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An oscillator is basically a signal generator that produces a sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal signal of a specific frequency. Oscillators find their diverse applications as they are the fundamental component of any electrical and electronic circuit. Continuous oscillations are the basis for the operation of an oscillator. An oscillator is sometimes called a positive feedback amplifier. Or more specifically, a feedback amplifier with an open-loop gain equal to or slightly greater than 1. In this article we will discuss the Oscillator, its types and application which will clear your doubt regarding the oscillator.
Definition
An oscillator is a mechanical-electronic device that works on the principle of oscillation. A periodic fluctuation between two things based on changes in energy. Computers, clocks, radio, and metal detectors are among the various devices that use oscillators. The clock pendulum is a simple mechanical oscillator. The world’s most accurate clock, the atomic clock, keeps time according to the oscillation within atoms. Electronic oscillator is used to generate signals in computers, wireless receivers, transmitters, and audio frequency devices, especially music synthesisers. There are various types of electronic oscillators, but they all work on the same basic principle: an oscillator always works with a sensitive amplifier whose output is fed back in phase to the input. Thus the signal is regenerated and maintained. It is called positive feedback. It’s the same process that sometimes causes unwanted “howling” in sound reinforcement systems.
Oscillation
The repeated back and forth movement of an object between two positions or states is called oscillation. It can also be referred to as a periodic movement that tends to repeat itself in a regular cycle. The oscillating motion takes place around an equilibrium point or mean value. This movement is also called periodic movement. A single swing is considered as a complete movement over a period of time, whether it’s sideways or up and down.
For example – A clock pendulum movement can be termed as oscillation.
Types of Oscillator
There are many types of oscillators, but they can be classified into two main categories:
Harmonic oscillators (also called linear oscillator)
In a harmonic oscillator, the energy flow is always from the active components to the passive components and the frequency of the oscillations is determined by the feedback path.
Relaxation oscillator
In a relaxation oscillator, energy is exchanged between active and passive components and the frequency of the oscillations is determined by the charge and discharge time constants involved in the process. Additionally, harmonic oscillators produce low-distortion sinusoidal waveforms outputs while relaxation oscillators generate non-sinusoidal waveforms (sawtooth, triangle, or square) waveforms.
Oscillator Working
The frequency at which an oscillator operates is usually determined by a quartz crystal. When direct current is applied to such a crystal, it vibrates at a frequency which depends on its thickness and how it is cut from the original rock mineral. Some oscillators use combinations of inductors, resistors and capacitors to determine the frequency. However, the best stability (frequency constancy) is obtained in oscillators using quartz crystals.
Application of Oscillator
Oscillator is a simple and inexpensive way to generate a specific frequency of a signal. For example, an RC oscillator is used to generate a low frequency signal, an LC oscillator is used to generate a high frequency signal, and an Op-Amp based oscillator is used to generate a frequency that is stable.
Quartz clocks (with quartz oscillator)
It is used in various audio and video systems.
It is also used in various radio, television and other communications equipment.
Used in computers, metal detectors, stun guns, inverters, ultrasonic applications and radio frequency.
Used to generate clock pulses for microprocessors and microcontrollers.
Used in alarms and buzzers.
It is used to operate decorative lights (e.g. dancelights).
Oscillator Advantages
An oscillator is a durable device. Because it doesn’t rotate, there’s a chance it will deal less damage.
The oscillation frequency is easily adjustable.
The oscillation frequency shows a stable behavior.
It’s a less noisy Device.
Its efficiency is very high.
Conclusion
This article describes what an oscillator actually is, basically how it works, moreover you will also know about the main types of oscillator. The various applications of oscillators are also discussed so that you will relate it with real life examples and get to know where it is used. So from this article your doubts related to the oscillator will definitely get cleared. Hope this article is useful for you.
