This section provides an overview for quartz crystal unit as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 32 quartz crystal unit manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked quartz crystal unit companies as of November, 2024: 1.CTS Corporation, 2.Raltron Electronics Corporation, 3.Bliley Technologies Inc..
Table of Contents
A Quartz Crystal Unit is a passive element that vibrates at a constant frequency, known as a piezoelectric element. Initially, natural crystals were used, but due to increased demand, artificial crystals have become more common, utilizing materials such as silicon dioxide, barium titanate, and Rochelle salt.
When integrated with oscillation circuits, piezoelectric elements are essential in electronic devices like mobile phones, televisions, digital cameras, household appliances, and in automotive and medical equipment. The quartz crystal's thickness and cutting method are tailored to the desired frequency range. For example, the "AT cut" method produces a quartz crystal unit suitable for a broad temperature range, with frequencies ranging from 1 to 300 megahertz.
A piezoelectric crystal generates a surface charge proportional to the applied pressure in a specific direction, a phenomenon known as the piezoelectric effect. Conversely, applying voltage causes deformation, referred to as the inverse piezoelectric effect. While natural crystals were initially used, artificial crystals, such as silicon dioxide and potassium titanate, are now preferred to meet increased demand.
Quartz crystals have electrodes attached, allowing for external current flow. The surface charge of the quartz crystal unit changes periodically in response to the current phase, leading to periodic deformation.
Quartz crystal units are widely used in various household electronic devices like mobile phones, televisions, digital cameras, and computers, due to their stable and minimal frequency fluctuations. They are also integrated into automobiles and medical equipment. Quartz crystal-based oscillation circuits are highly precise, exhibiting accuracy in the ppm (parts per million) range.
Commonly, quartz crystal units are extremely thin, ranging from 20 to 50 micrometers in thickness. Electrodes are attached to the plate surface for connection with external terminals. The thickness and cutting surfaces of the crystal can be adjusted based on the desired functions of the quartz crystal unit.
The frequency of quartz crystal units varies with the crystal's cutting method and thickness. Thinner crystals are used for higher frequencies, while thicker crystals suit lower frequencies. For instance, the "AT cut" method can produce units for a wide temperature range with frequencies from 1 to 300 megahertz.
Other cutting angle variations, like the "BT cut," cover the frequency range of 7 to 38 megahertz, differing in frequency stability compared to the AT cut. Fork-shaped crystals are typically used in timekeeping applications, supporting frequencies of 32.768 kilohertz.
When integrating a quartz crystal unit into a circuit, matching the load capacitance of the circuit with that of the quartz crystal unit is crucial. Load capacitance, viewed from the quartz crystal unit to the oscillation circuit, is the virtual equivalent static capacitance value in series. To stabilize the circuit against changes in load capacitance, it's necessary to choose a quartz crystal unit with an appropriate load capacitance value.
In practical applications, adjustments are made based on the oscillation frequency, allowable deviation, and the quartz crystal unit's load capacitance values. However, due to various factors in real circuits, there is floating capacitance, leading to a deviation between the circuit's oscillation frequency and the standard load capacitance frequency. Adjustments involve determining the difference between these frequencies and fine-tuning the circuit's static capacitance to minimize this difference.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Pletronics Inc. is an ISO-9001, ISO-9001:1994, and ISO-9001:2000-certified manufacturer of frequency control products established in 1979 and based in Lynnwood, Washington, USA. The company offers clock oscillators for establishing a reference frequencies used for timing applications, crystals for microprocessor clocks or IoT hardware, and voltage controlled temperature compensated crystal oscillators (VCTCXOs) for smart meters and GPS transponders. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the communications, aerospace, and R&D sectors.
Microchip Technology Incorporated was incorporated in 1989 and is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona. The company is a developer and manufacturer of control solutions for global markets including the automotive, industrial, communications, human-machine interface, and connectivity industries. The company’s products include microcontrollers, field-programmable gate array products, MOSFET and radio frequency products, and both wired and wireless communications products. The company’s services include wafer foundry and assembly services, test subcontracting manufacturing services, development tools for enabling system designers to program microcontrollers and processors, and timing system products.
