This opens up the available frequency spectrum to quartz based resonators. You can isolate and amplify the harmonics to give you a higher cleaner frequency than you would if you multiplied the original frequency. In this case, the fundamental frequency of 110 hz x 3 = 330 hz. As an example, a third harmonic would be three times the original frequency. Shown in the graph as 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th harmonic. Harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency. Shown in the graph here in red, when producing clocks that need to generate frequencies above 50 MHz you are taking advantage of harmonic frequencies. Crystals operating at or below 50 MHz are referred to as resonating at their fundamental or natural frequency. There are two methods of using Resonant Frequencies to derive a clock.

In the case of a quartz resonators, the Resonant Frequency is the desired frequency of oscillation that you want to achieve.

Most systems have one resonant frequency and multiple harmonic frequencies that get progressively lower in amplitude as they move away from the center. Resonance occurs when a system is able to store and easily transfer energy between different storage modes, such as Kinetic energy or Potential energy as you would find with a simple pendulum.

Resonant frequency is the oscillation of a system at its natural or unforced resonance. In this Quartz Resonators series video, we answer the question “What is Resonant Frequency?” Last time we talked about Acoustic Impedance, and how horns are actually a kind of transformer, and operate in a way analogous to how a lever makes a large mass.

How to use resonance