IEC 61019-2:2005

Overview - IEC 61019-2:2005 (Surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators - Part 2: Guide to the use)

IEC 61019-2:2005 is the IEC guidance document for practical application of surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators, intended to be used together with IEC 61019-1. The standard focuses on SAW resonators for oscillator applications in telecommunications, radio equipment and consumer products. It explains fundamental device structure, operating principles and key performance characteristics - helping designers and manufacturers select and apply SAW resonators to meet system requirements in the VHF and UHF frequency ranges.

Notable updates in the 2005 (second) edition:

• Addition of the edge reflector and its bibliography
• Inclusion of propagation properties for LiNbO3 (64° Y) in Table 1
• Clause/subclause corrections to align with IEC 61019-1 (2004)

Key topics and technical requirements

The guide covers practical, non-theoretical guidance and highlights parameters and test practices you must consider when specifying SAW resonators:

• Fundamentals: device structure (IDT - interdigital transducers, grating reflectors), one-port vs two-port configurations, standing-wave behavior and frequency relationships (f ≈ v/λ).
• Reflector characteristics: grating types (metal strips, grooves, ion-implanted/diffused strips), reflection coefficient, stop-band behavior and design trade-offs (element number N vs element reflectivity ε).
• Resonator characteristics: resonance frequency, quality factor (Q), motional resistance, parallel capacitance, spurious modes and energy leakage.
• Substrate materials: propagation properties (including LiNbO3 64° Y), selection impact on performance and stability.
• Oscillator application guidance: oscillation conditions, recommended circuits and practical remarks for robust oscillator designs.
• Specification checklist: parameters to include when ordering SAW resonators to ensure required performance across operating temperature and environmental tests.

Applications and who uses this standard

IEC 61019-2 is targeted to:

• RF and telecommunications designers selecting SAW resonators for local oscillators, converters and frequency control
• Electronic equipment manufacturers (consumer electronics, CATV, remote controls, measurement equipment)
• Component and SAW-chip manufacturers and test engineers who must define and validate resonator performance
• Procurement and standards teams specifying component requirements for VHF/UHF oscillator systems

Key benefits: improved device selection, predictable oscillator performance, reduced development risk and clearer supplier specifications.

Related standards

• IEC 61019-1:2004 - Surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators - Part 1: Generic specification (normative companion)
• IEC 61019-3:1991 - Part 3: Standard outlines and lead connections

Keywords: IEC 61019-2, SAW resonators, surface acoustic wave, oscillator applications, IDT, grating reflector, LiNbO3, VHF, UHF, quality factor, motional resistance.