What Determines the Frequency of an LC Oscillator?
In order for electrical and electronic devices to function as designed it is necessary that all circuits provide the desired outputs. In the case of frequencies needed for particular results, the LC oscillator is a major element. Frequencies must be precise to achieve the shape, level and duration of specific signals that are used to produce video, audio and other electrical characteristics. Incorrect frequencies can cause poor reception, poor video or out of sync audio and video.
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Significance
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The LC oscillator is widely used in many applications that require precise frequencies. The most basic oscillator consists of just two components: a capacitor which is represented by the letter C, and a coil or inductor represented by the letter L. By applying energy in the form of current flow, the output frequency of an LC oscillator can be controlled with a high degree of precision. This allows the proper functioning of other circuit elements that receive input from the oscillator.
Types
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There are various types of LC oscillators designed either in a series or parallel circuit layout or a combination of the two. Each is designed to take advantage of the known characteristics of its components: the capacitor, the coil and in many cases the resistor. The particular type of LC oscillator used depends on the nature of the output signal desired. Different LC oscillator circuit layouts may be used in the same device.
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Effects
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The effects of LC, or inductance/capacitance, oscillators--amplitude, frequency and duration--are used to provide timing signals and control frequencies for all types of electrical devices. They are used in test equipment that apply sine waves, square waves and sawtooth waveforms. The precise output frequency of the LC circuit allows for reliable operation of individual circuits and the devices in which they're installed. Many functions require "clocking" signals for which LC oscillators are well-suited.
Function
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LC oscillator circuits allow design engineers to use the predictable behavior of inductors and capacitors to generate the required frequencies needed for various functions such as tuning in the desired radio or TV channel without having bleed-over or cross-talk from adjacent channels. This prevents the din that's heard when multiple radio signals are simultaneously received and amplified. LC oscillators, when tuned to their resonant frequency (an electrical state characterized by minimum impedance to current flow) can be used to amplify the chosen frequency.
Considerations
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Some indication of the critical nature of properly functioning LC oscillator circuits can be realized by considering some of the various applications to which many electrical and electronic equipment is applied. Hospitals use medical equipment such as heart monitors, automated IV equipment, respirators and many other types of electrical devices. Modern aircraft use extremely complicated electronic equipment to maintain and control take-off, flight and landing operations. "First responders" rely on fail-safe electronic communication systems to perform their most basic duties.
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