Crystals and oscillators are commonly used clock sources in electronic devices, providing stable clock signals. They have some differences in terms of working principles and applications.
A crystal is a quartz crystal that is cut into a specific shape and has a specific crystal lattice structure. When an electric field or mechanical stress is applied, the crystal exhibits the piezoelectric effect, generating electric charges. This piezoelectric effect allows the crystal to produce a stable oscillation frequency. The oscillation frequency of a crystal is determined by its size and crystal lattice structure, typically ranging from kilohertz to hundreds of megahertz. Crystals usually require an external oscillator circuit to drive and amplify the oscillation signal. Crystal sockets are used to securely hold and connect the crystal to the circuit.
An oscillator is an electronic circuit used to generate a stable oscillation signal. It is typically composed of a crystal and other electronic components, such as amplifiers and feedback circuits. The oscillator generates self-sustained oscillation by feeding back a portion of the output signal to the input. The frequency of the oscillator is determined by its circuit parameters and feedback network and can be adjusted as needed. Oscillators generally have higher output power and lower frequency stability compared to crystals.
In summary, a crystal is a quartz crystal that generates a stable oscillation frequency through the piezoelectric effect, while an oscillator is an electronic circuit that generates a stable oscillation signal through feedback mechanisms. Crystals are often used as the core component of oscillators to provide stable clock signals. Crystal sockets and oscillator sockets are used to securely hold and connect the crystal or oscillator to the circuit.
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