What is an oscillator?
The oscillator is a mechanical or electrical apparatus that produces periodic fluctuation. Or it is a device that produces a repeated waveform.
This signal can be a sine wave, a square wave, or a triangle wave. Oscillators are used in a wide variety of electronic devices, including clocks, radios, computers, and synthesizers.
The basic principle of an oscillator is to use positive feedback to amplify a signal and then feed it back into the input of the amplifier. This creates a loop that sustains the oscillation. The frequency of the oscillation is determined by the components in the feedback loop.
There are two main types of oscillators: linear and nonlinear. Linear oscillators produce a sinusoidal signal, while nonlinear oscillators produce a square wave or triangle wave.
Some common examples of oscillators include:
- RC oscillator: This type of oscillator uses a resistor and a capacitor to create the feedback loop.
- LC oscillator: This type of oscillator uses an inductor and a capacitor to create the feedback loop.
- Crystal oscillator: This type of oscillator uses a crystal to create a very precise frequency.
- Piezoelectric oscillator: This type of oscillator uses a piezoelectric crystal to create an oscillating signal.
Oscillators are essential components in many electronic devices. They are used to generate clock signals, control the frequency of radio waves, and produce audio signals. Oscillators are also used in a variety of other applications, such as medical imaging and telecommunications.
Here are some of the applications of oscillators:
- Clock signals: Oscillators are used to generate clock signals in computers, digital watches, and other electronic devices. The clock signal is used to synchronize the operation of the device.
- Radio waves: Oscillators are used to generate radio waves in radios, televisions, and other wireless devices. The frequency of the radio wave determines the channel that the device is tuned to.
- Audio signals: Oscillators are used to generate audio signals in speakers, headphones, and other audio devices. The frequency of the audio signal determines the pitch of the sound.
- Medical imaging: Oscillators are used in medical imaging devices, such as ultrasound machines and MRI scanners. The oscillators are used to generate the high-frequency waves that are used to create the images.
- Telecommunications: Oscillators are used in telecommunications devices, such as cell phones and satellite receivers. The oscillators are used to generate the signals that are used to transmit and receive data.
An oscillator converts
What is oscillation?
It’s a movement back and forth. Example: Pendulum of a clock. hands of the clock.
Transistor as Oscillator
An electronic oscillator basically converts dc energy into ac energy of high frequency ranging from a few Hz to several MHz. There are two types of oscillators: one is Sinusoidal and Non-Sinusoidal.
Sinusoidal oscillators generate oscillations in the form of sine waves at constant amplitude and frequency. Whereas non-sinusoidal oscillators generate complex non-sinusoidal waveforms like a square wave, triangular wave, or Sawtooth wave.
Sinusoidal oscillation can be of two types: Damped and Undamped. If the amplitude of the electrical oscillation decreases with time due to energy loss is called Damped oscillation.
On the other hand, the amplitude of the electrical oscillation remains constant with time in undamped oscillation.
Application of Oscillator
- To generate periodic sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal waveforms.
- To generate RF carriers
- To generate audio tones
- To generate a clock signal in digital circuits
- Sweep circuits in TV sets and CRO.
