Can crystal oscillator be used to turn power on and off at the frequency of the oscillator.?

Question

I am trying to switch 12VDC to on and off . Can I use crystal oscillator and no other circuits?

Answer 1

No, the piezoelectric properties of a crystal oscillator do not generate a voltage of its own. It simply oscillates when an external voltage is applied. You must stimulate the crystal, detect the oscillations, and then use the detected frequency to drive your 12V power circuit with external electronics. Sorry...

Answer 2

A crystal oscillator would include the electronics to generate an AC signal, but typically would not include a power stage. It could drive a simple, easily added power stage such as a switching transistor.

Answer 3

You can make a simple circuit involving an amplifier and a FET. First set up the amplifier to boost crystal output to a few volts ((or enough to turn on the FET)). Make sure the threshold voltage is the center of the AC swing so that you preserve the waveform. Connect the Source and Drain to the positive and negative of the battery ((Buffering Accordingly so not to blow the FET, which you shouldn't need to worry about)). For a schematic, e-mail me. I have used this circuit in my own work before.

Answer 4

Stop. Are you after a SINE WAVE or a SQUARE WAVE? If you want a SINE WAVE (Like a 60 Hz wall outlet in the United States) you'll need to run it thru an oscillator such as a Hartley (Tapped center coil) with matching capacators. If you want a SQUARE WAVE you'll need to make a SINE WAVE first THEN put in a clipper circuit to "flatten" the tops (Zenier diode stack).

Or you could go to your local auto parts store and buy one for like 30 dollars, give or take a bit.