davivid:
Ultimately I plan to implement a high speed serial communications network once I have finished experimenting. Currently I'm just sending a few bytes every second or so.My crystals have the following specs:
Frequency: 16MHz
Frequency Tolerance: ± 30ppm
Load Capacitance: 18pF
Frequency Stability: ± 30ppmShould I therefore be using 18pF Caps? I also assume lower is better for Frequency Tolerance and Stability?
To get as close to 16MHz as possible without using a variable capacitor, you should aim for 18pF loading. The 2 capacitors are in series as seen from the crystal, so two 22pF caps gives a loading of 11pF. Add the stray capacitance of the circuit and the capacitance of the IC, and you will be close to 18pF.
davivid:
I normally use a 3-terminal ceramic resonator, which has the capacitors built-in.
What would specs should I look for in one of these?
Is this preferred because of the lower part count?
The main advantage is the lower part count. Ceramic resonators also cost slightly less than crystals. The disadvantage is that ceramic resonators have a lower frequency accuracy and stability than crystals - but still good enough for serial comms.