IQD Blog Posts 2016
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Most design engineers don't look at the crystal until the rest of the components are designed in by which time it is far too late ….
Posted: 24th October 2016
So you have been tasked with designing a new piece of electronic gadgetry and know that you need to use some type of microprocessor or microcontroller to achieve your end aim. You then begin the possibly arduous task of selecting the appropriate device based on the features required plus the usual constraints of cost, cost, cost and lead-time. Eventually you reach a… Read More
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) misconceptions can increase cost or delivery time due to unnecessary packaging restrictions
Posted: 8th June 2016
Some plastic packages used in the manufacture of quartz crystals and oscillators can absorb moisture from the atmosphere while in storage. When these parts are subjected to the high temperatures seen during reflow soldering, the moisture in the package expands into steam and can cause micro-fractures within the package or worse. These can result in destruction of the… Read More
Quartz crystals designed for frequency control do age, but nowhere near as much as we do!
Posted: 8th January 2016
In our last blog post, we discussed the topic of date codes on quartz crystals. We looked at how irresponsible QA procedures by some manufacturers, distributors and customers can create significant environmental waste and added costs by rejecting components that are over two years old – a misguided requirement that certain companies have sought to implement. Quartz… Read More