Q4 (16 Marks) Electronics & Digital 🔥 Repeated 2x in exams
MET • Written Exam

What are the conditions for producing sustained oscillations? Classify oscillations with respect to frequency range, principle involved, etc. It is possible to produce oscillations with RC networks in phase shift oscillators. Discuss in detail. (16)

Appeared In: Mar 2025Jul 2018

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Conditions for Sustained Oscillations:

To produce sustained oscillations in a typical tank circuit, the following conditions must be met:

  1. Energy Compensation: The amount of energy supplied must compensate for the losses in the tank circuit and match the energy drawn by the load.
  2. Frequency Match: The applied energy should be of the same frequency as that of the natural oscillations in the tank circuit.
  3. Positive Feedback: The amplified energy must be in phase with the existing oscillations, i.e., positive feedback should exist within the amplifier loop.

Classification of Oscillators:

Oscillators can be classified based on the method of feedback and frequency range as follows:

Oscillator Type

Feedback Method

Frequency Range

Tuned Collector Oscillator

Transformer Coupling

10 kHz – 1000 kHz

Hartley Oscillator

Inductive Coupling

100 Hz – 1 MHz

Colpitt's Oscillator

Capacitive Coupling

100 Hz – 1 MHz

Phase Shift Oscillator

RC Network

100 Hz – 10 kHz

Wein Bridge Oscillator

Bridge Network

10 Hz – 30 kHz

Crystal Oscillator

Piezoelectric Crystal

100 kHz – 100 MHz

$$if\:R_1=R_2=R_3=R;\:and$$

$$C_1=C_2=C_3;\:then$$

$$frequency\:of\:oscillation;\:f_{o}=\frac{1}{2\pi RC\sqrt6}$$

Phase Shift Oscillator (Using RC Network):

  • A Phase Shift Oscillator uses a single transistor amplifier along with a RC phase shift network.
  • The transistor amplifier provides a 180° phase shift, and the RC network provides another 180° phase shift, resulting in a total 360° phase shift (or 0° net phase difference).
  • This ensures positive feedback, which is a key requirement for sustained oscillations.

Advantages:

  • No need for inductors or transformers.
  • Capable of producing very low frequencies.
  • Provides good frequency stability.

Disadvantage:

  • Suitable only for low power output applications.
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