SDAA503
September 2026
F29H850TU
1
Abstract
Trademarks
1
Introduction
2
Pierce Oscillator and Crystal Model
2.1
Oscillator Block Diagram
2.2
Quartz Crystal Electrical Model
3
Crystal Selection Criteria
3.1
Why ESR Governs Crystal Compatibility
3.2
Crystal Frequency
3.3
Shunt Capacitance C0
4
Step-by-step Crystal Selection Process
4.1
Step 1 - Verify ESR Meets Oscillator Requirements
4.2
Step 2 - Size Load Capacitors CL1 and CL2
4.3
Step 3 - Determine if Damping Resistor Rd is Required
4.4
Step 4 - Calculate Rd (Damping Resistor)
4.5
Step 5 - Verify Negative Resistance (Rneg) Margin
5
PCB Layout Recommendations
5.1
Crystal Placement
5.2
Load Capacitor Placement
5.3
Trace Routing
5.4
Shielding Considerations
6
Testing and Validation
6.1
Measurement Equipment Requirements
6.2
Frequency Verification
6.3
Start-Up Time Measurement
6.4
Negative Resistance (Rneg) Measurement
7
Common Issues and Debug Tips
8
Design Example - 20MHz Crystal
9
Appendix A
9.1
Crystal Selection for Generic Pierce Oscillators
9.1.1
Introduction and Scope
9.1.2
Theoretical Background
9.1.3
Method A - Analytical Derivation from gm_min
9.1.3.1
Equipment and Component Requirements
9.1.3.2
Procedure
9.1.3.3
Single-Frequency Oscillator Considerations
9.1.3.4
Worked Example — 40MHz Fixed-Frequency Oscillator
9.1.4
Method B - Empirical Derivation using Negative Resistance Test
9.1.4.1
Equipment and Component Requirements
9.1.4.2
Signal Generator as Crystal Substitute
9.1.4.3
Equations
9.1.4.4
Procedure
9.1.4.5
Alternative Experimental Methods for Deriving gm
9.1.4.5.1
Load Capacitance (CL) Sweep
9.1.4.5.2
Supply Voltage (VDD) Sweep
9.1.4.5.3
Temperature Sweep (Thermal Margin Identification)
9.1.4.6
Generating a Custom ESR/CL Requirement Table
9.1.5
Method C - Frequency Pulling Characterization
9.1.5.1
Required Equipment and Components
9.1.5.2
Equations
9.1.5.3
Procedure
9.1.5.4
Worked Example - 40MHz Frequency Pulling
9.1.6
Summary Checklist - Generic Pierce Oscillator Crystal Selection
10
References
Application Note
Crystal Oscillator Selection Guide ASM Real-Time Microcontrollers