Why TCXO is preferable over standard crystal oscillator?

A crystal oscillator is an electronic oscillator circuit that draws on the mechanical resonance of a vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material. Crystal oscillator is the best option, in case you are looking forward to generate an electrical signal with a specific frequency. This type of frequency is basically required for maintaining track of time. It is used in digital integrated circuits to get constant clock signals and to stabilize frequencies in radio transmitters and receivers. The quartz crystal is most commonly used piezoelectric resonator which is why the oscillator circuits designed using quartz crystal are known as crystal oscillators.rnThere are several factors that can affect the resonant frequency of a quartz crystal including environmental changes such as temperature, pressure, humidity, etc. However, there are certain designs that have the minimum effect of environmental changes on them. Some of these designs comprise of TCXO, VCXO and OCXO. In this article, I am giving some brief introduction on TCXOs which can help you to understand this design better.rnTemperature compensated crystal oscillator is often referred to as TCXOs. It features tremendous temperature characteristic with low power consumption and speedy heat up. That’s why it is considered to be highly temperature-stable device at a given temperature. Moreover, there are certain models of TCXOs available in the market that allows and facilitates the user to adjust the frequency through external control voltage. rnThe basic importance of TCXO is that it can deliver tremendous temperature stability within a compact, light-weight and low power device. There are several applications for which TCXO is an ideal design such as telecommunication equipment including mobile telephone, microwaves, satellite communication technologies, etc. Here’s an overview of TCXO design features that differs it from basic crystal oscillator design: • Delivers precise frequency and reduced long term agingrn• Prone to external changes in the circuitrn• Integrated with internal regulator to lessen the effect of changes in voltage Because of the admirable features of a TXCO, it is preferable to standard crystal oscillator.