How high is the frequency stability requirement for crystal oscillators in the field of industrial automation?

In the field of industrial automation, precise frequency control is of decisive significance for the stable operation of the system and the improvement of production efficiency. The importance of frequency control cannot be ignored from security applications to production processes. For example, typical protocols used in security applications include Wi Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Z-Wave, Zigbee, Controller Area Network (CAN), RFID, and GPS for location tracking. The implementation of these protocols relies on precise frequency control.

In the field of industrial automation, the frequency stability of crystal oscillators is crucial to the accuracy and efficiency of the entire production process, requiring extremely high standards. From the perspective of equipment operation, various types of automation equipment such as robotic arms, CNC machine tools, and transmission devices for automated production lines rely on precise time synchronization for their collaborative operation. If the frequency of the crystal oscillator is unstable, it can cause time deviations in the actions of various equipment, such as inaccurate timing of mechanical arm grasping of components, which may damage the components. CNC machine tool processing can also produce dimensional errors due to time deviations, seriously affecting product quality.

From the perspective of production technology, many precision manufacturing processes have strict requirements for processing time and frequency. For example, in semiconductor chip manufacturing, precise clock signals are required in the photolithography process to control exposure time and position. Frequency deviation may lead to etching errors in the chip circuit, resulting in chip scrap.

In industrial communication networks, a stable crystal oscillator frequency is also crucial. Communication networks such as industrial Ethernet and fieldbus rely on precise clock synchronization for data transmission and interaction between devices. Unstable frequency can cause data transmission delay and packet loss, resulting in the inability to convey production instructions in a timely and accurate manner, affecting the continuity of the production process. Usually, in the field of industrial automation, crystal oscillator frequency stability is required to reach ± 50ppm or even higher accuracy. Only crystal oscillators with stable frequency like Epson SG-8002CA can meet their stringent requirements and ensure stable and efficient production.