I don't *think* ceramic resonators are nearly as sensitive to drive level as
quartz crystals are, so if this is true, higher drive levels would be
permissible with ceramic resonators. I've personally never seen a maximum
drive level specification in the data sheets for the ceramic resonators I
have. Maybe someone else has and will add to this thread.

On the other hand, quartz crystals can be adversely affected and even
damaged by overdriving them. You'll find out that the maximum drive levels
for crystals vary *greatly*. Some crystals might have a maximum drive level
of between 50 uW to 100 uW (microwatts), while others might be in the range
of 0.5 mW to 2 mW (milliwatts). Moreover you'll typically see *very* low
drive levels in tuning fork type crystals: ~ 1.0 uW maximum.

You really have to look at the maximum drive level detailed in the crystal
manufacturer's data sheet of the specific crystal you are using.

However, the following information, may help you with your drive level
questions. It also offers some methods on how to measure crystal drive level
in situ (both with and without a current probe).

http://foxonline.com/appnotes.htm


Best regards,

Ken Pergola


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