Raltron, founded in, Miami, FL in 1983 is a manufacturer of frequency management products. The company's product portfolio includes Ceramic Resonators and Filters, Clock Oscillators, Ceramic Buzzers and Piezo Elements, Microwave Filters and Duplexers and VCOs & PLL Synthesizers. Their products are used in markets such as Automotive and Transportation, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, Healthcare and Medical Devices and Aerospace and Defense. The company has global network of independent Sales Representatives as well as several subsidiary offices in Asia.
Bliley Technologies Inc., originally founded as the Bliley Piezo-Electric Company in 1930 in the USA, is a manufacturer of quartz crystals and components for the communications industry. The company's core product-line includes performance oscillators, atomic clocks, space oscillators, transducers, and filters and multiplexers. Bliley Technologies Inc. offers a wide range of solutions for customized production for clients that include integrated RF embedded boards for assured PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) and high-vibration and G-sensitivity OCXO oscillator solutions for low phase noise connectivity components in extreme shock and acceleration environments.
Diodes Incorporated is a supplier for the consumer electronics, computing, communications, industrial, and automotive markets. Diodes Incorporated designs, manufactures, and supplies application-specific standard products in the discrete, logic, analog, and mixed-signal semiconductor markets worldwide. It focuses on low pin count semiconductor devices. Diodes specializes in semiconductor products, such as MOSFET, TVS, and performance Schottky rectifiers, transient voltage suppressors and other devices. It also provides analog products, such as power management devices comprising AC-DC and DC-DC converters, signaling devices, CMOS devices, and analog switches. Diodes Incorporated was incorporated in 1959 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas.
Abracon LLC, founded in 1992 with headquarters in the USA, is an ISO 9001:2015 manufacturer of precision electronic components for the aerospace, defense, security, medical, and transport markets worldwide. The company's core products include RADAR and LIDAR systems, radio communications, datalinks, aircraft computing, and head-up displays. Transportation products include crystals, oscillators, antennas, and inductors for transportation applications in harsh environments. Abracon LLC's medical solutions include hospital beds, bedside patient monitors, MRIs, and surgery-assisted robotics.
Transko Electronics Inc., established in 1982 in New Taipei City, Taiwan, is a manufacturer and supplier of quality electronic components and transformers. The company's main products include transformers, inductors, coils, and chokes used in a wide range of applications, such as power supplies, telecommunications, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics. Transko's components play a crucial role in ensuring good power management and signal integrity in various electronic devices. With a motive for excellence and continuous innovation, Transko aims to provide good solutions to its customers and meet the ever-evolving demands of the electronics field.
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (Vishay) was incorporated in 1962 and is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The company serves the industrial, automotive, telecommunications, consumer products, and medical end markets and sells its products under numerous brand names inlcuding Siliconix, Draloric, Beyschlag, UltraSource, and Applied Thin-Film Products. The company manufactures and sells discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components in globally while operating in six market segments: MOSFETs, diodes, optoelectronic components, resistors, inductors, and capacitors.
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.
ECS is a designer and manufacturer of frequency control connectivity, synchronization, and timing solutions, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, USA. The products are power inductors, Quartz Crystal oscillators, resonators, real-time clocks, and filters. Crystal products include surface mount crystals, through-hole crystals, tuning forks, and crystal units with integrated thermistors. The company serves consumer products, medical applications, automotive electronics, wearable technologies, and power generation fields. The company won the International Award 2022 Global Distributor of the Year and the Largest Customent Count Growth Award.
RFMW has been a supplier and distributor of specialized radio frequency (RF) and microwave components since it was founded in 2003 and is based in California. They provide RF & Microwave and Power Component distribution that focuses on Technical and Supply Chain Solutions and these include Active Devices like Diodes, Transistors, Amplifiers, Control Components, and more along with Passive devices such as Filters, Inductors, Antennas and alike. They also have Power Management and Interconnect/T&M components which help them serve military, aerospace, test, measurement, medical, and commercial markets.
