Warm-Up / Stabilization Time
The time required after power-on for the clock to reach its stated stability or rated performance.
Warm-up time describes an operating condition. It is separate from long-term burn-in claims or a general preference to leave equipment switched on.
Warm-Up / Stabilization Time — External Clock
For an External Clock, this figure indicates how long the oscillator may need to settle before its rated specification applies. A clock may provide an output or show lock before it reaches that fully stabilised condition.
Read the duration with the manufacturer’s stated starting conditions and target performance. If both a short time to usability and a longer time to rated stability are given, they describe different milestones rather than conflicting specifications.
Compare warm-up needs with your usage and follow the product’s operating instructions. A longer time does not imply better performance, and a lock indicator is not proof that every published tolerance has been reached. Missing information should remain unknown rather than being inferred from the oscillator type.