NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1 - 20MHz AEC-Q200 Crystal | NDK
MPN: NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.176 | $0.18 |
| 10 | $0.176 | $1.76 |
| 100 | $0.168 | $16.80 |
| 500 | $0.155 | $77.50 |
| 1,000 | $0.145 | $145.00 |
NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1 Overview
A crystal unit is a passive frequency-control component that uses the mechanical resonance of a vibrating quartz blank to generate a highly stable reference frequency. Within the signal-chain hierarchy, it sits at the foundation of clock generation: the crystal feeds the oscillator circuit inside a MCU, SoC, CAN transceiver, or RF IC, which amplifies and shapes the oscillation into a logic clock. Compared with a MEMS or crystal oscillator (XO), a bare crystal offers the lowest cost and smallest BOM footprint but requires the host IC to provide the inverter, load capacitors, and biasing network.
Key features of the NX3225GA series include automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q200), an extended -40C to +150C operating range that exceeds standard -40C to +85C industrial crystals, excellent heat, vibration and shock resistance, and stable start-up characteristics even under extremely severe environmental conditions, according to the NDK NX3225GA datasheet.
Technically, the part uses an AT-cut quartz resonator mounted in a ceramic surface-mount package with four pads (two functional terminals plus two ground pads for mechanical stability and symmetry). The 8 pF load capacitance requires two appropriate load capacitors (typically 12-18 pF, calculated from CL = (C1 x C2)/(C1 + C2) + Cstray) for accurate 20 MHz output. The 100 ohms ESR rating ensures reliable start-up with most common MCU oscillator circuits.
Typical applications include automotive body control modules, engine bay ECUs exposed to high ambient temperatures, industrial motor controllers, and CAN/LIN network nodes where a 20 MHz reference must survive -40C to +150C environments.
Design consideration: verify the negative resistance margin of your oscillator loop (recommended -5x ESR or better) at the temperature extremes; the 100 ohms ESR spec is at the STD-CRA-1 drive level.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Frequency Tolerance, Nominal Frequency, Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR), Frequency Stability, Mounting Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
STDCRA1-20M
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
NX3225GA-25MHZ-STD-CRG-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.07 / Unit
View Datasheet →NX3225GA-24.000MHZ
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.28 / Unit
View Datasheet →NX3225GA-13.56M-STD-CRG-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$0.11 / Unit
View Datasheet →7A-20.000MBBK-T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1 Specifications
| Frequency | 20 MHz |
| Frequency Tolerance | +/-50 ppm |
| Frequency Stability | +/-150 ppm (over operating range, per LCSC listing) |
| Load Capacitance | 8 pF |
| Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) | 100 ohms |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +150C |
| Nominal Frequency Range (series) | 9.800 MHz to 50.000 MHz |
| Package | SMD3225-4P (3.2 x 2.5 x 0.75 mm typ.) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Qualification | AEC-Q200 |
| Series | NX3225GA |
| Spec No. | STD-CRA-1 |
| MSL Level | 1 (Unlimited) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Product Status | Active |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel |
NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | XIN (X'in) — Crystal input terminal - connect to oscillator input (XTAL1/OSC_IN) of the host IC |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground pad - mechanical anchoring and symmetry |
| Pin 3 | XOUT (X'out) — Crystal output terminal - connect to oscillator output (XTAL2/OSC_OUT) of the host IC |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground pad - mechanical anchoring and symmetry |
Typical Applications
NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Control Modules, Under-Hood ECUs and Engine Controllers, CAN/LIN Network Nodes, Industrial Motor Drives and Inverters, Precision Test and Measurement Equipment, IoT and Wireless Sensor Nodes.
Automotive Body Control Modules
The NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1 fits body control modules (BCMs) because its AEC-Q200 qualification and -40C to +150C operating range cover the temperature extremes found in vehicle passenger compartments and under-dash zones near heat sources. The 20 MHz reference clocks CAN/LIN communication MCUs, where the +/-50 ppm tolerance keeps bus timing within the CAN specification margin. The 3.2 x 2.5 x 0.75 mm 4-pad package supports dense BCM layouts with multiple network nodes. Its 100 ohms ESR ensures reliable oscillator start-up with common automotive MCUs even at the +150C corner where crystal Q degrades. Place the crystal adjacent to the MCU XTAL pins with short traces and a ground guard to limit coupled switching noise from relay drivers on the same board.
Recommended
Under-Hood ECUs and Engine Controllers
Engine-bay electronics routinely see +125C to +150C ambient, which excludes standard -40C to +85C crystals. The NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1's -40C to +150C range, heat resistance, and AEC-Q200 qualification specifically target this environment, according to the NDK NX3225GA automotive datasheet. The 20 MHz output feeds ignition-timing and sensor-sampling MCUs whose PLL tolerates the +/-50 ppm absolute error. The ceramic package's vibration and shock resistance survives continuous engine vibration, a documented series feature. Design consideration: keep the crystal away from exhaust-side heat soak and verify the oscillator negative-resistance margin at +150C, since ESR rises with temperature; the 100 ohms maximum spec at the STD-CRA-1 drive level leaves room for the MCU's transconductance requirement.
