From: Bennett, Matt <Matt.Bennett@ANDREW.COM>


>Coulda sworn I've seen debates on this topic before, but I just searched
the
>faq and the the archives and couldn't find anything.


Should be there.
Has definitely benn covered before.

>If a highly accurate clock source is not necessary, is there any reason not
>to use a ceramic resonator instead of a crystal?  Resonators appear to be
>cheaper, and you can get them with built in capacitors, which leads to less
>expensive board assy. costs.  (One part to mount instead of 3).
>
>If I do use a resonator, are there any special warnings about layout or
>circuit topology, or can I just slap it in in place of a crystal (and set
>the appropriate configuration flags).


At 4 MHz using Murata resonators I have never had problems.
Resonators are  good for about 0.1% accuracy long term considering all error
sources (eg aging, initial error, temperature drift across normal
temperature range).
This is very easily good enough for asynchronous serial operation with 1
start 8 data 2 stop bits  which is about the worst case job for low
stability applications.  If you don't need even this accuracy then an RC
oscillator may suffice.

See Murata's web site for good details of their products.

    www.murata.com/develop/index.htm ???


RM