The ceramic resonators
("CERALOCK") utilize the mechanical resonance of piezoelectric
ceramics, typically of lead zirconate titanate (PZT), which provide
various vibration behaviors (modes) depending on the resonance
frequency.
Conventionally, quartz crystal resonators are well known mechanical
resonators. On the other hand, CR and LC oscillation circuits are
resonators utilizing electrical resonance.
The "CERALOCK" provides the following features:
- Stable oscillation frequency
In terms of oscillation accuracy, the "CERALOCK" is ranked between
quartz resonators and LC/CR oscillation circuits.
Quartz resonators' temperature coefficient of oscillation frequency is
10-6/°C or less, and LC/CR oscillation circuits' temperature
coefficient is approx. 10-3 to 10-4/°C. On the
other hand, ceramic resonators provide a temperature coefficient of 10-5/°C
in the range of -20 to +80°C.
- Compact and lightweight
The ceramic resonators are approximately half the size of general
quartz resonators.
- Low-cost and adjustment-free oscillation circuit
The ceramic resonators have been designed for use in mass production by
customers'. Unlike the CR/LC circuits that use electrical resonance,
the ceramic resonators use mechanical resonance. Therefore, in
principle, the ceramic resonators are hardly affected by fluctuations
in external circuit or power supply voltage, providing highly stable
oscillation without the necessity of adjustment.
|
