Resonators

We offer a wide range of crystal and ceramic resonators, for SMD or through hole mounting

What is a resonator

A resonator is a device or system that exhibits resonance or resonant behaviour. That is, it naturally oscillates with greater amplitude at some frequencies, called resonant frequencies, than at other frequencies. The oscillations in a resonator can be either electromagnetic or mechanical (including acoustic).

Resonators are used to either generate waves of specific frequencies or to select specific frequencies from a signal. Musical instruments use acoustic resonators that produce sound waves of specific tones. Another example is quartz crystals used in electronic devices such as radio transmitters and quartz watches to produce oscillations of very precise frequency.

Resonators can be built to use the piezoelectric effect found within quartz crystals. Crystals and almost all elastic materials have a natural resonance frequency, which can be used through appropriate sensors. The resonance frequency depends on the crystal size, shape, elasticity, and speed of sound in the substance. Crystals for high frequency are usually cut into simple shapes, such as square slices. Typical low-frequency crystals are often cut into tuning fork shapes, such as those used in watches. If high accuracy is not essential, ceramic resonators can also be used instead of quartz crystal resonators.

Applications for resonance

• Resonance can be employed to maintain AC circuit oscillations at a constant frequency, just as a pendulum can be used to maintain constant oscillation speed in a timekeeping mechanism.
• Resonance can be exploited for its impedance properties: either dramatically increasing or decreasing impedance for certain frequencies. Circuits designed to screen certain frequencies out of a mix of different frequencies are called filters.