This section provides an overview for crystal oscillators as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 7 crystal oscillator manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked crystal oscillator companies as of April, 2024: 1.CTS Corporation, 2.Daishinku DAISHINKU CORP., 3.Microsemi Corporation.
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Categories Related to Crystal Oscillators
A crystal oscillator is a device that generates a specific frequency by incorporating an oscillation circuit into the mechanical resonance of a quartz crystal unit, utilizing the piezoelectric phenomenon of quartz. These devices are known for their high precision, often on the order of ppm (parts per million).
Other types of oscillation circuits, such as LC, CR, and those using ceramic elements, are limited to percentage precision, whereas crystal oscillation can achieve greater accuracy.
Quartz's suitability for electronic circuits is due to its piezoelectric effect, making it a vital component in technology predating transistors and integrated circuits (ICs).
Crystal oscillators are used in various applications, including as frequency signal sources in telecommunications equipment, timing sources in quartz clocks, and color burst signal sources in televisions. In recent times, they have become essential in providing fixed-frequency clock sources for digital circuits.
These oscillators are critical in delivering high-frequency stability and non-adjustability for ICs and LSIs (integrated circuits with higher complexity). As a result, they are utilized not only in traditional devices like telecommunications equipment, TVs, and clocks but also in satellite communications, automobiles, personal computers, DVD equipment, and other information appliances.
Crystal oscillators function by using a quartz crystal unit to generate a reference resonance frequency through an oscillation circuit. The piezoelectric phenomenon of quartz is key in this process. However, a quartz crystal unit alone cannot maintain the necessary amplitude of the resonance frequency.
In crystal oscillators, an internal oscillation circuit regulates the strength and frequency of the reference frequency signal. While quartz crystals in nature are composed of silicon dioxide, the quartz used in crystal oscillators is synthetic, derived from natural crystal lasca. This synthetic quartz is created under controlled conditions in an autoclave, resulting in large, pure, recrystallized artificial crystals.
The temperature characteristics of frequency and vibration mode vary depending on the crystal's cut angle relative to the crystal axis. For example, quartz crystals in wristwatches are cut to have a zero temperature coefficient at a body or room temperature.
The oscillation mode, likened to the vibration of tofu on a cutting board, is determined by the thickness of the crystal slice.
Normal crystal oscillators have an accuracy of about 1/10,000 to 1/100,000, significantly higher than silicon or ceramic oscillators but not as precise as cesium oscillators in atomic clocks. Temperature-compensated crystal oscillators (TCXO) offer even higher precision by incorporating a circuit that offsets the crystal unit's temperature characteristics.
A quartz oscillator clock, or quartz watch, functions as a clock by converting the high-precision oscillation of a quartz oscillator into a frequency at one-second intervals by dividing the frequency by an IC. Analog clocks use this frequency to drive a step motor that moves the hands, while digital clocks use it to drive a display. Quartz watches have the advantage of long-term operation with minimal maintenance, especially models powered by solar energy or equipped with generators.
MEMS oscillators, emerging as an alternative to quartz oscillators, are produced using semiconductor manufacturing processes, allowing for integration into electronic circuits and miniaturization. They offer advantages in frequency adjustment and power consumption, potentially surpassing crystal oscillators in market share.
As the demand for higher communication frequencies grows, there is a push for crystal oscillators to support higher frequencies. Advances in analog circuit technology like PLL enable frequency increases, but there are challenges such as phase noise and temperature characteristics. Current developments focus on improving both the crystal unit and the oscillation circuit to support frequencies up to 100 MHz.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Microsemi Corporation was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California. Microsemi is a subsidiary of Microchip Technology Incorporated. Microsemi is a provider of semiconductor and system solutions for aerospace, communications, data center, and industrial markets. A few of Microsemi’s product lines include high-performance and radiation-hardened analog mixed-signal integrated circuits, FPGAs, power management products, timing and synchronization devices, and RF solutions. Microsemi’s technological strengths are in connectivity, energy efficiency, miniaturization, power management, and security.
