crystal oscillator
- noun
- /ˈkrɪstl ˌɒsɪˈleɪtə/
- Specialized
:
oscilador de cristal
- Each radio transmitter relies on a crystal oscillator to maintain accurate frequency output.
Examples
-
The 3022 series of high-ratio, hyper-abrupt, varactor tuning diodes from Knox Semiconductor was designed to control crystal oscillator frequency with a DC-bias voltage.
Academic text (2002) -
In the models 3363-B and -C, a synthesized frequency source stabilized to a crystal oscillator can be furnished for the frequency range of 50 kHz to 2 GHz.
Academic text (2003) -
Instead, it uses a small crystal oscillator that has a sharp probe mounted at the end of the crystal to scan the surface of the sample.
Academic text (2004) -
The clock uses a crystal oscillator to ensure its timekeeping is precise.
-
The device contains a crystal oscillator that stabilizes the signal for better performance.
Synonyms
10
7.2
A device that makes a regular repeating signal like sound or electric current
An electronic device that makes a very steady electric signal by using a vibrating quartz crystal
How Stable
- Specialized
5
4.3
- Specialized
- Specialized
1
5.1
4
4.5
- Specialized
9
7.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun–noun compound is compositional: 'crystal' modifies 'oscillator', so a learner who knows 'crystal' (a piece of quartz) and 'oscillator' (a device that produces periodic waves) can infer it is an oscillator that uses a crystal. Technical specifics about piezoelectric resonance and precise frequency are specialist, but the core meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and common compound patterns.
Etymology
Crystal oscillator comes from a small crystal of quartz that vibrates like a tiny tuning fork, and an oscillator is something that makes a regular back-and-forth movement. Electronics use that steady vibration as a 'precise frequency' or a steady beat to 'keep time' and control other parts, so the name explains why it gives a very steady signal.