Decapping a Small CFPX-5 Crystal

In preparation for building the "Smaller Bandpass Filter" (see previous post), I wanted to see how these very small Crystals are made. The crystals packages CFPX-5 measures 3.2 x 2.5 mm, the actual contained crystal must be very-very small.

I had a spare 16MHz Crystal that was sacrificed to satisfy my curiosity.  I removed the lid by grinding away the at the edges.

3.2 x 2.5 mm 16MHz Crystal

For scale, the edge of a Dime is shown.

The photo shows the small crystal chip inside of a cavity supported by two gold plated corners on two gold rounded mounds. The electrical connection appears to be just a gold-on-gold contact, with a dab of silicone on each terminal for shock mount. The other end is free floating without support.

3.3 x 2.5 mm 16MHz Crystal

In my efforts to DECAP the lid, I broke the crystal, as can be seen in the photo, the crack runs from upper right to lower mid. On inspection of the edge of the fracture, the crystal appear to be thick in the middle and thin on the edges. Perhaps etching is used to adjust to published tolerance.

I an not sure that I can expect much from these when used is a multiple crystal Bandpass Filter, but it will be a fun experiment. I expect too much drive level will be the biggest concern. As per Farhan's original circuit, I will use 8 of these to build the filter.

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