Seiko NPC Corporation was founded in 1975 is a semiconductor manufacturer based in Japan. Their main product line is crystal oscillator ICs and they have the majority market share in the globe for the product. The Oscillator IC’s are used in electronic equipment including home appliances and communication devices. Recently the company has focused on developing digital sensor products which has been added to their product portfolio. One of the major strength of Seiko NPC is that they have their own plant where all the planning, designing and manufacturing takes place.
Yoketan Corporation, founded in 1995 and based in Taichung City, Taiwan, is a manufacturer and supplier of frequency components such as crystal filters, crystal oscillators, and crystal resonators. Their crystal oscillator product segment is composed of TCXO, VCXO, OCXO SMD crystal & kHz crystal oscillators, and spread spectrum clock oscillators. The crystal unit portfolio includes dip-type crystal, SMD-type crystal, and SMD 32.768 kHz crystal. Yoketan products are used in various applications including TV sets, computers, GPS systems, RF remote controls, and in wire & wireless telecommunication equipment such as transreceivers, GSM, and PHS.
AXTAL GmbH, a subsidiary of Q-Tech Corporation, is a manufacturer of Frequency Control Products (FCP) such as crystal oscillators, saw oscillators, oscillator modules, and frequency reference units founded in 2003 and based in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. They offer various crystal oscillators such as packaged (SPXO), voltage-controlled (VCXO), temperature-compensated (TCXO), and oven-controlled (OCXO) crystal oscillators. Axtal also offers precision crystals, piezo sensors, crystal filters, and distribution amplifiers. Since 2008 AXTAL has been certified to ISO 9001 and applies various capabilities including R&D, design, manufacturing, screening, and testing allowing their products to be used for applications such as military, microwave communication, aerospace, space, and test equipment.
Rakon, founded in 1967 and headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, is a manufacturer of frequency control products and timing solutions. They offer a range of products including OCXO, OCSO, TCXO, VCXO, and VCSO, as well as XO, VCO, resonators, filters, and system solutions, catering to diverse requirements across industries such as telecommunications, space, and defense. Rakon's frequency control products and timing solutions enable the lightning speed of 5G networks, provide precision positioning for autonomous vehicles, ensure synchronization for cloud computing, and facilitate various other applications. The company holds various certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management System.
SIWARD, founded in, Taiwan in 1988 is a manufacturer of Frequency Control & Timing Devices. The company's product portfolio includes crystals and oscillators, Differential Output Oscillators, High-precision Oscillators, Low Jitter Oscillators and Low Phase Noise Oscillators. The company serves markets including Medical and Healthcare, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building. They have sales offices, R&D centers and manufacturing facilities spread over close Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, Malaysia, the United States, and Europe.
Epson Europe Electronics GmbH has been a manufacturer and supplier of electronic devices and components since 1989 and is based in Munich, Germany. The company's product portfolio includes quartz crystal devices, semiconductor devices, and sensing systems. The quartz crystals which are also known as timing devices are further subcategorized into crystal units, Oscillators, and real-time clock modules. The semiconductors have sues as Microcontroller, Display controllers, and for small network connecting, whereas the sensing systems provide solutions for accuracy, noise control, power consumption, and stability. These products have uses in Automotives, Industrial networking and healthcare, fitness, and energy control solutions.
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.
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.
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.
TXC Corporation is a manufacturer of crystal units and oscillators that was founded in 1983 in Taipei, Taiwan. The company’s products are for controlling or selecting frequencies, and generating stable signals for communication or navigation purposes. Along with crystal units and oscillators, it offers frequency and noise filters, timing modules, and surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices for mobile or IoT devices. The company also provides custom solutions for clients with unique project specifications. Its products are primarily used in the aerospace, consumer electronics, and communications industries.
River Eletec Corp. is a manufacturer of quartz crystal devices and resistors that was originally founded in Yamanashi, Japan as River Electronics Co. Ltd. in 1967 before rebranding in 2004. The company primarily produces quartz units for generating or stabilizing frequencies for electronic circuitry, surface mount device (SMD) resistors for voltage limitation, and crystal oscillators. It also offers array microphones for capturing sound from multiple directions, and crystal filters for signal selection. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the communication, defense, and consumer electronics industries.
