Through Hole Technology (THT) Crystals
Reviewed by: Jon Lowy, consulting engineer
Description
Through Hole Technology (THT) Crystals are frequency-determining components used in electronic circuits. These crystals are mounted by inserting their leads through holes in a printed circuit board (PCB) and then soldering them in place on the opposite side of the board. They are hermetically sealed to ensure stable temperature performance.
Working Principle
THT Crystals operate based on the piezoelectric effect exhibited by quartz (silica, SiO2). When mechanical stress is applied to the quartz crystal, it generates an electric field. Conversely, an applied electric field causes mechanical deformation in the crystal. An alternating voltage applied to the crystal causes it to vibrate. If the frequency of this voltage is close to the crystal's mechanical resonance, the generated electric field is amplified, stabilizing the applied frequency. This makes THT Crystals useful for maintaining precise frequency control in electronic circuits.
Applications
THT Crystals are commonly used in various electronic devices where precise frequency control is essential. Specific examples include:
- Real-Time Clocks (RTCs): Used in devices that require accurate timekeeping, such as computers and embedded systems.
- Microcontrollers: Employed in microcontroller units (MCUs) for timing and synchronization purposes.
- Communication Devices: Utilized in radios, transmitters, and receivers to ensure stable frequency transmission and reception.
Advantages over other Crystals
THT Crystals offer several advantages over other types of crystals, such as surface mount technology (SMT) crystals:
- Temperature Performance: The hermetic sealing of THT Crystals ensures that their temperature performance is comparable to standard tuning fork crystals, providing reliable operation across a range of temperatures.
- Mechanical Stability: The through-hole mounting provides robust mechanical stability, making them less susceptible to physical stress and vibrations compared to SMT crystals.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, THT Crystals have some limitations:
- Manufacturing Time: THT Crystals need to be hand-placed on the PCB, which increases manufacturing time compared to automated placement of SMT crystals.
- Board Space: The through-hole mounting requires more space on the PCB, which can be a constraint in compact electronic designs.
Considerations
When selecting THT Crystals, several factors should be considered:
- Initial Costs: The initial cost of THT Crystals can be higher due to the manual placement process.
- Operating Expense: Operating expenses are generally low, but the increased manufacturing time can add to the overall cost.
- Durability: THT Crystals are durable and can withstand mechanical stress better than SMT crystals.
- Accuracy: They provide high accuracy and stability in frequency control, which is crucial for applications like RTCs and communication devices.
- Replacement and Maintenance Costs: The hermetic sealing and robust design reduce the need for frequent replacements and maintenance, contributing to lower long-term costs.
from Micro Crystal AG
MS1V-T1K is a low frequency surface mount technology Quartz Crystal Unit that incorporates a tuning fork Quartz Crystal Resonator. It operates under vacuum in a hermetically sealed square-bodied metal can package. Key Specifications. Frequency: 30 to 200 kHz. Load Capacitance: 6.0 / 7.0 / 9.0 / 12.5... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Surface Mount; Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0300 to 0.2000
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 3
from DigiKey
2.4576MHz ±30ppm Crystal 32pF 300 Ohms HC-49/U [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/U
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Features / Standards: Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 32
from Micro Crystal AG
MS3V-T1R is a low frequency SMT Quartz Crystal Unit that incorporates a tuning fork Quartz Crystal Resonator. It operates under vacuum in a square-bodied metal can package. Key Specifications. Frequency: 30 to 200 kHz. Load Capacitance: 6.0 / 7.0 / 9.0 / 12.5 pF. Series Resistance: 50 / 65 k Ω... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Surface Mount; Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0300 to 0.2000
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 3
from DigiKey
VXA1-1B4-14M0000000 [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/U
- Load Capacitance: 18
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Operating Temperature: -20 to 70
from Micro Crystal AG
DS10 low frequency through-hole technology Watch Quartz Crystal Unit which incorporates a tuning fork Quartz Crystal Resonator. It operates under vacuum in a hermetically sealed tubular metal can package. Key Specifications. Frequency: 32.768 kHz. Load Capacitance: 7.0 / 8.2 / 9.0 / 12.5 pF. Series... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0328
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 3
from DigiKey
40MHz ±10ppm Crystal 10pF 30 Ohms HC-49/U [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Load Capacitance: 10
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Operating Temperature: -20 to 70
from Micro Crystal AG
DS15 low frequency through-hole technology Watch Quartz Crystal Unit which incorporates a tuning fork Quartz Crystal Resonator. It operates under vacuum in a hermetically sealed tubular metal can package. Key Specifications. Frequency: 32.768 kHz. Load Capacitance: 7.0 / 8.2 / 9.0 / 12.5 pF. Series... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0328
