What is an SPXO | Working & Top Manufacturers
Advertisement
SPXO stands for Simple Packaged Crystal Oscillator (sometimes referred to as a Standard Packaged Crystal Oscillator). It is the most fundamental and widely used type of crystal oscillator in the electronics industry.
At its core, an SPXO integrates two main components into a single, compact housing:
-
Quartz Crystal Resonator: The physical component that vibrates at a very precise frequency when an electric current is applied.
-
Oscillator Circuit: The electronic circuitry that drives the crystal and outputs a usable, oscillating clock signal such as a square wave or sine wave.
Unlike more complex oscillators, an SPXO does not include built-in temperature compensation (like a TCXO), voltage control for frequency tuning (like a VCXO), or an internal heater to maintain a constant temperature (like an OCXO). Because it lacks these advanced correction mechanisms, its frequency stability relies entirely on the natural characteristics of the quartz crystal at room temperature and normal operating conditions.
Continuous Voltage SPXO
Historically, engineers had to select SPXOs that were strictly tied to a specific supply voltage (for example, exactly 1.8V, 2.5V, or 3.3V). If a circuit’s voltage changed, a different oscillator was required.
However, modern advancements have led to the creation of Continuous Voltage SPXOs. These devices are designed with specialized internal architectures that allow them to operate seamlessly across a broad and continuous voltage range (e.g. anywhere from 1.6V to 3.63V) without suffering drops in performance or frequency stability.
Benefits of Continuous Voltage SPXOs
- Companies only need to stock one oscillator part number for multiple different circuit designs, regardless of the different voltages those circuits use.
- Engineers can change the power supply design late in the development cycle without having to source a new oscillator.
- As battery drains and its voltage drops, a continuous voltage SPXO will continue to function properly, making them ideal for battery operated IoT (Internet of Things) devices.
Common Applications of SPXOs
Because of their simplicity, low cost and reliability, SPXOs are ubiquitous. They provide the basic heartbeat or timing signal for following.
- Microcontrollers and microprocessors.
- Consumer electronics (laptops, smartwatches, TVs).
- Wearable devices and battery-operated IoT sensors.
- Basic network routers and data communication hubs.
Prominent Manufacturers of SPXOs
The frequency control and timing market is highly competitive. Following table mentions manufacturers which produce high quality SPXOs.
| Company | Products with features |
|---|---|
| Abracon | Abracon is a leading supplier of frequency control devices. They offer a massive portfolio of SPXOs, heavily emphasizing ultra-miniature sizes, low power consumption, and continuous voltage technology optimized for modern battery-powered and industrial applications. |
| Epson (Seiko Epson Corporation) | Epson is one of the largest and most respected manufacturers of quartz crystal products in the world. Their SPXOs are known for their high reliability and are widely used in everything from automotive systems to consumer electronics. |
| TXC Corporation | Based in Taiwan, TXC is a major global player in frequency control. They manufacture a wide array of SPXOs, ranging from standard commercial grade oscillators to high end, low jitter models for networking and telecommunications. |
| Kyocera (formerly including AVX) | Kyocera produces a vast range of electronic components, with their timing devices being highly regarded. Their SPXO lineup features robust, miniature surface-mount devices (SMD) that are popular in smartphones, consumer audio, and automotive electronics. |
| CTS Corporation | CTS designs and manufactures sensors, actuators, and electronic components. Their frequency control portfolio includes highly reliable SPXOs tailored for aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial applications where long term stability is critical. |
Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators (OCXO)
Explore ultra stable frequency generation using temperature controlled ovens, crystal cuts, and performance metrics.
- OCXO Basics, Types, and Crystal Cut Comparisons
- Understanding Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators
- OCXO SC-Cut Crystal Oscillator: Advantages & Disadvantages
- OCXO PPM vs PPB vs PPS Metrics
- OCXO vs VCXO vs TCXO vs DCXO Comparison
- OCXO vs OCSO Differences
- OCXO vs Rubidium Oscillators
- Low Phase Noise 10 MHz OCXO
Continue Learning Oscillator Fundamentals & Types
- Oscillator Types
- Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs)
- NE 566 VCO and its application in PLL Design
- Numerically Controlled Oscillator (NCO) and its use in DDS Design
- Understanding YIG Oscillators
- Backward Wave Oscillators (BWO): Advantages & Disadvantages