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.
CITIZEN FINEDEVICE CO., LTD. is a Japanese manufacturer headquartered in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi. It was established in 1959 through the merger of three Japanese companies: Citizen Miyota Co., Ltd., Citizen Finetech Co., Ltd., and Citizen Seimitsu Co., Ltd. The company specializes in precise metal parts for automobiles and other products, including quartz oscillators and ceramic components. Production processes are supported by various technologies, such as precise metal part machining, thin-film technology, and sealing technology, catering to different applications. Since 2019, CITIZEN FINEDEVICE, along with its holding company CITIZEN Group, has actively implemented Responsible Minerals Procurement Policy and Environmental Policy.
IQD Frequency Products Ltd. (IQD) is a British manufacturer and distributor of frequency control products established in 1973 and based in Crewkerne, Somerset. The company produces quartz crystals and various controlled crystal oscillators including TCXOs and OCXOs, as well as clock, fast make, and rubidium oscillator models. Their products are used in radio or optical fiber data transmission, computing, and the manufacture of consumer electronics. IQD distributes its products via its own sales network, which covers more than 80 countries in six continents.
Kyocera Corporation was incorporated in 1946 in Kyoto, Japan as Kyoto Ceramics, but the name was later shortened to Kyocera. Kyocera is a multinational manufacturer and distributor of consumer products as well as industrial components including ceramic and electronic components used in the semiconductor, wireless communications, electronics, and wireless communications markets. Kyocera’s consumer products line includes smartphones and kitchenware such as ceramic knives, cookware, and drinkware. Ceramics are used in semiconductors, solar photovoltaic modules, as well as cutting tools. Kyocera’s electronics cameras, LCDs, medical products, and more.
Seiko Inn Sur was established in 1937 and headquartered in Chiba-shi, Japan is a manufacturer of electronic components, mechanical precision parts and printing devices. The company boasts an extensive and diversified product portfolio including miniature ball bearings, thermal printers, superior performance Co-Ni alloy products, and rare earth magnets among others. These products span a wide spectrum of industries and sectors including commercial printing companies, healthcare facilities, automotive, household appliances, and in the production of musical instrument accessories.
Richardson RFPD, based in Geneva, Illinois, is an electronic component distributor that became a subsidiary of Arrow Electronics in 2011. The company stocks products such as antennas, power supplies, and ICs, and its engineering team brings together over 600 years of combined design experience in IoT product development, wireless, and RF, making it competent from conception to production. The company is ISO 9001 certified and has three international distribution hubs in Asia, Europe, and North America. It sells products from several brands, including Advanced Thermal Solutions, Empower RF Systems Inc., and Carlisle Interconnect Technologies.
Kingtronics International Company was established in 1990 in Hong Kong and has several factories across China manufacturing electronic components such as bridge rectifiers. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and works with several distributors around the world including KORE, Prod. El, DTDS, and others. The company produces two kinds of electronics components: passive components such as aluminum electrolytic capacitors including radial type and axial type, and active components such as diodes, transistors, and bridge rectifiers.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | CTS Corporation |
10.0%
|
2 | Raltron Electronics Corporation |
7.5%
|
3 | Bliley Technologies Inc. |
5.4%
|
4 | Diodes Incorporated |
5.0%
|
5 | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., |
4.8%
|
6 | Pletronics Inc. |
4.6%
|
7 | Transko Electronics |
4.6%
|
8 | Abracon |
4.4%
|
9 | Microchip Technology Inc. |
4.1%
|
10 | ECS Inc. |
4.1%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the quartz crystal unit page as of November 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 (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 11 | 40.7% |
Japan | 7 | 25.9% |
Taiwan | 3 | 11.1% |
Germany | 3 | 11.1% |
New Zealand | 1 | 3.7% |
Switzerland | 1 | 3.7% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 3.7% |
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