Size Trends of MHz Crystals
Surface Mount Crystals
In this article we refer exclusively to Surface Mount Crystals, as the radial wire electrode crystal unit package (often referred to as pin type or metal can package) has become obsolete and almost disappeared from the market. In terms of quality, price and availability, we strongly recommend switching to SMD types.
SAMPLESBig size SMD products
Even within SMD types, the market for products in large sizes such as 5032 (5.0x3.2 mm) is declining. In the past, 8045 (8.0x4.5mm) and 5032 were the most common sizes, but today their global share is less than 5%. Moreover, prices are already not cheap and will increase in the future.
3225size (3.2x2.5mm)
The most common case size today is the 3225size. It has been No. 1 for a decade now, so the price has already bottomed out. The market share is gradually starting to decline from over 50% in 2019 to 45% now.
In the future, this 3225size will only remain for low frequencies from 8MHz to 16MHz, which cannot be produced in smaller sizes due to the quartz blank size.
Our Recommendation:
KDS: DSX321G (Ceramic lid)
TXC: 7V (Ceramic lid) und 7M (Metal lid)
2016size (2.0x1.6mm)
2016size is increasing the share, replacing the 3225size as the major size. 2520size (2.5x2.0mm) is used less and less, because it offers almost no advantage in size, frequency range and ESR value against 2016size. Many chipset manufacturers are listing 2016size crystal units in their new reference designs already. Today the market share is around 25%, prices are already competitive and frequency variety is developed sufficient. For frequencies above 24MHz we recommend the 2016size.
Our Recommendation:
1008size (1.0x0.8mm) and 0806size (0.8x0.6mm)
The smallest size available today is the 1008size or even the 0806size. The 1008size was already developed 3-4 years ago by major suppliers - e.g. KDS Arkh.3G with quartz wafer level process (WLP). This technology has advantages on less height and lead time flexibility. However, there are still questions about the technical development and other vendors have not yet followed either. We will continue to monitor this trend.
CODICO lists KDS and TXC as linecard suppliers. They are among the top 5 manufacturers worldwide. Therefore, we can provide you the best design-in support for the individual types to follow these size trends.
1612size (1,6x1,2mm) and 1210size (1,2x1,0mm)
Smaller sizes than 1612size are still too early in Europe. The main applications are mobile phones and communication module. Due to space constraints, volume in these markets is shifting to the 1210size.
Conclusion
- Old pin type packages are not recommended due to quality, price and availability.
- Big size SMD types, over 5032size, are not recommended for new designs.
- 3225size dominates nearly half of the market share, but started to decrease.
- 2016size is increasing the share instead of 3225size.
- Smaller size (below 1612) is still early in Europe.
In the coming months, we will address other aspects about crystal components.
Your Contact Person
For more information, please contact Yasunobu Ikuno.