Recommended
CAN/LIN Network Nodes
CAN and LIN transceivers and their host MCUs require a stable reference; a 20 MHz crystal with +/-50 ppm tolerance provides the timing basis for the CAN FD bit-rate synthesis in most automotive MCUs. The NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1's 8 pF load capacitance keeps the external capacitor network small, and its 3225-4P footprint is the de-facto standard for automotive networking boards, enabling second-sourcing. The extended temperature range covers modules mounted near headlamps or in the engine compartment. Its 100 ohms ESR suits the moderate transconductance of typical transceiver-integrated oscillators. Route the crystal traces as short as possible, keep them away from the CANH/CANL pair, and use a solid ground plane under the crystal area to minimize jitter contribution to CAN FD's tighter 5 Mbit/s timing budget.
Recommended
Industrial Motor Drives and Inverters
Industrial drive controllers place the clock crystal near power stages whose heat raises PCB ambient well above +85C. The NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1's +150C ceiling and shock/vibration resistance suit gate-driver boards and control cards mounted inside sealed drive cabinets. The 20 MHz reference clocks the MCU that generates PWM; the +/-50 ppm accuracy keeps multi-drive systems synchronized over RS-485 or industrial Ethernet backbones. The crystal's excellent environmental resistance, documented by NDK for severe conditions, tolerates the humidity and thermal cycling of factory environments. Use C0G load capacitors (which, unlike X7R, do not drift with temperature) sized for 8 pF CL, and verify PWM switching noise is not coupling into the oscillator loop by keeping the crystal at least 5 mm from gate-driver switching nodes.
Recommended
Precision Test and Measurement Equipment
Bench instruments and sensor front-ends benefit from the NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1's stable start-up characteristics and tight +/-50 ppm tolerance, which minimize timebase error in counter, data-acquisition, and sampling applications. The 20 MHz frequency is a convenient master clock that divides cleanly into common ADC sample rates. Its 8 pF load capacitance allows low-power oscillator designs in battery-powered portable instruments, and the MSL 1 rating means unlimited floor life during rework-heavy prototyping. The 3.2 x 2.5 mm 4-pad format fits beneath shield cans on mixed-signal boards. For best spectral purity, use the crystal with the MCU/PLL's internal HSE configuration and add a series resistor (estimated 100-470 ohms) to limit drive level below the STD-CRA-1 maximum, reducing frequency pulling and aging.
Recommended
IoT and Wireless Sensor Nodes
Wireless nodes using sub-GHz or 2.4 GHz radios need a low-cost, small, accurate crystal for the radio PLL reference and MCU. The NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1's 3.2 x 2.5 x 0.75 mm package fits dense IoT PCBs, and its 20 MHz output multiplies cleanly to common radio reference frequencies. The industrial temperature range covers outdoor gateways and solar-powered nodes exposed to full sun, and RoHS compliance supports global deployment. The 8 pF CL supports low-power pierce oscillators that draw minimal current, extending battery life. Keep the crystal away from the antenna feed and RF matching network to avoid PLL spurs from coupled RF, and use ground vias on the two GND pads for mechanical anchoring against drop shock in portable devices.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for NX3225GA-20MHZ-STD-CRA-1 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STDCRA1-20M | NX3225GA-24.000MHZ | 7A-20.000MBBK-T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SMD3225-4P (3.2 x 2.5 x 0.75 mm) | SMD3225-4P (4-SMD, No Lead) - same | SMD3225-4P - same | SMD3225-4P - same |
| Brand | NDK | NDK | NDK | YXC |
| Frequency | 20 MHz | 20 MHz | 24 MHz | 20 MHz |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
Key Differentiators
- Extended -40C to +150C operating range (vs 7A-20.000MBBK-T)
- Identical-spec catalog alternate available (vs STDCRA1-20M)
- Same footprint across the NX3225GA family (vs NX3225GA-24.000MHZ)
Design Notes
Size the oscillator load network for the 8 pF load capacitance: with an estimated 2-3 pF of PCB stray capacitance, two 12-15 pF C0G/NP0 capacitors give CL within +/-1 pF of target. Estimated: two 13 pF capacitors in series yield 6.5 pF, plus ~1.5 pF stray = 8 pF. Excess load capacitance pulls the 20 MHz frequency low and can prevent start-up at temperature extremes. Verify the final oscillation frequency on a sample board because stray capacitance varies with layout.
Place the crystal within 5 mm of the MCU XTAL pins and keep the XIN/XOUT traces short, matched, and surrounded by ground. Connect both GND pads (pins 2 and 4) to a solid ground plane with at least one via each - they provide mechanical anchoring against vibration and shock, a key benefit of the 4-pad 3225 format for automotive use. Route the crystal traces away from CANH/CANL, PWM, and switching-regulator nodes; coupling into the oscillator loop raises clock jitter. Do not route other signals under the crystal.
Verify oscillator negative-resistance margin before releasing the design: the crystal's 100 ohms maximum ESR rises with temperature, so measure margin at -40C and +150C, not only room temperature. A common rule of thumb is negative resistance at least 5x ESR (i.e., 500 ohms) at the worst corner. Also limit drive level with a series resistor if the MCU oscillator has high transconductance - overdriving accelerates aging and frequency drift. Finally, do not substitute a 2-pad crystal on a 4-pad 3225 footprint; the land patterns are incompatible.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per LCSC/JLCPCB listings; AEC-Q200 qualified per PartGenie and NDK automotive datasheet; MSL 1 (Unlimited). REACH status not stated in retrieved data.
