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Oscillator Basics for Engineers

An oscillator is an electronic circuit that generates a periodic signal by amplifying its own output through positive feedback. It uses frequency determining components like resistors, capacitors, inductors, or crystals to create waveforms like sine waves, pulses, or squares. There are two main types - self-sustaining oscillators that continuously output a repetitive signal, and triggered oscillators that require an external trigger. Feedback oscillators contain an amplifier in a feedback loop and must satisfy the Barkhausen criteria to oscillate. Common oscillator circuits include the Wien bridge, Hartley, and Colpitts which use RC or LC components in different configurations.

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Lilet P. Dalisay
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215 views8 pages

Oscillator Basics for Engineers

An oscillator is an electronic circuit that generates a periodic signal by amplifying its own output through positive feedback. It uses frequency determining components like resistors, capacitors, inductors, or crystals to create waveforms like sine waves, pulses, or squares. There are two main types - self-sustaining oscillators that continuously output a repetitive signal, and triggered oscillators that require an external trigger. Feedback oscillators contain an amplifier in a feedback loop and must satisfy the Barkhausen criteria to oscillate. Common oscillator circuits include the Wien bridge, Hartley, and Colpitts which use RC or LC components in different configurations.

Uploaded by

Lilet P. Dalisay
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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OSCILLATOR

- isa circuit used to generate a periodic signal


- essentially an amplifier that produces its own input
**Oscillate – to fluctuate between two states or conditions
**Electrical Oscillation – a repetitive change in voltage or
current waveform
- used to create a sine wave, pulsed waveforms, saw tooth
waveforms and square waves
Applications: high-frequency carrier supplies, pilot supplies,
clocks an timing circuits

SELF-SUSTAINING OSCILLATORS – the changes in


waveform are continuous and repetitive occurring at a periodic
rate; FREE-RUNNING OSCILLATOR
TRIGGERED / ONE-SHOT OSCILLATORS – non-self-
sustaining, requiring external input signal or trigger to produce
change in the output waveform
FEEDBACK OSCILLATORS
- is an amplifier with feedback loop

In order for a circuit to function as an oscillator, it must satisfy


the Barkhausen Criteria:
1. The loop gain must be 1 
2. The loop phase must be a multiple of 360 degrees

4 Requirements for a Feedback Oscillator to work:


I. AMPLIFICATION
II. POSITIVE FEEDBACK
III. FREQUENCY DETERMINING COMPONENTS
(Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors or Crystals)
IV. POWER SOURCE
FEEDBACK OSCILLATORS

Output waveforms for three different values of loop gain


WIEN-BRIDGE OSCILLATORS
- RC phase-shift oscillator that uses both positive and negative
feedback
- relatively stable, low-frequency oscillator circuit that is easily
tuned
- commonly used in signal generators to produce frequencies
between 5Hz and 1MHz
WIEN-BRIDGE OSCILLATORS

• Uses two RC networks • Amplifies the signal with


connected to the
the two negative
positive terminal to form
a frequency selective feedback resistors
feedback network
• Causes oscillations to
Occur
LC OSCILLATORS
- utilize
LC tank circuits for the frequency-determining
components
LC OSCILLATORS
HARTLEY OSCILLATOR
- LC Oscillator that uses two series-connected coils and a
single capacitor
- Advantages of the Hartley oscillator include:
a. The frequency may be varied using a variable capacitor
b. The output amplitude remains constant over the
frequency range
c. Either a tapped coil or two fixed inductors are needed
- Disadvantages include:
a. Harmonic-rich content if taken from the amplifier and not
directly from the LC circuit.
- Application: All Broadcast bands including FM

(L1 + L2) C
LC OSCILLATORS
COLPITTS OSCILLATOR
- LC Oscillator that uses two capacitors and one inductor to
determine the frequency of oscillation

- Advantages of the Colpitts oscillator include:


a. Simplicity (needs only one inductor)

b. Robustness - has fairly good frequency stability, is easy to


tune, and can be used for a wide range of frequencies

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