An unsuitable quartz crystal can lead to higher power consumption, as an unfavourable ESR value, incorrect load capacitance or unstable settling behaviour can place a greater strain on the oscillator circuit. Particularly in low-power designs, the clock source has a huge impact on the energy efficiency of the entire system.

If a quartz crystal has difficulty starting to oscillate, the circuit requires more time or more electrical headroom to establish a stable oscillation. For example: if telegrams cannot be transmitted precisely within the specified duty cycle and the transmission has to be repeated. In devices with frequent wake-up cycles, this can increase the system’s energy consumption and thereby reduce battery life. An incorrectly selected load capacitance can also shift the operating point or operating frequency and impair the efficiency of the oscillator circuit or the entire system.

In battery-powered products such as smart meters, IoT sensors, wireless modules, wearables and medical devices, an unsuitable quartz crystal can therefore impair battery life. A seemingly small component can thus have a major impact on overall performance.

PETERMANN-TECHNIK GmbH helps customers find the right quartz crystal for their specific application. Our exclusive SMD-LRT quartz crystals with LOW-ESR technology ensure reliable oscillation under all conditions and energy-efficient oscillator circuits.

Through technical advice, product configurators, cross-reference, samples and 100% testing we minimise the risk of incorrect component selection. Customers receive a clock solution that not only delivers the required frequency, but also enhances the energy efficiency and reliability of the end product.

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