What is load capacitance (CL)?

C_L stands for Load Capacitance. Load capacitance is defined as being the total capacitance present in the oscillator circuit as measured or calculated from the two terminals of the crystal. The output frequency of the crystal when assembled in an oscillator circuit is a function of C_L. In order for the quartz crystal unit to exhibit an output frequency as close to specified as possible, it is important to measure precisely what the actual C_L is in the circuit.

The load capacitance (CL) of my resonant crystal is rated at 16pF. How do I calculate the value of the load capacitors used in my parallel resonant oscillator circuit?

The output frequency of the oscillator is a function of C_L. If the crystal is rated at C_L of 16pF, the specified frequency is optimized for a CL of 16pF in the oscillator circuit.

The C_L can be estimated as follows:
 

C_L=((C_i x C_o) / (C_i + C_o)) + C_stray,

where C_stray is the stray capacitance in the circuit, typically 2-5pF, and Ci and Co are the external capacitors in the oscillator circuit. The C_L in the circuit has to be as close to 16pF as possible to reach the specified output frequency. If the oscillation frequency is higher than specified, the capacitor values should be increased to lower the frequency. On the other hand, if the frequency is lower than specified, the capacitor values need to be decreased to raise the output frequency. When C_L =16pF, C_i and C_o will be approximately 22-30pF each, plus the additional stray capacitance. The values of C_i and C_o used in the circuit will have great effect on the C_L which influences the output frequency. TAITIEN provides oscillator “Matching Test” to our customers to determine the right values of capacitors to use in the oscillator circuit to attain the nominal output frequency.

What is PPM? How to determine PPM?

PPM stands for parts per million. In the context of oscillators, PPM is the ratio of frequency deviation with respect to nominal frequency. It is a commonly used unit in FCP industry to delineate the range of frequency variation in a crystal oscillator.
Example:
Nominal Frequency = 13.000000 MHz
Actual Frequency = 12.999852 MHz
=> (A.F. - N.F.) / N.F. = (12.999974-13.000000) / 13.000000
= - 0.000002
= - 0.000002 x 10^-6 (parts per million)
= - 2 PPM

What is Tri-state function?

The frequency output of the oscillator is controlled by an output control pin. The output of the oscillator can be enabled or disabled by this pin. When the output is disabled and the tri-state feature is activated, the oscillator assumes a high-impedance state.

What is Drive Level? How to determine drive level?

Drive level is the power required from the oscillator circuit to operate/drive a crystal. The drive level can be calculated as follows:

Drive Level= I² * R_L, where I is the current going into the crystal unit and R_L is the effective resistance of the crystal. Also, R_L can be estimated as follows:
R_L= RR(crystal impedance)*(1+C₀/C_L)^2,
C₀: shunt capacitance of the crystal unit
C_L: Load capacitance
In order to estimate the drive level correctly, the current flowing into the crystal needs to be measured accurately. TAITIEN uses current probes to measure the actual current flowing into crystal units to determine the true drive levels for crystals produced by TAITIEN. See picture for the measurement set-up.