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 units are well known mechanical timing devices. On the other hand, CR and LC oscillation circuits are timing devices utilizing electrical resonance.
In terms of oscillation accuracy, the CERALOCK® is ranked between quartz crystal units 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.
The ceramic resonators are approximately half the size of general quartz crystal units.
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.