What is an Oscillator and Their Common Types?
Oscillators are a component that may come in a variety of specific types, and they are quintessential to the operation of many different electronics. Easily constructed by combining a capacitor with an inductor, oscillators are circuits that produce a continuous, repeated, and alternating waveform. For their use, these components aid in converting an undirected, alternating current without the need of an input. Within this blog, we will highlight the common types of electrical oscillators that may be found within varying electrical applications, allowing you to understand their purposes for different electrical devices.
Depending on an oscillator's design, they can be categorized based on the type of signal they produce, often generating a sine wave, square wave, or triangle wave. When a current is present within an oscillator, the component serves the essential purpose of converting directional current (DC) into an alternating current (AC) power signal. In our modern society, oscillators provide us with the functionality of many of our daily conveniences, including signals broadcasted by a radio or TV station, clocks, computers, sounds produced within a video game, and much more. There are also a number of common oscillator types, examples including crystal oscillators, RC phase shift oscillators, voltage controlled oscillators, sweep oscillators, relaxation oscillators, and various others.
Ubiquitous in modern electronics, crystal oscillators are prevalent in both radio frequency (RF) applications and benefit the generation and stability of time keeping for clocks. Relying on a quartz crystal, crystal oscillators are effective in creating a precise frequency when subjected to an alternating current. Due to their capability of producing and sustaining higher frequencies, these components can generate frequencies on a range of 32 kHz to 150 MHz.
Unlike the aforementioned oscillator type, sweep oscillators produce an increasing voltage throughout their circuit. However, like its name entails, once the current reaches the end of its cycle within this particular device, it abruptly sweeps back to its original wave value and repeats the process. Oscillators such as these are relevant in circuits that require having a varied frequency over a set range, allowing the current to remain constant while voltage increases.
As all appliances have a tendency to degrade over time as a result of fluctuating weather conditions and general wear and tear, the inner components of a circuit are at similar risk. Crystal oscillators, for example, can easily be damaged when exposed to thermal stress or physical impact. If an oscillator’s functionality is suspected to be faulty, one requires the aid of a multimeter and measurement probes to conduct an assessment. To perform a test, the multimeter will first have to be turned on, followed by selecting the frequency function on the device. Consecutively, once the device containing the oscillator has been powered on, the two accompanying probes affixed to the multimeter can be gently pressed against each leg of the crystal oscillator. If the multimeter is unable to detect an oscillation frequency, measures strong fluctuations, or varies from the stated value, the oscillator is most likely faulty and thus should be repaired or replaced as necessary.
If you are searching for switch oscillators, crystal oscillators, and other electronic components, look no further than ASAP Aerospace Hub, your leading source for new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find parts and components. As a premier supplier of various electronic components, we can help you procure oscillators from leading manufacturers such as NAVAIR and NAVSEA Managed, EDO Corp, DRS ICAS LLC, Omniyig Inc, and California Instruments Corp. If you would like to request a quote for your comparisons, you can submit an RFQ form as provided on our website. Upon receival, a dedicated account manager will quickly review and respond with a personalized solution to your needs in just 15 minutes or less, 24/7x365.
- charles price
- Posted on May 21, 2021 aviation
Share
