Quartz and Oscillators for Use in Space

Clock generator Quartz and Oscillators for Use in Space

2025-07-03 From Ron Stephens* | Translated by AI 7 min Reading Time

Quartz resonators and oscillators for use in space must take into account the effects of radiation. Two different things need to be considered: the effects of radiation on quartz resonators and the effects of radiation on all other components in the oscillator circuit.

Satellites in Earth's orbit: For their electronics, clock generators are necessary that must meet the highest standards.(Image: ESA) — Satellites in Earth's orbit: For their electronics, clock generators are necessary that must meet the highest standards.
(Image: ESA)

The type of radiation discussed in this article is called ionizing radiation because it has enough energy to damage electronic components by ionizing atoms or molecules by removing electrons from them (thereby electrically charging the atom or molecule in question).

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