Crystal oscillator measurement

[bosskardo]

Hi,
Probably a stupid question. What is an easy and cheap way to measure crystal oscillators? F.e. this:
https://eu.mouser.com/datasheet/2/698/REN_XL_Crystal_Oscillators_Datasheet_DST_20220302-1954959.pdf
I know it's easy with oscilloscope but would it be possible with frequency counter as it's cheaper? But then there is the problem of what kind of leads to use (as I understand, oscilloscope leads won't work?). Crystal is mounted on a board.
If using oscilloscope to measure, what kind of accuracy does it need? If frequency is 180MHz and I only need to measure the frequency (but still accuratelly), don't need the waveform to be really accurate, can I use lower bandwidht models? Like 200MHz or even 100MHz?

Thank you

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

depends on what information(s) you want to know.

With a scope you can measure voltage levels, duty cycle, overshot... with a counter not.

Klaus

 

[bosskardo]

Hi,

depends on what information(s) you want to know.

With a scope you can measure voltage levels, duty cycle, overshot... with a counter not.

Klaus

Hi, just frequency.

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

I see no big problem:
* circuit like given in the oscillator datasheet (mainly the bypass capacitor)
* frequency counter needs to have compatible input according voltage level
* leads: as short as possible

Klaus

 

[BradtheRad]

For frequency counters there is such a thing as a 'pre-scaler', which divides the incoming signal by 10 (or 100 or 1000 depending on number of stages). The benefit is to expand the measurement range of a counter so it can read faster frequencies.