AdvancedA-002-011-009

Which of the following properties does not apply to a crystal when used in an oscillator circuit?

A
Answer
Circuit design and power supplies
Type
A
High power output
B
Good frequency stability
C
Very low noise because of high Q
D
Good frequency accuracy

Answer Notes

Crystal oscillators are highly prized in radio design for their excellent frequency stability, high accuracy, and very low phase noise, all of which are direct results of the crystal's extremely high Q factor. However, they cannot produce high power output. Quartz crystals are delicate physical components that rely on mechanical vibrations. If you attempt to drive a crystal with too much power, the excessive mechanical vibration will cause it to overheat, drift off frequency, or even physically shatter. Therefore, oscillators are always used in low-power stages and are followed by separate amplifier stages.
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Crystals are sometimes used in a circuit which has an output close to an integral multiple of the crystal frequency. This circuit is called:
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Crystal oscillators, filters and microphones depend upon which principle?