What is a crystal oscillator? What are its functions?

Feb. 04, 2026

An OCXO (Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator) operates through a crystal that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice versa, achieving stable, precise single-frequency oscillation. Under standard conditions, a typical OCXO offers an absolute frequency accuracy of 50 parts per million (ppm), with higher-grade models achieving even greater precision. Certain OCXOs can also be frequency-adjusted within a specific range by applying an external voltage, known as a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCXO).

The OCXO provides the system with a fundamental clock signal. Typically, a single OCXO is shared by the system to ensure synchronization across components. In some communication systems, the baseband and radio frequency operate on separate OCXOs, with synchronization achieved through electronic frequency adjustment.

OCXO is typically paired with a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit to deliver the system's required clock frequency. When different subsystems require distinct clock frequencies, multiple PLLs connected to the same OCXO can be employed to meet these needs.

What are the functions of clocks and OCXO?

The function of OCXO is to provide a clock signal (a very stable frequency signal) to the microcontroller, ensuring that all internal components operate in sync and maintaining synchronization during communication with external devices.

Where is the OCXO in the motherboard, and what is its function?

Function of OCXO: The primary OCXO components on a motherboard are the real-time OCXO and clock OCXO. The real-time OCXO provides the oscillation frequency, which serves as the foundation for nearly all frequencies on the motherboard. If the OCXO is damaged, the motherboard will fail to operate properly. The OCXO, along with clock chips, sound card chips, network card chips, graphics cards, and other components, forms the oscillation circuit and is a critical source of clock signals across the entire board. To test the OCXO, measure the voltage across its two pins using a multimeter. Under normal conditions, the voltages will differ, creating a voltage differential. For waveform analysis, use an oscilloscope to measure both frequency and waveform. To measure resistance, connect the red probe to ground and the black probe to measure the resistance between the two pins.

Previous: What is a Crystal Oscillator? An Introduction to the Basic Knowledge of Crystal Oscillators

Next: What causes the significant price variations in time servers?

Driven by modern Industry 4.0 and intelligent manufacturing, enterprises have put forward higher requirements for production efficiency, data accuracy, and system stability. Among them, time synchronization technology, as the foundation of industrial control systems (such as PLC, SCADA, MES, etc.), has become an indispensable part of smart factorie

Feb 04, 2026

What is an IEEE1588 clock synchronization device?

IEEE1588 is a time synchronization protocol that works in tandem with clocks. This explains why we often refer to IEEE1588 clock synchronization devices, systems, or servers. Here's a quick overview of IEEE1588 clock synchronization. If you spot any inaccuracies, feel free to point them out. IEEE 1588 is a time synchronization protocol, abbreviated

Feb 04, 2026

How does atomic clock help autonomous driving?

Imagine you're driving a smart car down a busy city road. The vehicle automatically recognizes traffic signals, avoids obstacles, keeps a safe distance from other vehicles, and even predicts road conditions ahead. All these seemingly sci-fi scenes are gradually becoming a reality. However, have you

Feb 04, 2026

Clock Server | High-Precision Time Synchronization for Digital Upgrades

In today's global digital wave, key processes such as communication base station switching, power system protection, data center transaction recording, and industrial production scheduling all rely on precise time synchronization support. As a core device that provides a unified time reference, the performance of clock servers directly determines t

Feb 04, 2026

Atomic Clock Applications in Airport Operations

In the field of modern air transportation, the accuracy of time is not only a technical issue but also a key link related to safety. Among numerous high-precision timekeeping devices, atomic clocks, with their outstanding stability and precision, have become an indispensable technical support for airports worldwide. This article will delve into the

Feb 04, 2026

Introduction to the Working Principle and Application Field of Clock Chip

Clock chips are critical electronic components that play a vital role in various devices and systems. From smartphones to computers, automobiles, communication equipment, and industrial control systems, clock chips are indispensable components. They not only provide time information but also synchronize and control various device operations. In thi

Feb 04, 2026

What are the working principles of the metro clock system?

The metro clock system is a key component of the metro's low-voltage power supply system. Its primary function is to provide standardized time signals for OCC dispatchers, station staff, maintenance personnel, office workers, and passengers, while also supplying synchronized clock signals to other subsystems. So, how much do you know about the work

Feb 04, 2026

Crystal Oscillators: The "Digital Heart" of High-end Equipment — Indispensable in the AI Era

Recently, three major breakthroughs in artificial intelligence — the open-source large language model DeepSeek, the Blackwell GPU architecture, and humanoid robots — have been selected among the World's Top 10 Engineering Achievements. If these innovations are the "brains" of the AI era, crystal oscillators act as the precise "pulse" sustaining

Feb 04, 2026

Working Principle of Crystal Oscillators

In electronic devices, crystal oscillators are crucial components that serve to stabilize frequencies in circuits. They are widely used in electronic systems such as microcontrollers, communication equipment, audio amplifiers, and timer modules, acting as key parts to ensure the stable operation of devices.

Feb 04, 2026

Industrial Internet and intelligent manufacturing: how time synchronization improves production efficiency and quality

Zhejiang Saisi Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. is deeply involved in the field of time-frequency synchronization, focusing on the R&D and production of time-frequency equipment, NTP servers and PTP servers. Relying on the accumulation of mature technologies, it creates a time synchronization solution suitable for industrial Internet and intelligent

Feb 04, 2026