Quartz Crystal Packing Technology Promises Reduced Costs

The company has developed a new quartz crystal packaging technology that reduces costs up to 20% when compared to traditional ceramic packaging and also eliminates the recurrent problems of ceramic shortages. First to utilized the new packaging is the FQ series. Developed in three of the most popular crystal packaging sizes, each is available in 2- or 4-pad configurations. The FQ1045 measures 10 mm x 4.5 mm, the FQ7050, 5 mm x 7 mm, and the FQ6035, 6 mm x 3.5 mm. The series is fully RoHS compliant and incorporates complete pad compatibility with existing ceramic packages. These new crystals claim to yield cost savings of 15% in quantities of 10,000 to 20,000 and savings of 20% in quantities of 50,000. Suited for a range of applications including HDD, PDA, set-top boxes, and security systems, the FQ crystals sport a low profile construction as well as weight savings over ceramic packages. Depending on package size, the crystals come in frequencies from 3.2 MHz to 49 MHz, with a 30 PPM tolerance at 25°C. Standard stability is 30 PPM at temperatures from 0° to +70°C, with tighter stabilities available upon request. Extended temperature versions range from –40°C to +85°C. Pricing starts at $0.19 each/50,000. FOX ELECTRONICS, Fort Myers, FL. (888) 438-2369.