kristallioskillaattori

A kristallioskillaattori, often translated as crystal oscillator, is an electronic oscillator that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material to create an electrical signal with a very precise frequency. This frequency is determined by the physical dimensions of the crystal and the mode of vibration. Quartz is the most commonly used material due to its piezoelectric properties and stability over a wide temperature range.

The basic principle relies on the piezoelectric effect, where applying a voltage across the crystal causes it to deform, and conversely, mechanical stress on the crystal generates a voltage. In a crystal oscillator circuit, the crystal is placed between two electrodes. When power is applied, the crystal begins to vibrate at its resonant frequency. This vibration is then converted back into an electrical signal by the electrodes. The oscillator circuit is designed to amplify this signal and feed it back to the crystal in a way that sustains the oscillation at its natural frequency.

Crystal oscillators are widely used in applications requiring stable and accurate frequency generation. This includes quartz watches, computers, radios, televisions, and telecommunications equipment. Their high frequency stability and accuracy make them indispensable for timing and synchronization purposes in modern electronics. The precision of a crystal oscillator is often measured by its frequency stability, which indicates how much its frequency deviates over time and with changes in temperature or other environmental factors.