Calculating resonant frequency in series RC oscillator

AI Thread Summary
The resonant frequency of a series RC oscillator is influenced by the time constant created by the resistor and capacitor in the circuit. While capacitors do act as open circuits to DC voltage in steady state, they charge and discharge over time, allowing the circuit to oscillate. The microcontroller plays a key role by sensing the voltage across the capacitor and controlling its discharge rate, which contributes to the oscillation. This process is similar to how a 555 timer chip operates, using RC components to generate pulse signals rather than pure AC waveforms. Understanding these dynamics is essential for effectively calculating the frequency in such circuits.
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What is the formula to calculate the oscillating (resonant?) frequency of a series RC circuit with a constant DC voltage?

For example the RC circuit shown at this site:

http://www.mikroelektronika.co.yu/english/product/books/PICbook/2_02chapter.htm"


How does this circuit resonate with a DC voltage? Aren't capacitors supposed to act like an open circuit to DC voltage?

I have searched all over using google but cannot find details on RC oscillators.
 
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There is more going on inside the microcontroller than you are able to see. The RC circuit sets up a time constant. When the voltage is first applied to the circuit there is a specific amount of time it takes before the voltage at the node of the capacitor and resistor reaches a specific level.
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Think of it this way: The microcontroller senses this voltage and modifies the circuit to discharge the capacitor at a specific rate. Then it senses a lower limit and allows the capacitor to charge again.
 
I'm no expert but it sounds like the 555 timer chip. This chip uses capacitors and resistors as a reference time constant, then from this creates a pulse signal. By the way the output of the 555 timer is not strictly A/C sinsoidal but sawtooth.So almost like using a rapid on/off switch with C & R setting the speed.
 
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