Crystal Oscillator Market Size, Share & Trends

Updated on : October 23, 2024

Crystal Oscillator Market Size & Share

The global crystal oscillator market size was valued at USD 3.0 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.4 billion by 2028; growing at  a CAGR of 2.5% during the forecast period 2023 to 2028. Higher demand for crystal oscillators with thriving consumer electronics industry, rising deployment of crystal oscillators in 5G and 6G networks are among the factors driving the growth of the crystal oscillator market.

Crystal Oscillator Market Statistics and Forecast to 2028

To know about the assumptions considered for the study, Request for Free Sample Report

Crystal Oscillator Market Trends & Dynamics:

Driver: Increasing adoption of crystal oscillators in aerospace and defense applications

Crystal oscillators are critical for precise and stable frequency generation in aerospace and defense applications. Their reliability and accuracy make them indispensable in various systems and equipment. One of the primary applications of crystal oscillators in aerospace and defense is in communication systems. They are integral components in radio, radar, and satellite communication systems, as they generate stable carrier frequencies, enabling the accurate transmission and reception of signals, even in challenging and dynamic operational environments.

Crystal oscillators used in aerospace and defense applications must meet stringent reliability, performance, and environmental tolerance requirements. They must be able to withstand harsh environments such as extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and radiation. Crystal oscillators in these applications are typically subjected to rigorous testing and qualification procedures to ensure they meet these requirements.

Crystal oscillators are used in a wide variety of aerospace and defense applications, where precise and reliable frequency references are essential. Some examples include:

• Aircraft and spacecraft avionics: Crystal oscillators are used in aircraft and spacecraft avionics systems, such as flight control systems, navigation systems, and communication systems. The precise frequency reference provided by crystal oscillators is essential for the accurate operation of these systems.
• Military radar and electronic warfare systems: Crystal oscillators are used in military radar and electronic warfare systems to generate precise and stable frequency signals. These signals are used to track targets, identify threats, and jam enemy communication and radar systems.
• Satellite communication systems: Crystal oscillators are used in satellite communication systems to generate precise and stable frequency signals for uplink and downlink communication.
• Missile guidance and control systems: Crystal oscillators are used in missile guidance and control systems to generate precise and stable frequency signals for navigation and targeting.
• Military test and measurement equipment: Crystal oscillators are used in military test and measurement equipment to provide a precise and stable frequency reference for calibration and testing.

In addition to these specific applications, crystal oscillators are also used in a wide variety of other aerospace and defense applications, such as ground support equipment, training simulators, and communication systems.

Restraint: Availability of cost-effective and more reliable alternative technologies

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonator-based clocks and oscillators find applications where their precision and stability can match most crystal circuitry while also offering greater reliability, increased ruggedness, smaller size, and even lower cost. IDT Corporation (US) and SiTime Corporation (US) offer new MEMS oscillators. MEMS oscillators are manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques, which are more cost-effective than the specialized processes used to make crystal oscillators. In addition, MEMS oscillators can be produced in high volumes, which further drives down the cost.

IDT’s 4H MEMS oscillators can replace quartz crystal clocks in many applications with a frequency range of 50 to 625 MHz. with a very low jitter of 100 fs. They can be used in 10-Gbit/s Ethernet applications. The SiT15xx series oscillators of SiTime Corporation combine a MEMS resonator with a fractional-N PLL synthesizer and a set of dividers to provide any frequency from 1 Hz to 32.768 kHz. Stability is typically in the 100-ppm range. Aging is in the ±3-ppm range. Power consumption is a lowly 0.75 µA. The plastic package measures 1.5 by 0.8 by 0.55 mm. The devices can handle up to 50,000-g shock and 70-g vibration.

Due to the standard CMOS silicon techniques used in these devices, they are easier and cheaper to manufacture than crystal oscillators that require specialized manufacturing and packaging techniques. Crystal oscillator technology is rapidly maturing and has reached its limits of performance, size, reliability, and cost. Further improvements or developments in these oscillators are difficult to achieve. Alternative technologies, such as MEMS, are gaining traction in the market. Hence, continuous advancements in oscillator technology have outdated crystal oscillators since no further advancements in this technology are visible.

Opportunity: Growing demand for miniature electronic devices with improved performance

The demand for the miniaturization of electronic devices has grown in every sector, including communications, consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare equipment. To achieve this, various factors come into play, including the availability of small components that offer better performance and more features.

Advancements in technology have led to the creation of crystal oscillator solutions that are smaller, more effective, and cost-efficient. These developments include enhancements in size reduction, power consumption, temperature stability, and phase noise performance. These developments propel the use of CXOs in both new and existing applications.

The IoT ecosystem relies on accurate and synchronized communication between devices. Crystal oscillators provide reliable time references for IoT networks, ensuring dependable data transfer, device coordination, and sensor data synchronization. They also provide precise timing for machine-to-machine communication and real-time data processing.

Challenge: Frequency drift issues in crystal oscillators after extended use

The occurrence of "drift" in crystal oscillators, resulting in the loss of stability, poses a significant challenge. This phenomenon can lead to performance degradation and various technical or even legal complications, depending on the application. Prolonged operation generates heat that can adversely impact stability by altering component values like inductors, resistors, and capacitors. Other factors such as humidity, pressure, and radiation can impact the characteristics of the crystal, leading to frequency drift. This is especially relevant in applications where the oscillator is exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Also, fluctuations in the power supply voltage can impact the stability of crystal oscillators. It's important to ensure a stable and well-regulated power supply to minimize the impact of voltage variations Additional factors such as variations in operating voltage and mechanical vibrations contribute to instability. Detecting drift is challenging as it may manifest after years of oscillator use, potentially causing issues before detection. The time lapse between drift occurrence and its identification is crucial, as it can introduce stability problems, impacting the performance of devices utilizing the oscillator.

