IQD launches ‘smallest & lightest crystal in the world’

According to IQD, the latest addition to its frequency product range, the CX-18, is 'possibly the smallest and lightest surface mount crystal in the world'. Housed in a hermetically sealed ceramic package and measuring 1.55 x 0.95 x 0.35mm, it has a typical weight of 1.8mg.

Frequencies can reportedly be specified between 30 and 50MHz, with frequency temperature stabilities of +/-10ppm over the commercial operating temperature range of 0 to 70°C and +/-30ppm over the extended military temperature range of -55 to 125°C. The ceramic package with glass lid has been designed to prevent out gassing and contamination, an element IGD says is crucial when used in invasive medical applications. The CX-18 is said to be particularly suitable for use in telemetry for implantable pacemakers (CRT's). According to IGD, the wireless remote control of an rf pacemaker could allow doctors to communicate the results of specific parameters, capture the threshold results from the atrium or the ventricle and to alert clinics by sending information directly to the monitoring equipment. IQD claims that the crystal can also be used in hearing aids, cochlear implants, defibrillators and for retina implantable systems that use camera technology.