Why You Need Analog Compensation for Your Next TCXO Design

TCXO Crystal Oscillators Provide Exceptional Stability Over Temperature

Design circuitry is often referred to using anatomical analogies. The microcontroller and microprocessor are often referred to as the “brains” of a design system. The microcontroller (or IC) acts as the side of the brain responsible for controlling the data and peripherals of a design system.

While the microprocessor makes up the other side of the brain which processes the data, the brain is a pivot part of any system. Its proper functioning is interdependent on a reliable, consistent heartbeat. Oscillators are the heartbeat of every microcontroller, whose primary function is to produce clock signals that are essential for synchronizing operational functions.

Crystal oscillators are typically the primary component chosen for microcontrollers due to their accuracy, size, and power consumption (among other features). A crystal oscillator provides stable output for long periods of time and is known for its stability, reliability, and durability.

A TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator) is a specific type of crystal oscillator that contains a temperature-sensitive reactive circuit in its oscillation loop that compensates for inherent temperature variations that occur when a crystal oscillator is in use. In other words, the TXCO provides high stability within a broad temperature range. The primary function of a TCXO is to counteract frequency shifts that are caused by temperature fluctuations, which ultimately disrupt the output frequency.

Market Demand for High-Performing TCXO Oscillators

Many applications require exceptionally tight stability to ensure an uninterrupted, clean signal. The following industries in particular require significant stability over temperature for their crystal oscillators and use TCXO crystal oscillators to ensure this need is met.

The applications of TCXO crystal oscillators are diverse and cover various industries with popular applications including:

• Telecommunication systems such as wireless devices, Wi-Fi, 5G, base stations, and radios. TCXO’s provide crucial stability and accuracy that provide reliable communication and synchronization in telecommunication systems.
• Navigation Systems such as Global Navigation Satellites Systems (GNSS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and other satellite navigation systems rely on precision timing and positioning that is enabled by a TCXO’s timing and stability.
• Industrial Control Systems: TCXOs are great for applications in industrial control systems, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and process control equipment. Reliability and precision timing are crucial for industrial applications, which makes the temperature stability of TCXOs ideal for design systems.

Analog Compensation Versus Digital Compensation in TCXOs

There are many benefits to TCXOs such as low phase noise, low power consumption, compact size and compatibility. However, as a crystal experiences changes in temperature, these changes cause the frequency to be inaccurate, which is why we rely on compensation. There are various compensations that are applied to timing solutions across the industry. At ECS Inc., most of our components that include compensation fall into one of two categories:

• Digital compensation: When the temperature change reaches the threshold for compensation, digital compensation applies a sudden voltage to instantly move the frequency back to the center frequency. These sudden frequency corrections are known as micro-jumps.
• Analog Compensation: A gradual counter to the digital compensation method, analog compensation offers a much smoother correction to the frequency. Instead of requiring a sudden jump, processors have some time to adjust to frequency changes.

Analog compensation is a technique used to improve the accuracy and stability of TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator) crystal oscillators. Analog compensation involves introducing a compensation circuitry that changes the oscillator’s frequency output based on the measured temperature. This compensation can help offset temperature-induced frequency deviations and improve the overall accuracy of the oscillator.

How to Find a Foremost Manufacturer of TCXOs with Analog Compensation

Engineers designing highly sensitive networking applications that require timing solutions want to ensure that their signals do not fail or get interrupted due to fluctuating temperatures. They also do not want over-corrective digital compensation to get in the way of a clean, stable signal.

Look for a manufacturer that provides TCXO oscillators with the following characteristics:

• A full-package, drop-in solution for stability over temperature.
• Analog compensation, as opposed to digital, to ensure a smoother, error-free signal.
• Variability of voltage for different applications, including oscillators that can run on a depleted battery.

The manufacturer itself should be a reliable source that is trusted by many industries. Look for these key signs that they are completely committed to the engineers they serve and that businesses rely on them for superior solutions, such as TCXO crystal oscillators:

• They provide comprehensive engineering support to help designers use their electronic components effectively.
• They have a robust list of worldwide distributors.
• They sell a wide variety of TCXOs depending on your specific requirements for frequency, stability, package size and more.

Learn more about frequency solutions that provide exceptional performance in extended-temperature situations.