adjustments regularly. By installing a quartz oscillator that contains a “B Series” crystal, you can rest assured that your frequency won’t drift beyond the required range without having to retrieve it.
  • Technology that requires a high-level of accuracy for customer satisfaction: A device with a frequency-based solution, such as GPS, requires precision, so the user knows exactly where they are located at any given moment. Without that accuracy, consumers will discard a lesser GPS product for one that is better performing.
  • Industrial automation products that capture real-time data: Frequency control is necessary for most building automation systems. Facilities managers must ensure that data is logged and analyzed in real time to maintain accurate reporting and effective, safe and secure operations. The B Series crystal meets this need by providing a highly precise, stable frequency.
  • Radio equipment for emergency personnel: Radio frequency must be extremely accurate for effective communication. Nowhere is this more necessary than in emergency situations where first responders need vital information. Also consider marine audio radios – a ship out on the water may need to connect clearly with personnel on land for navigational support or in the event of an emergency.

Where to Find Low First Year Aging Crystal Oscillators

ECS Inc. is fully stocked with “B Series” crystals for your application. Whether you’re including a quartz crystal oscillator in a radio for emergency personnel or a remotely deployed weather station, ECS Inc. can cover all your required parameters from temperature requirements to package size, to the lowest-possible frequency drift.

If you’re an engineer designing for the automotive industry, ECS Inc. stocks AEC-Q200-qualified B series crystals which offers comprehensive product testing, a wider temperature range, minimal frequency drift and automotive compliance.

On ECS Inc.’s website, use the parametric search function to include your specifications. This function provides a curated list of ECS Inc. crystals and quartz oscillators to include in your crystal oscillator circuit.

If you need assistance at any point in the design process, ECS Inc. provides comprehensive engineering support to ensure your satisfaction and success. If you’re ready to purchase quartz oscillators or any other signature product, you can browse ECS Inc.’s list of distributors and sales representatives.

For general information, get in touch with ECS Inc. today. ECS Inc. is always pleased to answer your questions. No matter your needs, ECS Inc. is here to ensure the frequency-based applications you’re designing perform at a high level and lead to significant growth for your business.

How ECS Inc. “B Series” Crystal Oscillators Support Your Future-Forward Technology was last modified: July 5th, 2023 by ECS Inc.