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 3
from DigiKey
CRYSTAL 100.0000MHZ 20PF THOLE [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-45U
- Operating Temperature: -55 to 125
- Load Capacitance: 20
from Micro Crystal AG
DS26 low frequency through-hole technology Watch Quartz Crystal Unit which incorporates a tuning fork Quartz Crystal Resonator. It operates under vacuum in a hermetically sealed tubular metal can package. Key Specifications. Frequency: 32.768 kHz. Load Capacitance: 7.0 / 8.2 / 9.0 / 12.5 pF. Series... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0328
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 3
from DigiKey
CRYSTAL 100.0000MHZ SERIES THOLE [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-35U
- Operating Temperature: -55 to 125
from DigiKey
CRYSTAL 10.0000MHZ SERIES THOLE [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-37U
- Operating Temperature: -55 to 125
from DigiKey
CRYSTAL 16.384MHZ 18PF THOLE [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-43/U
- Operating Temperature: -55 to 125
- Load Capacitance: 18
from DigiKey
1.8432MHz ±20ppm Crystal 30pF 800 Ohms HC-49/U [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/U
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Features / Standards: Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 30
from DigiKey
20MHz ±30ppm Crystal 20pF 40 Ohms HC-49/US [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Features / Standards: Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 20
from DigiKey
32.768kHz ±20ppm Crystal 6pF 50 kOhms Cylindrical Can, Radial [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; Cylindrical Can, Radial
- Load Capacitance: 6
- Features / Standards: Lead-Free
- Operating Temperature: -20 to 70
from DigiKey
25MHz ±30ppm Crystal 22pF 40 Ohms HC-49/US [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Features / Standards: Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 22
from DigiKey
32.768kHz ±15ppm Crystal 12.5pF 50 kOhms Cylindrical Can, Radial [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; Cylindrical Can, Radial
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Load Capacitance: 12.5
from DigiKey
2MHz ±50ppm Crystal 20pF 600 Ohms HC-49/U [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/U
- Load Capacitance: 20
- Frequency Stability: 100
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 50
from DigiKey
4MHz ±20ppm Crystal 30pF 130 Ohms HC-49/US [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Load Capacitance: 30
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Operating Temperature: -10 to 60
from DigiKey
CRYSTAL 8.0000MHZ 30PF TH [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Load Capacitance: 30
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Operating Temperature: -20 to 70
from DigiKey
CRYSTAL 11.0592MHZ 30PF TH [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Load Capacitance: 30
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Operating Temperature: -10 to 70
from DigiKey
1.8432MHz ±30ppm Crystal 13pF 700 Ohms HC-49/U [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/U
- Load Capacitance: 13
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Operating Temperature: -20 to 70
from DigiKey
4MHz ±30ppm Crystal Series 80 Ohms HC-49/U [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/U
- Operating Temperature: -20 to 70
- Frequency Stability: 50
from DigiKey
11.0592MHz ±30ppm Crystal 18pF 50 Ohms HC-49/US [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Features / Standards: Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 18
from DigiKey
11.0592MHz ±30ppm Crystal Series 50 Ohms HC-49/US [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
- Frequency Stability: 50
from DigiKey
12MHz ±30ppm Crystal 20pF 50 Ohms HC-49/US [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Features / Standards: Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 20
from DigiKey
16MHz ±30ppm Crystal 18pF 40 Ohms HC-49/US [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Features / Standards: Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 18
from DigiKey
16MHz ±30ppm Crystal 20pF 40 Ohms HC-49/US [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Features / Standards: Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 20
from DigiKey
18.432MHz ±30ppm Crystal 20pF HC-49/US [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Features / Standards: Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 20
from DigiKey
20MHz ±30ppm Crystal 20pF 40 Ohms HC-49/US [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; HC-49/US
- Frequency Stability: 50
- Features / Standards: Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 20
from Jauch Quartz America, Inc.
Pb-free from date code January 2005 on [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.9210 to 250
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 8 to 32
from QuartzCom AG
Frequency range: 3.2 ~ 70 MHz. Frequency tolerance: ±10 ~ ±30 ppm. Frequency stability: ±10 ~ ±50 ppm [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency Stability: 10
- Frequency: 3.2 to 70
from NDK
Features: A highly stable and reliable low-height crystal unit with a metallic package, also suitable for surface mounting. Compatible with surface mounting. Airtight metal package ensures high-reliability. Taping package is for customer automatic loading operation. [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; 11.1x4.7x3.7mm
- Frequency: 3.14 to 74.1
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 30
from Isotemp Research, Inc.
