Understanding Frequency in Pulse Tone Oscillators

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around electronic oscillator circuits, specifically pulse tone oscillators that utilize a resistor and two capacitors. Participants explore how resistance and capacitance affect frequency, the role of the time constant, and the relationship between these components and the oscillator's behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks information on how resistance and capacitance influence frequency in pulse tone oscillators, questioning the role of the time constant.
  • Another participant suggests that the time constant set by the R/C values determines the ratio of the on/off pulse length, which in turn affects the overall frequency of the oscillator.
  • A participant expresses a desire to understand the effect of changing resistance and capacitance on frequency, amplitude, and wavelength of the waveform.
  • One participant encourages practical investigation by building the circuit, running tests, and plotting graphs to observe how frequency varies with resistance and capacitance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are varying levels of understanding and exploration regarding the effects of resistance and capacitance on frequency and the time constant's role in the oscillator's behavior.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for additional background information and context regarding the oscillator's operation, indicating potential gaps in understanding and assumptions about the circuit's behavior.

manceraiders
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can someone please give me some information about electronic oscillator circuits, in particular pulse tone oscillators (thats what it says it is) consisting of a resistor and two capacitors. how does the resistance/capac effect frequency? what does the time constant have to do with it? does the time constant have an effect on the freq? is there an equation to find the freq in a circuit like this? i need help...

heres a pic of the circuit
http://i.imgur.com/XodmHpA.jpg
 
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hi there
welcome to PF

you cut out all the rest of the text ... there's probably some useful info in there for you
on the description of the osc.
show us more of the accompanying text or a www link to the article please :smile:

The time constant set by the R/C values determines the ratio of the on/off pulse length and that determines the overall freq of the oscillator

It looks kinda similar to a relaxation oscillator but with variations
Dave
 
hi thanks for the reply, i got this out of a manual and here is the text:
http://i.imgur.com/XvwyyEw.png

i am a complete beginner in this field and so could you explain what you mean by the on/off pulse length

thanks
 
in general the main focus is to understand the effect of changing resistance and capacitance on the freq, amplitude and wavelength of a waveform... i was just wondering about the background information and how this all works and what extra aspects are here
 
You are investigating this by building it and running some tests? Plot some graphs so you can show how f varies with R, and how f varies with C. Sketch all waveforms and monitor them to see how some change with change of componets.

This does sound like a homework or prac exercise.
 

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