Oscillators

We offer a wide range of oscillators of different types including MEMS (both configurable and programmable), Oven Controlled, SAW, Spread Spectrum, Standard, Temperature Compensated, and Voltage Controlled

What is an oscillator?

An oscillator is a circuit which produces a continuous, repeated, alternating waveform without any input. Oscillators basically convert unidirectional current flow from a DC source into an alternating waveform which is of the desired frequency, as decided by its circuit components.

There are many types of oscillators, but they can broadly be classified into two main categories – Harmonic Oscillators (also known as Linear Oscillators) and Relaxation Oscillators.

In a harmonic oscillator, the energy flow is always from the active components to the passive components and the frequency of oscillations is decided by the feedback path.

Whereas in a relaxation oscillator, the energy is exchanged between the active and the passive components and the frequency of oscillations is determined by the charging and discharging time-constants involved in the process. Further, harmonic oscillators produce low-distorted sine-wave outputs while the relaxation oscillators generate non-sinusoidal (saw-tooth, triangular or square) wave-forms.

Applications

• Setting frequency
• Audio applications
• Clock signal for microcontrollers and microprocessors
• Generating clock pulses for microprocessors and micro-controllers
• Alarms and buzzers
• Radio, TV, and other communication devices
• Computers, metal detectors, stun guns, inverters, ultrasonic and radio frequency applications