Crystal oscillators transform mechanical energy into electrical energy and are used for precise timing in watches and electronics. Quartz crystals are commonly used due to their stable frequency at various conditions. The piezoelectric effect was discovered by Pierre and Jacques Curie in 1880. The crystal is cut into a thin slice or tuning fork shape and placed between two conductive metal plates. Crystal oscillators are useful in computers, cell phones, and radios for their precision and ability to filter out unwanted frequencies.
A crystal oscillator is a device used to transform or produce electrical energy from mechanical energy. In most cases, these oscillators are subjected to an electrical impulse which causes them to oscillate at a precise frequency. The frequency of each crystal remains stable at a variety of temperatures and pressures and in the presence of many different materials and chemicals, making it ideal for operations requiring precise timing in many circumstances. These devices are commonly used in watches and electronics for both their accuracy and durability.
The properties of the crystal oscillator were first discovered in 1880 by Pierre and Jacques Curie. These two scientists discovered that quartz crystals produce an electric charge when they are forced to deform and change their physical shape when subjected to an electric charge, a property they have called the piezoelectric effect. Experiments with these crystals showed that they oscillated at a precise frequency when electric current passed through them.
One of the main components of a crystal oscillator is the crystal itself. Many different types of crystals can be used as oscillators, but the most commonly used variety is quartz, which is often grown under controlled circumstances before being cut and used as an oscillator. The crystal is cut into a thin slice or tuning fork shape and then placed between two conductive metal plates. As current passes through the device, the crystal begins to expand and contract, or oscillate, at a precise frequency. An amplifier connected to the crystal oscillator increases the output of the device which can then be used to time mechanical or electrical processes.
The frequency stability of a crystal oscillator makes it ideal for use in watches and electronics. Quartz crystal has been used to control the time of clocks since soon after the discovery of the piezoelectric effect. Watches with these oscillators are known for their ability to withstand changes in temperature and pressure and remain accurate over long periods of time.
In electronics, crystal oscillators are often used in computers, cell phones and radios. Crystals are useful in these devices for the precision of their oscillation, which allows the crystal to be used to filter out unwanted frequencies. The crystal oscillator also expands and contracts mainly along one axis, which gives the device a low phase shift. These two qualities give it the ability to accurately time a process and maintain a strong signal, both qualities that make it ideal for use in electronics.
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