CTS Corporation was founded in 1896 and is headquartered in Lisle, Illinois. CTS is a manufacturer and distributor of sensors, actuators, and various connectivity components to telecommunications infrastructure, information technology, and other high-speed applications such as the aerospace and medical markets. CTS operates in 3 primary market segments: Sense, Connect, and Move. The Sense market segment includes controls such as potentiometers, pedals, sensors, and switches. The Connect segment includes various types of resistors, capacitors, and frequency control products. The move segment includes piezoelectric move products, rotary actuators, and thermal products including ZIF PC board retainers and heatsinks.
Micro Crystal, founded in, Switzerland in 1978 is a manufacturer of quartz-based timing devices, real-time clock modules, and oscillators. The company's product portfolio includes 32.768kHz Quartz Crystals, Temperature Sensors, OCXOs, Miniature Tuning Fork Crystals and Quartz Resonators. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company has sales and technical support offices in Europe, the United States, and Asia and a manufacturing unit in Thailand.
Jauch Group, established in 1954 and based in Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of quartz crystals, crystal oscillators, and battery technology. The company’s products are used in various applications, including frequency control components for electronics and battery solutions for diverse industries. The company offers in-depth technical consulting, certification expertise, and fast product delivery. With production facilities in Germany and strategic partnerships in Asia, the company ensures the availability of frequency control products. Besides, the company provides new technology solutions and great customer support, catering to the evolving needs of its clients.
Daishinku Corp was founded in 1957 and manufactures electric components for distribution across Japan and internationally. The company makes an average of 41.31 billion Yen in average revenue. They also have several partnerships with multiple companies dealing with the same commodities. One of the iconic partnerships is with the Harmony Corporation. The main headquarters of this company is at Kakogawa, Hyogo, Japan but there are several subsidiaries across China, USA, and Canada.
NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD., founded in 1948, is a Japanese manufacturer and supplier headquartered in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, specializing in crystal-related products. The company’s product line includes crystal units and oscillators, synthetic quartz crystals, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors, and millimeter-wave converters. Additionally, the company provides frequency synthesizers, optical components, outgas analysis systems, signal generators, and ultrasound probe (transducers). These products cater to sectors like automotive, healthcare, household appliances, industrial equipment, and medical. Notably, its collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) resulted in the QCM Thermogravimetric Gas Analysis (QTGA) system for analyzing outgas emissions from organic materials in vacuum settings.
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Murata Manufacturing) was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Nagaokakyo, Japan. Murata Manufacturing designs, manufactures, and sells ceramic-based passive electronic components and solutions globally. The company operates through components, modules, and others segments, serving communications, mobility, industrial, healthcare, and personal electronics customers. They company's product offerings include noise suppression products, quartz devices,RFID devices, phase shifters, and wireless connectivity platforms. Services such as webinars and video library are also available for existing and potential customers alike.
Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | CTS Corporation |
30.8%
|
2 | Daishinku DAISHINKU CORP. |
19.2%
|
3 | Microsemi Corporation |
19.2%
|
4 | NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD. |
11.5%
|
5 | Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. |
11.5%
|
6 | Micro Crystal AG |
7.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the crystal oscillator page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
Japan | 3 | 42.9% |
United States of America | 2 | 28.6% |
Switzerland | 1 | 14.3% |
Germany | 1 | 14.3% |
38 products are listed.
NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
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NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
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NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
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NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
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NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
For SMD infrastructure and industrial equipment ■ Use ・ Mobile phone base station (5G CU, 4G BBU) ・ IEEE1588, synchronous Ethernet Clock (Synce)...
NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
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Cons Technology Co., Ltd.
It is a oscillator used for clocks for digital audio equipment. It is a crystal oscillator (OCXO) with a low -level misconduct with a SC cut crysta...
NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
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NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD.
Last viewed: 23 hours ago
NDK has a wide variety of cutting -edge products, supports customization design tailored to individual needs, and offers the optimal crystal oscill...