In operation, mechanical vibrations induce an oscillating voltage in the attached electrodes due to the piezoelectricity of the material.

[2][3] Ceramic resonators can be used as the source of the clock signal for digital circuits such as microprocessors where the frequency accuracy is not critical.

They are used in timing circuitry for a wide array of applications such as TVs, VCRs, automotive electronic devices, telephones, copiers, cameras, voice synthesizers, communication equipment, remote controls and toys.

A ceramic resonator is often used in place of quartz crystals as a reference clock or signal generator in electronic circuitry due to its low cost and smaller size.

The lower Q and higher frequency range achievable can be beneficial in use of TCXOs, temperature-compensated crystal oscillators.