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I am trying to build a simple 32kHz crystal oscillator but I am seeing something strange. I am using a simple circuit in that the crystal is in feedback around a current starved inverter.

However, I am seeing something strange. The frequency of operation is correct but at edge of the clock, there a multiple transitions before it finally stays high (or low). I.e. the voltages are bouncing"

scope output

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Post links to oscilloscope output and to schematic and we'll edit them into the post. – AndrejaKo Jun 1 '12 at 17:26
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That behavior is called 'ringing', if i interpret your description correctly. – dext0rb Jun 1 '12 at 17:37
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Also, please post a photograph of your circuit and scope probe. – markrages♦ Jun 1 '12 at 17:56
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I'm not confident enough to post this as an answer, but empirically I have found 32kHz crystals to be extremely sensitive to additional load capacitance and/or any form of resistive load. – Cybergibbons Jun 1 '12 at 18:13
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I would say its not ringing but chatter due to slow rising edges on inputs to your inverters. Are you using Schmitt-trigger inverters? A schematic of your complete circuit is needed to give any more certain analysis. – The Photon Jun 1 '12 at 22:33
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1 Answer

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If the metal can of oscillator is not grounded, then it works as a capacitive load parallel to crystal. The MHz bursts are probably matching the time delay of second positive feedback of invertor when this capacitance is involved.

http://www.telluriantech.com/Effects_of_Grounding_on_Ceramic_SMD_Crystal.pdf

Replace crystal with 2-10pF variable cap and see if the oscillations will match the frequency of bursts.

Answer: Ground the can. It will move bursts to GHz. Also the crystal pins can be grounded through small capacitors.

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Thank you for the response. I am assuming that by can you mean the housing of the crystal...correct? There already pulling capacitors in parrallel with the crystal that go to ground. – user10090 Jun 2 '12 at 0:58
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Yes. The housing. Another mistake can be driving the crystal with too high power. The typical power should be in microwatt range. The crystal can be destroyed mechanically by milliwatt power. – Rocket Surgeon Jun 2 '12 at 1:07

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