OCXO is abbreviated as oven-controlled crystal oscillators and these are the oscillators that offer exceedingly high levels of temperature stability. These oscillators utilize a thermostatically controlled oven so that they can maintain their temperature above the normal level from the surroundings and hence at a constant temperature level. Therefore, the OCXO provides a highly stable signal source. OCXOs are designed with the highest quality standards by utilizing high tolerance quartz crystal resonators. These are much more expensive than other types of crystal oscillators because of the additional oven hardware and high tolerance crystals.
Just like many other crystal-based products, OCXOs also come in a wide variety of packaging styles and types. Before you purchase them, it is important to consider the performance level and cost because they can vary considerably.
General Considerations of OCXO Oscillators
OCXO oscillators offer better performance in comparison to other types o crystal oscillators. However, it is crucial to consider a few important factors when you are choosing to purchase one.
Temperature Stability
From the name of the oscillators, we can say that these are temperature-controlled oscillators. This means that their temperature stability is much better than that of a TCXO and certain other types of crystal oscillators. Therefore, if you need a crystal oscillator for applications requiring high-temperature stability, OCXO is the better option.
Frequency Accuracy
As we stated before that OCXOs have high levels of temperature stability. This in turn leads to the act that they must also have high-frequency accuracy. The improved temperature stability can be matched with a high accuracy quartz crystal to ensure that offers a high level of basic accuracy.
Overall Performance
To match the high-temperature stability of OCXO, the overall performance of these oscillators is enhanced. But the temperature stability and improved performance can lead to increased costs.
Size
OCXOs are much larger in size than the ordinary crustal oscillators and may occupy a lot of space. This is because they need to incorporate the oscillator itself as well as the heater, control circuitry, and thermal insulator around the crystal oscillator. Therefore, you must always consider the size of these oscillators before you use them for a project to ensure that it fits your project.
Power Consumption
As there are heaters supplied in OCXOs which means they need a lot of electrical current to operate. Some of the units may needs an Amp or so for warming up. However, this figure will decrease as the temperature inside the OCXO increases and the temperature is stabilized.
Separate Power Supply
Often the heater in OCXO will require a separate power source. It does not require the same level of regulation, and the oscillator must have its own required level of regulation. This is crucial for eliminating any noise or Rdio Frequency interference that may appear on the power line and reduce the performance level of OCXO.
Cost
As OCXO oscillators have additional circuitry and mechanical support components along with their improved performance through high temperature stability, these oscillators may cost higher than the standard oscillators. But if you want a highly efficient and effective result as well as improved performance levels than spending some money to get the best out of it will be all worth it at the end.
Conclusion
OCXO oscillators ae considered better in performance than other standard crystal oscillators because of their special properties and benefits over other forms. However, there are still a number of characteristics that you must consider before buying them and using them for a certain project. Visit our shopping website for the best versions of OCXOs.
