Ceramic Resonators (CERALOCK) FAQ

Operation Circuit

Please explain possible causes of abnormal oscillation, and appropriate countermeasures.

In order to consider the measure against abnormal oscillation, it is important to consider the cause first.
  1. Parasitic oscillation (spurious oscillation) of CERALOCK
  2. Improper circuit wiring or timing error (CR/LC oscillation, ring oscillation)

In order to distinguish 1 from 2 above, replace the CERALOCK with a capacitor (Cx) with the same capacitance as the CERALOCK. In case of Type 2, the circuit can provide normal oscillation even if the CERALOCK is replaced by Cx.

After finding the cause of abnormal oscillation, you must take appropriate countermeasures:


Countermeasure against Type 1
The CERALOCK will develop many kinds of parasitic oscillations (spurious oscillations) in addition to the oscillation with the target frequency (main oscillation frequency). If the oscillation circuit is operated with improper circuit constants, parasitic oscillations may occur. Commonly observed spurious modes are listed in Table 1.

Table 1 Examples of spurious oscillation frequencies by series
(Main frequency) 
Abnormal oscillation frequency/mode 
Triple of rated frequency/Triple wave

The CERALOCK Series listed in the above table will develop oscillations at a higher frequency than the main frequency. To lower the gain in high frequency range, you can take the following measures:

a.Increase "CL" (CL1=CL2) (approx. two steps under the E6 system).
b.Add "Rd" (damping resistor: 100 to 10k ohms).

If you use a), the oscillation frequency will slightly decrease, and you need to consider the influence on the sets.
If "CL" and "Rd" are increased too much in case of both a) and b), oscillation will stop.

Countermeasure against Type 2
The following example shows an abnormal oscillation in a circuit where the CERALOCK serves as a capacitor. We have not established a fixed countermeasure against this type of abnormal oscillation, because an effective method varies depending on the IC being used. However, the following countermeasures can be considered:

e.Change "CL."
f.Make "CL1" and "CL2" unbalanced.
g.Add "Rd."
h.Add "Rb."

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