External vs Internal Clock

Max01800

Junior Member level 2
Joined
Jan 5, 2024
Messages
22
Helped
0
Reputation
0
Reaction score
0
Trophy points
1
Activity points
135
Guys, maybe it's a dumb question, but in this microcontroller STM32F103C6, why do they differentiate between external and internal clock signals if both the oscillators are inside the microcontroller?
 

Attachments

  • stm32f103c6.pdf
    2 MB · Views: 63

If you read section 5.3.6 and 5.3.7 it explains how to use external clock signals and the internal clock circuits.
External clocks are used when better stability is needed or to synchronise with another system
 

why do they differentiate between external and internal clock signals if both the oscillators are inside
External clock .. is external, internal is internal.

It´s not where the inverter/amplifier sits, it depends where the frequency determining part is.
External clock: XTAL = externally connected. XTAL is the device that determines the clock frequency .. accuracy and stability.


Klaus
 

So, for example, the oscillator LSE OSC is used just to stabilize the incoming waveform?
 

Hi,

So, for example, the oscillator LSE OSC is used just to stabilize the incoming waveform?
No.
An oscillator consists of an amplifier and a frequency dependent feedback.
An XTAL does not oscillate without an amplifier.

The amplifier is built inside, the frequency determining feedback (XTAL) is built outside.
The amplifier alone does not determine the frequency. The frequency is determined by the external component: XTAL

Klaus
 

HSC is obvious master clock
LSI in a low speed (Independent)RC clock just for watchdog timer 40kHz
LSC is for a real-time-clock RTC.

There are hundreds of passive resonator options for MEMS or Crystals (XTAL) case, load capacitance, initial tolerance at room temp and stability over specified temp range. Since the cut on these resonators follows a downward parabolic curve the + error is small at room temp or perhaps wrist temp and large -ve error above and below room temp when you search for in stock [x] "32,768 kHz", whjch is a binary multiple of 1 Hz.

Adjustable cap. may be used to null initial tolerance errors near room temp or as desired. The "load cap" value is the series combination of two caps.


But for those who want better temperature compensated time of day, one would choose from


or if you want even better +/-3 ppm XO or Xtal Oscillator and just drive the input port. Looser specs for cheaper parts exist too.

I remember hiring an engineer from Philadelphia when I worked in RB, San Diego, Cali, who was a recent graduate and did not know what a crystal was. but he was a good test engineer and adapted to programming automated tests. Whereas I as Test Eng Mgr had to solve a critical field failure after boards were farmed out to a board shop for this new factory that were all failing in the field. So I took a grinder to this encapsulated crystal oscillator with a film tuning lid and found rust. Then I went to the QA guy to call the Fab shop and told them to wash the PCBA flux before putting on the Xtal. Elapsed time 2 hrs.

Problem solved.
 

Attachments

  • 1704640442312.png
    191.7 KB · Views: 42
Last edited:

THANK YOU SO MUCH
 

Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…