Crystal Oscillators

A crystal oscillator is an electromechanical device and electronic oscillator circuit that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating piezoelectric crystal to create an electric signal with a high precision frequency. Also known as a quartz crystal oscillator, electronic crystal oscillator or crystal controlled oscillator, these components are essential timing and frequency reference devices across industrial, commercial and consumer electronics applications.

RS Australia is a trusted supplier of crystal oscillators from leading brands including Epson, Abracon and ECS Inc International, with fast delivery available across Australia.

Key Uses of Crystal Oscillators

Crystal oscillators are used to keep track of time, provide stable clock signals and synchronise the operation of electronic devices within a system. They are also used to stabilise frequencies for radio transmitters and receivers, clocks, computers and cell phones. Quartz crystal can also be found inside test and measurement equipment such as counters, signal generators and oscilloscopes.

Additional key uses include:

• Clock signal generation for microcontrollers, CPUs and FPGAs.
• Timing reference in communication systems including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE and GPS receivers.
• Frequency stabilisation in test and measurement equipment.
• Use across consumer electronics, industrial automation and medical devices.
• Compatible output levels include CMOS, HCMOS, TTL and LVDS.

Buy Crystal Oscillators in Australia

RS Australia stocks a wide range of crystal oscillators covering clock oscillators and XO types in SMD (4-pin and 6-pin) and through-hole PDIP packages. The range spans frequencies from 1MHz to 125MHz and above, with frequency stability from ±20 to ±50 ppm. Supply voltage compatibility covers 1.62V to 5.5V, making the range suitable for a broad spectrum of embedded and industrial designs.

XO and Crystal Oscillators

XO crystal oscillators use a quartz crystal resonator to generate a precise, stable frequency output for digital circuits, microprocessors and communication systems. Available in surface mount and through-hole formats, they support CMOS, HCMOS and TTL output levels and are the most commonly specified oscillator type for general-purpose clock generation in embedded and industrial applications.

Quartz Crystal Oscillators

Quartz crystals are manufactured for frequencies ranging from a few tens of kilohertz up to hundreds of megahertz. A quartz crystal oscillator uses the piezoelectric properties of a quartz crystal to produce highly stable frequency signals with low phase noise and high accuracy.

Piezoelectric crystal oscillator and piezo crystal oscillator variants are available in AT-cut and BT-cut crystal configurations, with frequency stability specifications typically ranging from ±20 ppm to ±50 ppm for precision timing applications.

High Frequency Crystal Oscillators

High frequency crystal oscillators are designed for applications requiring MHz-range and above output frequencies, including RF systems, wireless communications, signal processing and radar. A crystal controlled oscillator uses a crystal resonator to stabilise output frequency with greater precision than RC or LC oscillator alternatives.

How to Choose the Right Crystal Oscillator

• Frequency and Stability: Match the output frequency and stability specification (ppm) to the precision requirements of the application.
• Oscillator Type: Choose a standard XO for general-purpose use, a VCXO where voltage-controlled frequency adjustment is needed, TCXO for improved temperature stability, and an OCXO where the highest possible frequency stability is required.
• Output type: Confirm CMOS, HCMOS, TTL or LVDS compatibility with the downstream circuitry.
• Package format: Select SMD for high-volume PCB assembly or through-hole for prototyping and lower-volume designs.
• Operating temperature range: Particularly important for automotive, industrial and outdoor applications.

Common Industry Applications

• Telecommunications: Frequency reference and timing synchronisation in network infrastructure and wireless systems.
• Consumer Electronics: Clock generation in smartphones, tablets and wearable devices using quartz crystal oscillator components.
• Automotive: Crystal controlled oscillators in infotainment, telematics and advanced driver assistance systems.
• Industrial Automation: Stable clock signals for PLCs, motion controllers and industrial communication interfaces.
• Aerospace and Defence: High frequency crystal oscillators for radar, navigation and field communication equipment.
• IoT and Embedded Systems: Compact SMD electronic crystal oscillators for low-power sensor nodes and connected devices.
• Test and Measurement: Quartz oscillators providing precision frequency references in counters, signal generators and oscilloscopes.

Your Trusted Crystal Oscillator Supplier in Australia

RS Australia is a trusted supplier and distributor of crystal oscillators, stocking quartz crystal oscillator and piezoelectric crystal oscillator solutions from leading brands including Epson, Abracon and ECS Inc International. Besides that, we also stock OCXO oscillators, pocket reference oscillators and programmable oscillators for all your industrial needs.

Full datasheets and specifications are available online to support confident component selection. Place your order today for fast, reliable delivery to any location across Australia. More information on shipping can be found on our delivery page.