Definition

1. Noun:
   • An electronic oscillator circuit that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating piezoelectric crystal to create a precise electrical signal with a constant frequency. The frequency is determined by the physical characteristics (such as shape, size, and cut) of the crystal, typically made of quartz.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The clock's accuracy depends on a tiny crystal oscillator inside the circuit.
  • Modern communication devices rely on crystal oscillators to maintain stable frequency signals.
  • Replacing the faulty crystal oscillator fixed the timing issue in the microcontroller.

Advanced Usage and Technical Context

• "To be driven by a crystal oscillator": Describes a circuit or device whose timing is controlled by this component.
  • The microprocessor is driven by a 16 MHz crystal oscillator.
• "Crystal oscillator stability": Refers to how little the output frequency varies with environmental factors like temperature.
  • High-precision instruments require a crystal oscillator with excellent stability.

Variants and Related Words

• Oscillator (n): A general circuit that generates a repetitive electronic signal.
• Quartz Crystal (n): The piezoelectric material, often quartz, that is the core resonant element within the oscillator.
• Crystal Clock (n): A timing device or signal source that uses a crystal oscillator.
• XO (Abbreviation): Stands for Crystal Oscillator.
• TCXO (Abbreviation): Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator, a variant designed for better stability.
• VCXO (Abbreviation): Voltage-Controlled Crystal Oscillator, a variant where the frequency can be tuned slightly by an applied voltage.

Synonyms

• Quartz Oscillator: A direct synonym emphasizing the crystal material.
• Crystal Clock Oscillator: A synonym highlighting its primary use for timing.
• Piezoelectric Oscillator: A more technical synonym describing the operating principle.

Related Phrases and Compound Terms (Not the target word itself)

• Crystal oscillator circuit: The complete electronic circuit containing the oscillator.
• Crystal oscillator frequency: The specific rate of oscillation produced.
• Crystal oscillator output: The electrical signal generated by the oscillator.

Notes

• The term "crystal oscillator" is a compound noun. Its meaning is specific to electronics and precision timing. It is a key component in virtually all digital electronics, including computers, watches, radios, and mobile phones, providing a stable "clock" signal.

Noun

1. an oscillator that produces electrical oscillations at a frequency determined by the physical characteristics of a piezoelectric quartz crystal