# openQCM (2014) · Electronics

> Source page: https://openqcm.com/electronics
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_openQCM (2014) · sheet 03 · Electronics_

The openQCM proximity electronics is designed as an Arduino Micro shield, mounting a quartz crystal oscillator driver optimized for crystal oscillator applications across a wide frequency range (1–25 MHz).

## The signal path

Quartz crystal (held by two clips) → Oscillator driver (unbuffered inverter plus inverter, 1–25 MHz) → Arduino Micro (counts the frequency, reads the I²C temperature sensor) → USB (to the openQCM software)

## Stable, low-power, simple.

The oscillator driver incorporates an unbuffered inverter plus an inverter in a single device, optimized for crystal oscillator applications. It is equipped with an I²C temperature sensor to better monitor the temperature dependence of the quartz crystal frequency.

The driver is optimized to work at 3.3 V supply, ±24 mA output current — conditions that ensure high frequency stability and low power consumption. Arduino Micro has a 3.3 V supply from its on-board regulator (max 50 mA draw), so its 3.3 V pin is well-suited to power the oscillator driver. Two clips are embedded to ensure a simple, instantaneous electrical connection of the quartz crystal sensor.

## PCB files and firmware

### Hardware

- [openQCM electronics (PCB files)](https://openqcm.com/downloads/openqcm-1/open-hardware/openqcm-electronics-v3.zip) (ZIP)

### Firmware

- [openQCM Arduino firmware](https://openqcm.com/downloads/openqcm-1/software/openqcm-arduino-firmware.zip) (ZIP)
- [Source on GitHub](https://github.com/openQCM/openQCM) (GIT)

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openQCM by Novaetech S.r.l., Pompeii, Italy · Buy: https://store.openqcm.com/ · Contact: info@openqcm.com · https://openqcm.com/contacts/