The correct spelling of the word "quartz oscillator" is /kwɔːrts ˈɒsəleɪtə/. The word "quartz" is spelled with a "q" and "u" because they work together as a digraph to produce the sound /kw/. The "z" in "quartz" is pronounced as /s/. The word "oscillator" is spelled with a double "s" because the sound /s/ needs to be prolonged. The stress in the word falls on the second syllable, which is marked with a diacritic symbol in the transcription.
A quartz oscillator is a device or component that uses a quartz crystal to generate precise and stable electrical oscillations or vibrations. It is commonly employed in various electronic devices such as clocks, watches, radios, computers, and telecommunications equipment.
The quartz oscillator operates based on the principle of the piezoelectric effect. Inside the oscillator, a small piece of quartz crystal is cut to a specific shape, known as a resonator. When an electric current is applied, the quartz crystal vibrates at a specific frequency due to the piezoelectric effect, where mechanical stress generates an electric charge.
The frequency of oscillation of a quartz oscillator is determined by the shape, size, and thickness of the quartz crystal. Quartz is predominantly used due to its excellent temperature stability, making it highly accurate and reliable.
To achieve even higher precision, quartz oscillators are often coupled with electronic circuits that control the frequency output. These circuits ensure the oscillator maintains a consistent oscillation frequency, even when exposed to environmental factors such as temperature changes.
Quartz oscillators have become an integral part of modern technology, providing accurate timing references for numerous applications. Their stability, low power consumption, and long-term reliability make them a preferred choice in many electronic devices where precise timekeeping or frequency control is essential.
The word "quartz" comes from the German word "Quarz", which was derived from the Polish word "krzemien" meaning "flint" or "sharp-edged stone". Quartz is a crystalline mineral, and its use in oscillators is due to its piezoelectric properties.
The term "oscillator" traces its roots back to the Latin word "oscillare", which means "to swing" or "to move back and forth". An oscillator is a device that generates a repetitive electronic signal or waveform, oscillating between two states or voltage levels.
When combined, the term "quartz oscillator" refers to an oscillator that utilizes the piezoelectric properties of quartz to produce a stable and precise frequency.