Features: SC Cut Crystal. High Stability; Low phase Noise. CMOS//Sine Wave Output; Fast Warm-up [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 5 to 80
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 70
from Pletronics, Inc.
The Pletronics ’ WX Series is a cylindrical watch crystal. 32.768 KHz only. XY Cut Crystal. Available in 2 sizes - WX:3x8mm, WX26:2x6mm [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0328
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from Abracon, LLC
ESD Sensitive. RoHS/RoHS II Compliant. Part LEAD (Pb) FREE. Series: AB. Type: MHz Crystal. Length: 11.5 mm. Width: 5 mm. Height: 13.46 mm. Operating Temperature: -20 °C ~ 70 °C. Frequency: 1.8432 MHz. Frequency Stability: ± 100 ppm. Frequency Tolerance: ± 20 ppm. Load... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 1.84
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 100
from Filtronetics, Inc.
Size (mm) L: 5mm D: 1.4mm. Co(PF) Max: 1 Pf. [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Drive Level: 1
- Frequency: 0.0328
from Jauch Quartz America, Inc.
Pb-free since production start [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.9210 to 250
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 8 to 32
from QuartzCom AG
Frequency range: 1 ~ 225 MHz. Frequency tolerance: ±5 ~ ±30 ppm. Frequency stability: ±5 ~ ±50 ppm [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency Stability: 5
- Frequency: 1 to 225
from NDK
Features: A highly stable and reliable crystal unit with a metallic package, also suitable for surface mounting. With many standard frequencies available, this unit is ideal for a variety of applications. Compatible with surface mounting. Airtight metal package ensures high-reliability. [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; 11.1x4.7x5.1mm
- Frequency: 3.19 to 75
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 30
from Isotemp Research, Inc.
Features: SC Cut Crystal. High Stability; Low phase Noise. CMOS//Sine Wave Output; Fast Warm-up [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 5 to 40
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Operating Temperature: -30 to 70
from Pletronics, Inc.
The Pletronics ’ LP49 Series is a low profile thru-hole crystal. Bulk packaging. 3 MHz to 70 MHz. HC-49/US. AT Cut Crystal LP21 0.082 (2.10mm) high LP24 0.100 (2.50mm) high LP49 0.140 (3.56mm) high [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 3 to 70
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from Abracon, LLC
ESD Sensitive. RoHS/RoHS II Compliant. Part LEAD (Pb) FREE. Series: AB15T. Type: kHz Crystal (Tuning Fork). Length: 5 mm. Width: 1.4 mm. Height: 5.1 mm. Operating Temperature: -20 °C ~ 70 °C. Frequency: 32.768 kHz. Frequency Tolerance: ± 20 ppm. Load Capacitance: 12.5 pF. ESR... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0328
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 12.5
from Jauch Quartz America, Inc.
Pb-free since production start [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 10 to 250
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 8 to 32
from QuartzCom AG
Frequency range: 100 kHz ~ 1000 kHz. Frequency tolerance: ±20 ~ ±100 ppm [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.1000 to 1
from NDK
Features: A highly reliable crystal unit with outstanding frequency stability and covering a broad frequency range. The product satisfies strict temperature characteristics standards, is shock resistant and has excellent frequency reproducibility. [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; 7.9x3.2x8.0mm
- Frequency: 10 to 100
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 5
from Isotemp Research, Inc.
Features: Stratum 3 (Overall ±4.6 ppm including 10 years Aging). AT-cut crystal [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; Standard DIP 14
- Frequency: 5 to 40
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 4.6
from Pletronics, Inc.
The Pletronics ’ MP49 Series is a thru-hole crystal. Bulk packaging. 1.8 MHz to 210 MHz. AT Cut Crysta [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 1.8 to 210
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Operating Temperature: -40 to 85
from Abracon, LLC
ESD Sensitive. RoHS/RoHS II Compliant. Part LEAD (Pb) FREE. Series: AB26T. Type: kHz Crystal (Tuning Fork). Length: 6.2 mm. Width: 2.1 mm. Height: 6.2 mm. Operating Temperature: -10 °C ~ 60 °C. Frequency: 32.768 kHz. Frequency Tolerance: ± 20 ppm. Load Capacitance: 12.5 pF. ESR... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0328
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 12.5
from Jauch Quartz America, Inc.
