Oscillators

Oscillators are electronic circuits which generate a certain frequency. They are used to produce signals in a variety of applications including audio, radio, and TV broadcasting. One such oscillator, the ASTMHTE-20.000MHZ-XR-E, is a frequency-stable device that is commonly utilized in a variety of applications.

Application Field

The ASTMHTE-20.000MHZ-XR-E is frequently used in a wide range of industries including medical, industrial, and military. In medical contexts, the resonator is used to regulate the speed of medical equipment such as ultrasound machines and other instruments. In industrial applications, the device is used to time product assembly, machine operation, or other automated process. In military applications, the oscillator is integral for a variety of instrumentation such as navigation systems, communications equipment, and radar jamming equipment.

Working Principle

The ASTMHTE-20.000MHZ-XR-E is an X-Ray-excited quartz crystal, formed by connecting two thin quartz slices together, held in place by a delicate metal frame. The circuit resonates at its own unique frequency which is determined by several factors including the shape of the quartz, the size of the gap between the crystal slices, and the thickness of the crystal slices.

To set the frequency, an X-Ray gun is used to bombard the crystal directly. When the X-Ray photon interacts with atoms inside the crystal it causes the lattice to vibrate, and thus, changes the crystal’s resonating frequency. This frequency change is extremely small, however, and other techniques such as mechanical or electrical pressure are also used to tune the resonance frequency.

When the circuit is excited by electrical signals, the crystal will emit an oscillating signal with an output frequency proportional to the input. This signal stays consistent over time, temperature variations, and other environmental influences. Furthermore, the resonator offers superior phase-noise performance and temperature stability.