Why buy crystals, oscillators and resonators from Communica
Get the exact frequency components your project or production line needs without long import delays. Communica stocks thousands of components across semiconductors and passives, including common oscillator packages, SMD crystals, and ceramic resonators suited to hobbyists, university labs and engineering procurement. Local inventory reduces lead time, enables branch pickup and provides VAT invoicing for institutional purchases - ideal when timelines matter.
Clear value for South African builders
- Immediate options: check stock for Samrand warehouse collection or same-city pickup from our Pretoria and Cape Town branches.
- Technical fit: component specs and form-factors matched to microcontrollers, RF modules and timing circuits.
- Procurement-friendly: VAT invoices, quotes for bulk buys and account ordering for repeat purchases.
Common selections and when to choose them
Different timing needs call for different parts. Use a quartz crystal for precise MCU clocking, a TCXO for temperature-sensitive RF links, and a ceramic resonator for low-cost microcontroller timing where ±0.5% is acceptable. We carry surface-mount and through-hole options plus packaged oscillators (e.g., 3.3V/5V CMOS output) that plug directly into development boards.
Specification callouts to check before you order
| Spec | Why it matters | Typical values |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Defines signal timing - match MCU/comm requirement | 32.768 kHz, 8 MHz, 16 MHz, 20 MHz, 25 MHz |
| Tolerance & Stability | Affects drift over time and temperature | ±20 ppm, ±50 ppm; TCXO for tighter stability |
| Load Capacitance / Output Type | Ensure oscillator circuit sees correct load; digital outputs for direct use | 8 pF-32 pF; CMOS/TTL outputs; sine for RF |
| Package / Mount | SMD vs through-hole affects assembly and prototyping | SMD 3225, 2016, HC-49, DIP |
Explore our product ranges in context: browse by category to compare form-factors and families on the Collections page or see all available components on the All Products index. If you prefer brand browsing, our Shop by Brand listing helps identify manufacturers commonly used in education and prototyping.
Quick wiring diagram examples
Below are simple examples for common use-cases. Adjust component values per datasheet recommendations.
// MCU crystal (two load capacitors)
MCU XTAL1 ---[Crystal]--- XTAL2
| |
C1=18pF C2=18pF
| |
GND GNDFor packaged oscillators with digital outputs, connect Vcc, GND and the output pin (no external capacitors typically required). Always consult the oscillator datasheet for supply decoupling and recommended load.
