Abstract: A resonator heating element is attached to the surface of a crystal resonator. Resonator temperature sensing may be accomplished either by a sensor attached to the crystal enclosure, or through dual mode temperature sensing, or by both. A control system converts the sensed temperature into a series of variable-width pulses applied to the resonator heating element. Thus, the temperature sensing mechanism(s), control system and heating element comprise a temperature feedback control system which allows the crystal to stably operate at or very near its desired temperature. In an especially preferred embodiment, an integrated circuit from a switching power supply may be used in a novel manner to perform certain of the functions in the temperature feedback control loop. Plural resonators may be present in the enclosure, one of which may be directly involved in temperature sensing. In other embodiments, a ring-shaped insulative structure may additionally be disposed between the resonator and its enclosure.

Abstract: A quartz crystal resonator is situated in an enclosure whose interior is substantially a vacuum. A heating element is attached to the crystal surface. A sensor is attached to the crystal enclosure, and may be sandwiched between the crystal enclosure and the circuit board to which the crystal enclosure is attached. A control system converts the sensed temperature into a series of variable width pulses applied to the resonator heating element. Thus, the sensor, control unit and heating element comprise a temperature feedback control system which allows the crystal to operate at or very near its desired temperature. Further, the crystal enclosure may be substantially surrounded by an external material insulator. The external material insulator maximizes thermal resistance between the sensor and the environment in comparison to the thermal resistance between the crystal and the sensor.