Sn-Pb high temperature solder used inside the product and for the lead plating in acc. with RoHS directive exemption No 7 [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 3.5 to 48
- Features / Standards: RoHS
- Load Capacitance: 12 to 32
from QuartzCom AG
Frequency range: 32 kHz ~ 160 kHz. Frequency tolerance: ±20 ~ ±100 ppm. Size: Tubular package Ø 2.0 x 6.0 mm [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0320 to 0.1600
from NDK
Features: A highly reliable crystal unit with outstanding frequency stability and covering a broad frequency range. The product satisfies strict temperature characteristics standards, is shock resistant and has excellent frequency reproducibility. [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole; 7.9x3.2x6.0mm
- Frequency: 10 to 150
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 5
from Abracon, LLC
ESD Sensitive. RoHS/RoHS II Compliant. Part LEAD (Pb) FREE. Series: AB26TRB. Type: kHz Crystal (Tuning Fork). Length: 6 mm. Width: 1.9 mm. Operating Temperature: -40 °C ~ 85 °C. Frequency: 32.768 kHz. Frequency Tolerance: ± 20 ppm. Load Capacitance: 6 pF. ESR (Equivalent Series... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0328
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 6
from Jauch Quartz America, Inc.
recommended for automotive applications. Pb-free from date codeJanuary 2005 on [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 8 to 33
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 12 to 32
from QuartzCom AG
Frequency range: 8 ~ 250 MHz. Frequency tolerance: ±5 ~ ±25 ppm. Frequency stability: ±5 ~ ±25 ppm [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency Stability: 5
- Frequency: 8 to 250
from Abracon, LLC
ESD Sensitive. RoHS/RoHS II Compliant. Part LEAD (Pb) FREE. Series: AB308. Type: MHz Crystal. Length: 8 mm. Width: 3 mm. Height: 8.2 mm. Operating Temperature: -10 °C ~ 60 °C. Frequency: 10 MHz. Frequency Stability: ± 50 ppm. Frequency Tolerance: ± 30 ppm. Load Capacitance: 16... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 10
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 50
from Jauch Quartz America, Inc.
recommended for automotive applications. Pb-free from date codeJanuary 2005 on [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 3.28 to 33
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 12 to 32
from QuartzCom AG
Frequency range: 10 ~ 250 MHz. Frequency tolerance: ±5 ~ ±25 ppm. Frequency stability: ±5 ~ ±25 ppm [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency Stability: 5
- Frequency: 10 to 250
from Abracon, LLC
ESD Sensitive. RoHS/RoHS II Compliant. Part LEAD (Pb) FREE. Series: AB38T. Type: kHz Crystal (Tuning Fork). Length: 8.3 mm. Width: 3.2 mm. Height: 8.3 mm. Operating Temperature: -10 °C ~ 60 °C. Frequency: 32.768 kHz. Frequency Tolerance: ± 20 ppm. Load Capacitance: 12.5 pF. ESR... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0328
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 12.5
from Jauch Quartz America, Inc.
Pb-free from date code January 2005 on [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 3.28 to 33
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 12 to 32
from QuartzCom AG
Frequency range: 60 ~ 200 MHz (Inverted MESA). Frequency tolerance: ±10 ~ ±30 ppm. Frequency stability: ±10 ~ ±50 ppm [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency Stability: 10
- Frequency: 60 to 200
from Abracon, LLC
ESD Sensitive. RoHS/RoHS II Compliant. Part LEAD (Pb) FREE. Series: ABL. Type: MHz Crystal. Length: 11.5 mm. Width: 5 mm. Height: 3.5 mm. Operating Temperature: -20 °C ~ 70 °C. Frequency: 10 MHz. Frequency Stability: ± 10 ppm. Frequency Tolerance: ± 10 ppm. Load Capacitance: 18... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 10
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 10
from Jauch Quartz America, Inc.
28.0 ~ 80.0 kHz on request. Pb-free from date code March 2005 on. preferred type for new developments ! [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0328
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 6 to 12.5
from Abracon, LLC
ESD Sensitive. RoHS/RoHS II Compliant. Part LEAD (Pb) FREE. Series: ABL2. Type: MHz Crystal. Length: 11.5 mm. Width: 5 mm. Height: 2.5 mm. Operating Temperature: -20 °C ~ 70 °C. Frequency: 25 MHz. Frequency Stability: ± 35 ppm. Frequency Tolerance: ± 30 ppm. Load Capacitance: 30... [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 25
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Frequency Stability: 35
from Jauch Quartz America, Inc.
do not use for new developments !. preferred type is MMTF32 !. 15.0 ~ 150.0 kHz on request. Pb-free from date code March 2005 on [See More]
- Package / Form Factor: Through Hole
- Frequency: 0.0328
- Features / Standards: RoHS; Lead-Free
- Load Capacitance: 6 to 12.5