32.768kHz Crystals by KDS and TXC
Availability and Outlook for 32.768kHz Crystals
Demand for 32.768 kHz crystals far exceeds market capacity. But KDS and TXC offer interesting alternatives and both suppliers are increasing their capacities.
The 5G boom and, as a result, COVID-19 have meant that this shortage has already lasted almost three years. This particularly affects the 3215 package size (3.2x1.5mm). This size remained the bestseller for decades, so that the price pressure on the ceramic case suppliers also increased. These began, for profitability reasons, to urge quartz manufacturers to switch to smaller designs.
SAMPLESTechnical Details and Samples
At Daishinku Corporation (KDS), production of the 3215 and 2012 sizes is fully utilized. For size 1610 (1.6x1.0mm), KDS already has the largest production capacity on the market. This has been increased by another 50% to help even more users make the switch to 1610. Some of our customers have already converted today's 3215 to 1610 and many more customers are considering doing the same. We have also included low ESR (50kΩmax) types in our Sample Shop.
The delivery time for the 3215 and 2012 sizes is 50 weeks and is 16 to 24 weeks for the 1610 size.
The overall situation at TXC is also very tight, but better than at KDS when all sizes are considered. The lead time of customer orders depends on when the order is placed ("first-in, first-out"). However, there is some wiggle room with the 2012 size. In addition, TXC would like to increase the capacity of the 3215 size (suitable for automotive applications). This investment is scheduled for June/July 2022 and will double the current production capacity.
Delivery time for all sizes: 16 to 40 weeks (depending on the situation).
In our Sample Shop you will find products in all sizes.
Summary:
To replace the current design with a smaller one, you only need to worry about the layout, not individual specification issues. Even a low ESR of max. 50kΩ can be achieved.
There are three points to consider when replacing larger sizes with smaller sizes:
- It is more difficult to inspect the soldered product. With smaller items, side castellation to check soldering may not be possible.
- The maximum drive level cannot be "extremely" high. This is generally true for smaller crystals. As the crystal blank gets smaller, the drive level may not be as strong as for larger sizes. By analyzing the oscillation circuit, it is possible to verify whether or not the crystal is facing an excessively high drive level.
- The oscillation margin may not be the same for larger sizes. As with the drive level, we definitely recommend analyzing the circuit when a change occurs. Often the stray capacitance changes, which may affect the matching of the crystals to the oscillation circuit. Of course our suppliers offer the service to analyze and check your circuit.
Your Contact Person
For more information, please contact Yasunobu Ikuno.
