29/04/2025 5:34 am
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I'm trying to understand how clock signals are generated in electronic circuits. I often see quartz crystals used for clock generation in electronic circuits. Are they more accurate or stable compared to other options? Or is there another reason they’re so popular?
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02/05/2025 5:39 am
Quartz crystals are popular in electronic circuits for clock generation mainly because of their accuracy and stability. Compared to other timing methods like RC oscillators or ceramic resonators, quartz crystals maintain a very precise and consistent frequency over time and across temperature variations.
They typically have an accuracy around ±50 ppm or better, which is more than enough for most microcontroller and communication applications. Plus, quartz is naturally piezoelectric, so when cut and shaped properly, it can resonate at a predictable frequency when voltage is applied, making it ideal for generating clean, low-jitter clock signals.
Another reason they're so widely used is that they’re cost-effective. You get a high level of precision and long-term reliability without a high price, which is perfect for both consumer electronics and industrial applications.
