Oscillators & Comparators

Vedanti Bhor (SE1-06), Aditya Jadhav (SE1-16),

Srushti Kadam (SE1-18), Anagha Pillai (SE1-41)

Here is the circuit diagram for the RC Phase Shift Oscillators:

PART 1: INTRODUCTION TO OSCILLATORS
An electronic oscillator is an electronic circuit that
produces a periodic, oscillating or alternating current (AC)
signal, usually a sine wave, square wave or a triangle wave,
powered by a direct current (DC) source. Oscillators are found
in many electronic devices, such as radio receivers, television
sets, radio and television broadcast transmitters, computers,
computer peripherals, cellphones, radar, and many other
devices.
.Oscillators function through positive feedback and
amplification, ensuring the output signal reinforces the input
to sustain oscillation. To operate, an oscillator requires a total
loop gain of at least one and a phase shift that totals a multiple
of 360 degrees, facilitating continuous signal strengthening.
Oscillators are vital for generating repetitive waveforms,
serving key roles in timing, signal generation, and
communication in electronic devices. Their critical role in
producing precise waveforms makes them fundamental
components in digital systems and radio frequency circuits,
showcasing their importance in technology
TYPES OF OSCILLATOR:
● RC oscillator
● Phase Shift Oscillator
B. Wein Bridge Oscillator: Oscillators which use a RC
The basic structure of an oscillator is as follows:
network in place of the conventional LC tuned tank circuit to
produce a sinusoidal output waveform, is called a Wien
Bridge Oscillator. It is so called because the circuit is based on
a frequency-selective form of the Wheatstone bridge circuit.
The Wien Bridge Oscillator uses a feedback circuit consisting
of a series RC circuit connected with a parallel RC of the
same component values producing a phase delay or phase
advance circuit depending upon the frequency. At the resonant
frequency ƒr the phase shift is 0o. The circuit diagram of this

A. RC Phase Shift Oscillators: Linear electronic oscillators

that generate sinusoidal outputs. Component Composition:
Utilize R (Resistor) and C (Capacitor) in the phase shift
network for feedback. Feedback Mechanism: Incorporates
feedback with a phase shift factor, fed back to the input for
oscillation. RC Combination: The pairing of resistors and
capacitors is crucial for producing the necessary phase shift in
the oscillator's output. Frequency Range: Predominantly
employed within the audio frequency spectrum, making them
suitable for a variety of audio applications.
setup is as shown: signal, making them useful for standalone signal
generation.
6) Low Noise: High-quality oscillators can produce
signals with low noise, making them suitable for
applications where signal quality is crucial.

III. DISADVANTAGES

1) Frequency Drift: Oscillators, particularly those based

on reactive components such as LC circuits, may
experience changes in frequency due to
environmental factors like temperature variations,
voltage changes, or component aging.
2) Phase Noise: Oscillators can produce unwanted
phase variations in their output signal, which can
degrade the quality of communication systems or
data processing.
3) Complexity: Advanced oscillators, such as those
using digital control or phase-locked loops (PLLs),
can involve more intricate designs and may require
II. APPLICATIONS
additional components.
4) Power Consumption: Oscillators operating at high
1) Quartz watches (which use a crystal oscillator).
frequencies may use a significant amount of power,
2) Used in various audio systems and video systems.
which is not ideal for battery-powered devices.
3) Used in various radio, TV, and other communication
5) Initial Cost: High-quality oscillators, such as quartz
devices.
crystal oscillators, may have a higher initial cost
4) Used in computers, metal detectors, stun guns,
compared to simpler oscillator designs.
inverters, ultrasonic and radio frequency applications.
6) Design Constraints: Designing oscillators to meet
5) Used to generate clock pulses for microprocessors
specific requirements like frequency, waveform, and
and microcontrollers.
stability may necessitate careful selection and tuning
6) Used in alarms and buzzes.
of components, adding to the design complexity.
7) Used in metal detectors, stun guns, inverters, and
ultrasonic.
8) Used to operate decorative lights (e.g. dancing
lights).
PART 2: INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATORS
III. ADVANTAGES A comparator is an electronic circuit, which compares the
two inputs that are applied to it and produces an output. The
1) Signal Generation: Oscillators generate periodic output value of the comparator indicates which of the inputs is
signals that can be used in various applications such greater or lesser. Please note that comparator falls under
as clock signals, carrier signals for communication non-linear applications of ICs. An op-amp consists of two
systems, and test signals. input terminals and hence an op-amp based comparator
2) Stability and Accuracy: Some types of oscillators, compares the two inputs that are applied to it and produces the
like crystal oscillators, offer high stability and result of comparison as the output. This chapter discusses
accuracy in their frequency output, making them about op-amp based comparators.
suitable for precise applications like timing and
frequency synthesis.
3) Frequency Range: Oscillators can be designed to
operate over a wide range of frequencies, from very
low frequencies to microwave frequencies, making
them versatile for different applications.
4) Simplicity: Certain types of oscillators, such as RC or
LC oscillators, can be relatively simple in design,
which can make them easy to implement and
cost-effective.
5) No External Input Needed: Oscillators can function
independently without the need for an external input
 During the positive half cycle of the sinusoidal input
signal, the voltage present at the inverting terminal of op-amp
is greater than zero volts. Hence, the output value of the
inverting comparator will be equal to −Vsat− during positive
half cycle of the sinusoidal input signal. Similarly, during the
negative half cycle of the sinusoidal input signal, the voltage
present at the inverting terminal of the op-amp is less than
zero volts. Hence, the output value of the inverting comparator
will be equal to during negative half cycle of the sinusoidal
input signal. The basic structure of an comparator is as
follows:
2) Lack of Hysteresis: Standard comparators may not
include hysteresis, causing the output to toggle
rapidly if the input signal is close to the threshold.
3) Limited Output Drive: Comparators may have
limited ability to drive heavy loads directly, requiring
additional components such as transistors.
4) Offset Voltage: Some comparators exhibit input
offset voltage, which can impact the accuracy of the
comparison.
5) Stability Issues: In certain applications, comparators
might need additional components like hysteresis or
filtering to improve stability and avoid oscillation or
false triggering.

II. APPLICATIONS

1) Null detectors
2) Zero-crossing detectors
3) Relaxation oscillator
4) Level shifter
5) Analog-to-digital converters
6) Window detectors
7) Absolute-value detectors

III. ADVANTAGES

1) Fast Response Time: Comparators are known for

their ability to quickly compare two input voltages
and produce a fast output change, making them
suitable for high-speed applications.
2) Simple Design: Comparators generally have
straightforward internal circuitry, making them easy
to use and integrate into various designs.
3) Low Power Consumption: Many comparators,
especially modern designs, consume minimal power,
making them ideal for battery-operated or
energy-efficient devices.
4) Flexible Input Range: Comparators can often handle
a wide range of input voltages and can be used with
different types of signals.
5) Output Compatibility: Comparators typically provide
outputs compatible with various digital systems,
which can simplify interfacing with other
components.

III. DISADVANTAGES

1) Noise Sensitivity: Comparators may be sensitive to

noise in the input signal, leading to output
fluctuations or false triggering.