Oscillators and Signal Generators
Oscillators and signal generators form the heartbeat of electronic systems, producing the periodic waveforms that drive timing circuits, frequency synthesizers, communication systems, and test equipment. These circuits convert DC power into AC signals through positive feedback mechanisms, creating self-sustaining oscillations at frequencies ranging from sub-hertz to gigahertz and beyond.
Understanding oscillator design requires mastering the conditions for oscillation, including the Barkhausen criteria for loop gain and phase shift, as well as the practical considerations of amplitude stability, frequency accuracy, phase noise, and startup reliability. From the elegant simplicity of RC oscillators to the exceptional stability of crystal-controlled circuits, each topology offers unique advantages for specific applications.