The amount by which a quantity differs from its nominal value. For our purposes, the amount by which a frequency differs from the nominal or specified frequency.
DEW POINT
The temperature at which a condensable component of a gas starts to condense into a liquid.
DRIVE LEVEL
A function of the driving or excitation current flowing through the crystal. The drive level is the amount of power dissipation in the crystal, expressed in microwatts or milliwatts. Maximum power is the most power the device can dissipate while still maintaining operation with all electrical parameters guaranteed. Drive level should be maintained at the minimum levels necessary to assure proper start-up and steady state oscillation, thus avoiding poor aging characteristics and crystal damage. Usually it can be expressed in terms of W.
