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Why does Parallax use resonators? — Parallax Forums

Why does Parallax use resonators?

davejamesdavejames Posts: 4,047
edited 2008-10-31 15:13 in General Discussion
Why are resonators used instead of crystals?· Cost?· Interfacing?

Not raggin', just curious.

DJ
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Comments

  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2008-10-30 21:38
    I can't answer for Parallax, but when I use them it's because they cost less than crystals, provide adequate accuracy, and take up less board real estate.

    -Phil
  • davejamesdavejames Posts: 4,047
    edited 2008-10-30 21:54
    Phil,

    How so less board space?

    I've been also wondering about temperature stability of resonators vs. crystals as I've seen some of the 'completed projects' offerings involve being outside or in industrial areas that might see a relatively high ambient.

    DJ
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2008-10-30 22:32
    Attached is a screenshot from my PCB layout program that shows various resonator and crystal footprints. In general, for a given frequency, resonators are more compact.

    -Phil
    crystal_vs_resonator.png
    959 x 396 - 38K
  • hippyhippy Posts: 1,981
    edited 2008-10-31 11:59
    I cannot speak for Parallax but companies I worked for used resonators because they were cheaper and had the two caps built in so less board space, easier and quicker assembly, two less components to worry about, etc. The accuracy of the resonator was good enough for the environments the products were used in so really it came down to which is easiest to use.
  • davejamesdavejames Posts: 4,047
    edited 2008-10-31 15:13
    All,

    Thanks for the insight - I suspected as such.

    I stumbled onto resonators last year for a project yet to be completed and they seem to be a cost effective substitution if·tight tolerance·and temperature stability are not an issue.

    Regards,

    DJ
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