TCXO & VCTCXO Frequency References
Connor-Winfield specializes in precision temperature-compensated frequency references for communications, synchronization, industrial, and RF systems, including standard, replacement, and custom designs.
What Makes a High-Precision TCXO?
A precision TCXO is more than a crystal oscillator with temperature compensation. Quartz resonators vary from device to device, so achieving tight frequency stability requires understanding the behavior of the individual oscillator, applying the appropriate compensation, and verifying the finished result.
Every Crystal Is Different
Individual Temperature Characterization
Individualized Compensation
100% Final Performance Verification
Quartz resonators exhibit individual temperature-frequency characteristics. Precision compensation begins by understanding the actual behavior of the crystal rather than assuming every device follows an identical curve.
Connor-Winfield evaluates each oscillator over temperature to characterize its actual frequency response and identify the behavior that must be compensated.
CW’s proprietary programming and test system uses the measured oscillator behavior to determine the compensation appropriate for that specific unit.
After programming, the completed oscillator is tested again over temperature to confirm actual compensated performance and identify anomalous behavior before shipment.
The CW Difference
Precision TCXO performance comes from characterizing the individual oscillator, applying the appropriate compensation, and verifying the performance of the finished device.
Performance Characteristics That Matter in the Application
Temperature Stability
Aging & Long-Term Stability
Maintaining frequency within the required limits as ambient temperature changes. Ranges from +/-50ppb to 2ppm. Temp ranges from 0-70C to -40 to +105C.
Controlling frequency change over extended operating periods. Typically +/-3ppm to +/- 4.6ppm
Phase Noise & Short-Term Stability
Important in low-noise RF, PLL, synchronization, instrumentation, and jitter-sensitive applications. Phase noise floors to -163dBm
Electronic Frequency Control
For VCTCXO applications, control range, tuning sensitivity, and pullability must be matched to the system architecture.
Start with the Requirement
Choosing Between TCXO and VCTCXO
Both provide temperature-compensated frequency stability. The key distinction is whether the system also requires an external electronic control input to adjust or steer the oscillator frequency.
TCXO
Key Selection Factors
Stable frequency without external steering
Typical fit: Standalone precision frequency reference.
- Output frequency
- Frequency stability
- Operating temperature
- Supply voltage
- Package / footprint
- Output format
VCTCXO
Key Selection Factors
- All TCXO requirements
- Control-voltage range
- Frequency-adjustment range
- Pullability
- PLL or synchronization architecture
Temperature compensation plus external frequency control
Typical fit: Systems requiring active frequency steering or control.
Typical Applications
Communications Equipment
Synchronization & Control Systems
Industrial Electronics
RF Systems
Base stations, small cells, and optical networking requiring precise timing stability.
Distributed control systems and timing modules in industrial automation.
Smart meters, handheld instruments, and high-reliability embedded controllers.
Frequency synthesizers and microwave transceivers requiring low phase noise.
Continuing Support for Established & Specialty Designs
Connor-Winfield continues to support selected established package styles and specialty configurations for customers requiring long-term equipment continuity, replacement solutions, or electrical capabilities not readily available in miniature SMT packages.
Support for Existing Equipment
Manufacturing continues for selected 9 × 14 mm and 14-pin DIP configurations, providing a practical replacement path for legacy designs.
- Established package continuity
- Support for long-life equipment
Specialty Performance Options
- Sine-wave output options
- High stability above 100 MHz
Larger packages are used for performance or circuit configurations less practical in miniature SMT packages.