The automotive crystal oscillator FA-238A is the preferred choice for car Bluetooth

Hedy · Dasenic Nov 27,2024 2

The Bluetooth module is a PCBA board with integrated Bluetooth function, mainly used for short-range wireless communication. According to different functions, it is divided into Bluetooth data module and Bluetooth voice module. In fact, the Bluetooth module refers to the basic circuit set of the chip with integrated Bluetooth function, which is used for wireless network communication and can be roughly divided into data transmission module, Bluetooth audio module, Bluetooth audio and data two-in-one module and other categories. Generally speaking, the module has the characteristics of a semi-finished product, which is processed on the basis of the chip to make subsequent applications easier.


As a short-range wireless communication technology to replace data cables, Bluetooth supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication methods, and can wirelessly connect various data and voice devices in the home or office into a pico-net (Pico-net), and several pico-nets can be further connected to each other to form a distributed network (scatter-net), so as to achieve fast and convenient communication between these connected devices. DSP samples the analog signal and processes the digital signal after A/D conversion, and then transmits it to the receiving end through the Bluetooth interface. Similarly, DSP will perform D/A conversion on the digital signal received by Bluetooth to make it an analog signal.


Epson FA-238A Crystal Oscillator Overview

FA-238A is an automotive-grade quartz crystal oscillator (QCO) launched by Epson. Its design meets the strict requirements of automotive electronics and is suitable for a variety of high-demand application scenarios. It can provide accurate and stable clock signals to ensure the reliable operation of the system in harsh environments.


FA-238A Main Features

Automotive-grade certification: Meets AEC-Q200 certification, suitable for automotive electronic equipment, and can work stably in complex environments in the automotive field.

Frequency stability: It has extremely high frequency stability and is suitable for systems requiring high-precision clocks.

High temperature operating range: The operating temperature range is -40°C to +125°C, which is suitable for various application environments with large temperature changes.

Low power design: Suitable for low-power systems, especially in battery-powered applications.

Small package: Available in small packages such as 3.2mm × 2.5mm, suitable for space-constrained applications.


FA-238A Technical Specifications

ParameterValue
Frequency range32.768kHz, 12MHz, 16MHz, 24MHz, 48MHz, etc.
Operating temperature range-40°C to +125°C
Frequency tolerance±20ppm (typical value, may vary depending on the model)
Phase noise-150dBc/Hz (at 10kHz offset, 12MHz)
Supply voltage3.3V or 5V
Package type3.2mm × 2.5mm, 5.0mm × 3.2mm, etc.
Load capacitance12pF (typical value, depending on the model)
StabilityHigh stability, suitable for automotive and industrial applications

FA-238A Main Benefits

High reliability: Meets automotive-grade standards (AEC-Q200) and has extremely high reliability, suitable for applications in the automotive industry and other fields requiring high stability.

Temperature stability: Able to operate stably in a temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, it is very suitable for automotive, industrial and outdoor applications.

Low power consumption: Suitable for low-power electronic devices, which can extend battery life, especially in portable devices.

Small package size: 3.2mm × 2.5mm small package, suitable for space-constrained application design, such as portable electronics.

Precise clock source: Provides high-precision clock signals, suitable for systems that require high stability such as communication, timing, data synchronization, etc.


FA-238A Typical applications

In-vehicle electronic equipment: Widely used in automotive electronic systems, such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), navigation systems, in-vehicle displays, audio systems, in-vehicle communication equipment, etc.

Industrial control systems: suitable for industrial automation, sensor networks, PLC, monitoring equipment, etc.

Consumer electronics: can be applied to products that require high-precision clock sources, such as smart watches, medical equipment, portable audio, remote control equipment, etc.

Communication equipment: used for clock synchronization of base station equipment, wireless communication modules, network equipment, etc.


The important role of Epson FA-238A crystal oscillator in car Bluetooth:

Epson FA-238A crystal oscillator plays a key role in the car Bluetooth module. It is an important component for wireless transmission of audio, calls and data inside the vehicle.

1. Provide a stable clock signal.

In the process of Bluetooth communication, the crystal oscillator is like a precise timer, providing a stable and accurate clock signal for the device. This clock signal is used to synchronize the sending and receiving operations of Bluetooth devices to ensure the smooth transmission of data between devices. Relying on the clock signal provided by the crystal oscillator, the Bluetooth device can identify and analyze the received data signal based on the synchronized clock.

2. Realize synchronous data processing.

The accuracy of the crystal oscillator is extremely critical to the stability and reliability of Bluetooth communication. If the clock signal provided by the crystal oscillator is not accurate enough, the communication between devices may cause deviation or packet loss, which will have a negative impact on the quality and rate of communication.


The demand for crystal oscillators in car Bluetooth

Common frequency points are: 16Mhz, 24Mhz, 26Mhz

In terms of miniaturization and reliability: Bluetooth modules are divided into data Bluetooth modules, serial Bluetooth modules, voice Bluetooth modules, car Bluetooth modules, etc. according to their uses. Epson FA-238A package 3225 passive crystal oscillator is widely used in many Bluetooth devices. It can provide stable and accurate frequency signals. This 3225 package is a small and common package type. Passive crystal oscillators can resist the influence of external electromagnetic interference on car Bluetooth modules, provide users with clear and stable audio and data transmission, and save energy and extend battery life.