Crystal Oscillator Market Ecosystem

Prominent companies in this market include well-established, financially stable providers of crystal oscillator systems. These companies have been operating in the market for several years and possess a diversified product portfolio, state-of-the-art technologies, and strong global sales and marketing networks. Prominent companies in this market include Seiko Epson Corporation (Japan), NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD. (Japan), KYOCERA Corporation (Japan), Daishinku Corp. (Japan), SiTime Corporation (US), SIWARD Crystal Technology Co., Ltd. (Taiwan), TXC Corporation (Taiwan),  HOSONIC TECHNOLOGY (GROUP) CO., LTD. (Taiwan), Microchip Technology Inc. (US), Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Japan).

Crystal Oscillator Market Share

By general circuitry, the VCXO general circuitry is expected to grow with the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028.

The crystal oscillator industry share for VCXO general circuitry is expected to record the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028. VCXO crystal oscillators are essential for applications that require high-precision timing, such as telecommunications, aerospace, and defense. As the demand for these applications continues to grow, so will the demand for VCXO crystal oscillators. Also, the growing adoption of wireless technologies, such as 4G, 5G, and WiFi, is also driving the demand for VCXO crystal oscillators. These technologies require high-precision timing to operate properly..

By crystal cut, AT crystal cut is expected to grow with the highest CAGR in 2028.

AT crystal cut is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR in the crystal oscillator market trends during in 2028. AT cut crystals are known for their high reliability and long operational life. These factors are crucial in applications where downtime or component failure is not acceptable, such as in aerospace, defense, and telecommunications. These crystals are available in a wide range of frequencies, catering to diverse applications. This flexibility in frequency selection contributes to their widespread adoption in various electronic systems. Also, AT cut crystals are often compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, allowing for seamless integration into digital circuits commonly used in modern electronics.

By application, the consumer electronics segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028.

The crystal oscillator market share for the consumer electronics segment is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028. The growth of the segment is driven by the need for consumer electronic devices to become increasingly sophisticated and requiring precise timing and frequency control.

IoT is a network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity, which enables these objects to connect and exchange data. Crystal oscillators are essential for providing precise timing and frequency control in IoT devices.

Crystal Oscillator Market Regional Analysis

In 2028, Asia Pacific is projected to hold the highest CAGR of the overall crystal oscillator market.

Crystal Oscillator Market by Region

To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure

In 2028, Asia Pacific is projected to account for the largest share of the crystal oscillator market. The factors contributing to the regional market’s growth include the automotive sector, which is increasingly using electronic components, which is driving the demand for crystal oscillators. Crystal oscillators are used in a variety of automotive applications, such as engine control modules, airbag systems, and driver-assistance systems. Asia Pacific, particularly countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, is a major hub for electronic device manufacturing. The increasing demand for smartphones, tablets, wearables, and other electronic devices drives the need for crystal oscillators.

Top Crystal Oscillator Companies - Key Market Manufacture :

• Seiko Epson Corporation (Japan),
• NIHON DEMPA KOGYO CO., LTD. (Japan),
• KYOCERA Corporation (Japan),
• Daishinku Corp. (Japan),
• SiTime Corporation (US),
• SIWARD Crystal Technology Co., Ltd. (Taiwan),
• TXC Corporation (Taiwan),
•   HOSONIC TECHNOLOGY (GROUP) CO., LTD. (Taiwan),
• Microchip Technology Inc. (US),
• Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Japan) are some of the key players in the crystal oscillator companies.

Crystal Oscillator Report Scope : 

This research report categorizes the crystal oscillator market size based on type, mounting scheme, crystal cut, general circuitry, application, and region.

Recent Developments in Crystal Oscillator Industry :

• In September 2023, SiTime Corp. unveiled the SiTime Epoch Platform, a groundbreaking solution engineered to address intricate timing challenges in the electronics industry and revolutionize a century-old reliance on quartz-based technology. This innovative platform introduces a MEMS-based, oven-controlled oscillator (OCXO) that provides exceptionally stable clock signals for data center and network infrastructure equipment.
• In  July 2023, SiTime expanded its well-established Endura MEMS ruggedized Super-TCXO family with the addition of the SiT5543. This temperature-controlled oscillator sets a new standard in the TCXO realm for aerospace and defense systems, offering unparalleled stability in demanding conditions.
• In July 2023, Microchip Technology Inc. unveiled a comprehensive, multi-year plan to allocate about USD 300 million toward the expansion of its endeavors in India. India is recognized as one of the world’s swiftest-growing semiconductor industry hubs.
• In June 2023, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. introduced the high-precision "XRCGE_FXA" series of automotive crystal units in 2016 dimensions, and mass production is already underway.
• In May 2022, SIWARD Crystal Technology Co., Ltd, entered a worldwide distribution partnership with Digi-Key Electronics, a provider of readily available electronic components that covers a broad spectrum of SIWARD products, such as crystals, tuning forks, thermistors, oscillators, TCXOs, and VCXOs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):

To speak to our analyst for a discussion on the above findings, click Speak to Analyst