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TCXO and VCTCXO FAQs

To get answers to the most frequently asked questions about our TCXOs and VCTCXOs, please select one of the links below:

What is a TCXO?
What are common applications for a TCXO?
What is a VCTCXO?
What is the difference between a VCXO and a VCTCXO?
What are common applications for a VCTCXO?
What information is needed to order TCXOs or VCTCXOs from International Crystal?
Will International Crystal help design a TCXO or a VCTCXO for our specific application?

What is a TCXO?

A TCXO is a temperature compensated crystal oscillator. Compensation components have been added to enhance the temperature stability of the basic oscillator to improve performance in more critical applications.

What are common applications for a TCXO?

Applications include Telecom Timing Modules, Wireless Systems Reference Oscillators (Microwave, Etc.), Precision Instruments, and other frequency sensitive applications.

What is a VCTCXO?

A VCTCXO is a Voltage Controlled Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator.

What is the difference between a VCXO and a VCTCXO?

A VCTCXO has much better stability than the stability of a VCXO because it is a VCXO with a temperature compensation network inside.

What are common applications for a VCTCXO?

VCTCXOs have a wide range of applications in wireless telecommunications such as portable telephone, VHF/UHF, CATV, instrument for GPS, PLL circuits, AFC circuits, and Radio Frequency (RF) modules.

What information is needed to order TCXOs or VCTCXOs from International Crystal?

To order TCXOs and VCTCXOs you must address and answer the following questions:

On what frequency do you wish to operate?
How much can the frequency vary in your system?
What is the temperature range the oscillator will operate over?
What power is available to operate the oscillator?
What is the voltage level and its tolerance?
How much current can the oscillator consume?
How large can this oscillator be physically?
What output wave shape is required in your system? (TTL, CMOS, ECL, Sine Wave)
What is the sine wave level and harmonic levels required?
What type of load will the output of the oscillator experience? (ex. 50 ohms)
How closely does the oscillator need to be set to frequency?
Do you need a trimmer to compensate for aging or crystal differences?
How much can the oscillator shift frequency over time?

Will International Crystal help design a TCXO or a VCTCXO for our specific application?

ICM engineers and design staff will gladly assist you to solve your unique TCXO or VCTCXO needs.

If you have more questions about our TCXOs and VCTCXOs, call us today at 1-800-725-1426, fill out our contact form, email us at info@icmfg.com or request an online quote for International Crystal Manufacturing radio frequency control devices – quartz crystals, oscillators, QCM crystals, filters, TCXOs / VCTCXOs, and precision crystals.

International Crystal Manufacturing
10 North Lee Avenue • Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-725-1426 • Toll Free Fax: 1-800-322-9426
Phone: 1-405-236-3741 • Fax: 1-405-235-1904
Email: info@icmfg.com