basiskristalloscillator

A basiskristalloscillator, or fundamental crystal oscillator, is an electronic oscillator circuit that uses the mechanical resonance of a piezoelectric crystal to generate a precise and stable frequency. The piezoelectric effect is the property of certain materials to produce an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress, and conversely, to deform mechanically when subjected to an electric field. This property allows a crystal to act as a very high-Q mechanical resonator.

In a basiskristalloscillator, the crystal is placed between two electrodes. When an alternating voltage is applied to the electrodes, the crystal vibrates at its natural resonant frequency. This mechanical vibration, in turn, generates an electrical signal at the same frequency. The oscillator circuit is designed to amplify this signal and feed it back to the crystal, sustaining the oscillation. The frequency of oscillation is primarily determined by the physical dimensions, cut, and material of the crystal.

These oscillators are widely used in applications requiring precise timing and frequency stability, such as in watches, clocks, computers, radio transmitters and receivers, and telecommunications equipment. Their stability arises from the crystal's high mechanical Q factor, which means it loses very little energy during vibration, leading to a very sharp resonance and thus a highly stable output frequency. The term "basiskristalloscillator" specifically refers to an oscillator where the crystal is operating at its fundamental resonant mode, as opposed to higher harmonic modes.