Why local stock matters for timing components
When a prototype stalls because the oscillator delivery slipped, projects and coursework suffer. Communica keeps a broad selection of crystals, MEMS oscillators and ceramic resonators available locally to cut lead times and let you iterate faster. Shop parts that fit standard footprints and packaged modules you can solder straight onto development boards - ready for workshop pickup or next-day courier from our Samrand warehouse.
What you’ll find in our ranges
We stock through-hole and SMD crystals (e.g., 32.768 kHz watch crystals, 4-20 MHz fundamentals), HC-49/U cans, canned oscillators (TTL, CMOS outputs), MEMS timing modules and ceramic resonators for low-cost MCU clocking. For brand browsing and part selection, explore our shop by category at Collections.
Key buyer benefits - speed, stock visibility, and local support
- Immediate pickup from Samrand or Pretoria/Cape Town branches - check branch hours on our Branches & Trading Hours page.
- VAT invoices and account quoting for departments and procurement teams to streamline purchase orders.
- Accessory bundles: oscillator sockets, decoupling capacitors, and breakout PCBs for quick prototyping.
Specification callouts to check before you order
When comparing parts, verify these specs: frequency, frequency tolerance (ppm), load capacitance for crystals, output logic type for oscillators (CMOS/TTL/CLK), supply voltage, and package/footprint. Use our online product filters on the full index at crystals-oscillators-resonators to narrow compatible parts quickly.
Quick spec comparison table
| Type | Typical Frequency | Common Use | Mount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watch Crystal | 32.768 kHz | Real-time clocks | Through-hole / SMD |
| Fundamental Crystal | 4-30 MHz | MCU clocks, comms | HC-49, SMD |
| Canned Oscillator | 1-200 MHz | Digital timing, comms | SMD / DIP |
| Ceramic Resonator | 4-25 MHz | Cost-sensitive MCU clocks | SMD / Through-hole |
Compatibility tips for common boards
For Arduino and AVR projects, a ceramic resonator can be a lower-cost option but check accuracy needs. For Raspberry Pi HATs or USB devices, choose a fixed-frequency oscillator with the correct CMOS/TTL output and supply voltage. If you need part-matching advice for a specific board, view our brand pages at crystals-oscillators-resonators-supplier-south-africa to find compatible modules and datasheets.
