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How to compute crystal deviation seconds per year in Python using UliEngineering

You can easily compute the time deviation per year from crystal frequency accuracy using the UliEngineering Python library:

crystal_deviation_seconds_per_year.py
from UliEngineering.Electronics.Crystal import crystal_deviation_seconds_per_year

# Compute deviation for 10 ppm crystal
deviation = crystal_deviation_seconds_per_year("10ppm")
print(f"Deviation (10ppm): {deviation:.0f} s/year")

# Compute deviation for 50 ppm crystal
deviation = crystal_deviation_seconds_per_year("50ppm")
print(f"Deviation (50ppm): {deviation:.0f} s/year")

# Compute deviation for 100 ppm crystal
deviation = crystal_deviation_seconds_per_year("100ppm")
print(f"Deviation (100ppm): {deviation:.0f} s/year")

Example output

crystal_deviation_seconds_per_year_output.txt
Deviation (10ppm): 315 s/year
Deviation (50ppm): 1577 s/year
Deviation (100ppm): 3154 s/year

The crystal deviation seconds per year calculation determines the time error that accumulates over one year due to crystal frequency inaccuracy. This is essential for timing applications, clock synchronization, and understanding the long-term accuracy of crystal oscillators. The deviation is proportional to the frequency accuracy specified in parts per million (ppm) and scales linearly with time.

The deviation is computed using the formula: $\Delta t = \text{ppm} \times 10^{-6} \times T$, where $\Delta t$ is the time deviation, $\text{ppm}$ is the frequency accuracy in parts per million, and $T$ is the time interval (approximately 31.5 million seconds for a year). For example, a 10 ppm crystal will deviate by about 315 seconds (5.25 minutes) per year.

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