Overview
IEC 60050-561:2014/AMD4:2021 presents the fourth amendment to Part 561 of the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV), specifically focused on piezoelectric, dielectric, and electrostatic devices alongside associated materials used for frequency control, selection, and detection. This amendment updates terminology and definitions critical for ensuring consistency and clarity in the electrotechnical field, particularly involving synthetic quartz crystals and surface acoustic wave (SAW) device materials.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) maintains this vocabulary to support global standardization, providing precise terms for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. This amendment, approved by IEC technical committee 1 on terminology, refines vocabulary entries to reflect advances and harmonize understanding across industries.
Key Topics
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Synthetic Quartz Crystal Terminology
This amendment revises definitions related to synthetic quartz crystals, which are essential components in frequency control devices such as resonators and oscillators.
- Terms updated include various crystal cuts (e.g., AT-cut plate) and crystal growth states such as as-grown Y-bar and Z-bar.
- Important dimensions like effective Z-dimension and minimum Z-dimension clarify measurement standards for quartz crystal fabrication.
- Processes such as hydrothermal crystal growth outline the industrial synthesis of quartz involving high-pressure autoclaves.
- Concepts like inclusions describe impurities detected within synthetic quartz crystals that can impact performance.
- The infrared absorption coefficient quantifies contamination levels by measuring hydroxyl (OH) impurities that affect mechanical losses in resonators.
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Materials for Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Devices
The amendment revises terminology related to materials used in SAW devices, which are widely employed in filtering and frequency selection in wireless communication systems. Several definitions were replaced or removed to better align with contemporary technological characteristics.
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Terminology Refinement and Removal
Outdated or redundant entries have been deleted to streamline and modernize the vocabulary, supporting clearer communication in both research and industrial applications.
Applications
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Frequency Control Devices
Precise definitions of piezoelectric and dielectric materials, particularly synthetic quartz, aid manufacturers in achieving consistent quality and performance in devices like crystal oscillators and filters. These devices are vital in telecommunications, broadcasting, aerospace, and defense systems.
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Material Characterization and Quality Assurance
Standardized terminology for crystal growth, dimensions, and impurity detection supports quality control processes in industrial crystal manufacturing, enhancing reliability in frequency control components.
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Design and Engineering of SAW Devices
Updated material classifications support engineers in selecting appropriate substrates and coatings for surface acoustic wave devices, optimizing signal processing performance and device longevity.
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International Collaboration and Compliance
By harmonizing electrotechnical vocabulary worldwide, this amendment facilitates global trade, research cooperation, regulatory compliance, and education across the electrotechnology sector.
Related Standards
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IEC 60050 Series - International Electrotechnical Vocabulary
The parent standard series encompassing consistent terminology across various electrotechnical fields.
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IEC Technical Committee 1 (Terminology)
Responsible for maintaining and developing the International Electrotechnical Vocabulary, ensuring ongoing updates reflect technological progress.
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Standards on Piezoelectric Devices and Frequency Control Components
Other IEC standards providing requirements and test methods related to crystal oscillators, resonators, and frequency filters.
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Standards on Surface Acoustic Wave Devices
IEC standards concerned with the design, testing, and application of SAW components for signal processing.
Keywords: IEC 60050-561, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary, piezoelectric devices, dielectric materials, electrostatic devices, frequency control, synthetic quartz crystal, hydrothermal crystal growth, SAW devices, surface acoustic wave, crystal oscillator terminology, infrared absorption coefficient, electrotechnical standards.
Open preview (PDF)Amendment 4 - International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) - Part 561: Piezoelectric, dielectric and electrostatic devices and associated materials for frequency control, selection and detection
