TABLE OF CONTENTS Oscillators using quartz crystal resonators are the epitome of phase noise and stability performance. Marvelously high loaded Q oscillators of small size and low cost are easily designed and built using the quartz crystal. Crystal oscillators were invented in the 1920s [1] . By the 1930s, several designs had been published and patented. Crystal resonator and oscillator development was intense during and after World War II. During the 1950s, the art encompassed harmonic operation at VHF frequencies. Today, crystals are a common component of nearly all consumer, commercial, and defense systems.
Crystal Oscillator Circuits [1] is an excellent reference on crystal oscillator design. It contains a plethora of practical circuits, tips, and techniques. The number of different crystal oscillator circuits in use is phenomenal. In this chapter, five crystal-controlled oscillators are studied which are representative of many available choices. The first is the Pierce. The author recommends it as the oscillator of choice for standard fundamental mode applications. The second, a fundamental parallel mode Colpitts is included with less enthusiasm because of its popularity. The third example is a high-performance crystal oscillator with excellent short-and long-term stability characteristics. It was first proposed by Driscoll and has been used in several variations. The fourth is a Butler overtone oscillator useful for VHF applications. The fifth oscillator, a Butler derivative, is operated at either fundamental or overtone, and includes a built-in frequency multiplier. This form includes improvements developed by the author.
The Pierce is an excellent fundamental-mode-series resonant...
