Oscillator Design

Oscillator
ECES 352 Winter 2007
Objectives
*
*
*
*
Describe the basic concept of an oscillator

Discuss the basic principles of operation of an oscillator
Analyze the operation of RC and LC oscillators
Describe the operation of the basic relaxation oscillator circuits
Introduction
*
Oscillator is an electronic circuit that generates a periodic waveform

on its output without an external signal source. It is used to convert dc
to ac.
* Oscillators are circuits that produce a continuous signal of some type
without the need of an input.
* These signals serve a variety of purposes.
* Communications systems, digital systems (including computers), and
test equipment make use of oscillators
Introduction
* An oscillator is a circuit that produces a repetitive signal
from a dc voltage.
* The feedback oscillator relies on a positive feedback of
the output to maintain the oscillations.
* The relaxation oscillator makes use of an RC timing
circuit to generate a nonsinusoidal signal such as square
wave
Sine
wave
Square
wave
Sawtooth
wave
Types of oscillators
1.
RC oscillators
Wien Bridge
Phase-Shift
2. LC oscillators
Hartley
Colpitts
Crystal
3. Unijunction / relaxation oscillators
Basic principles for oscillation

*
An oscillator is an amplifier with positive feedback.
Ve Vs V f (1)
V f Vo (2)
Vo AVe AVs V f AVs Vo

(3)
Vo AVe
AVs V f AVs Vo
Vo AV s A Vo
1 A Vo AV s
The closed loop gain is:
Vo
A
Af
Vs 1 A

*
In general A and are functions of frequency and thus may be written

as; is known as loop gain
Vo
A s
Af s s
Vs
1 A s s
A s s

*
Writing the loop gain becomes;
T s A s s
*
Replacing s with j
A s
Af s
1 T s
and
A j
A f j
1 T j
T j A j j

*
At a specific frequency f0
* At this frequency, the closed loop gain;
T j0 A j0 j0 1
will be infinite, i.e. the circuit will have finite output for zero input
signal - oscillation
A j0
A f j0
1 A j0 j0
Thus, the condition for sinusoidal oscillation of frequency is 0
*
*
This is known as Barkhausen criterion.

The frequency of oscillation is solely determined by the phase
characteristic of the feedback loop the loop oscillates at the
frequency for which the phase is zero.
A j0 j0 1

*
The feedback oscillator is widely used for generation of sine wave

signals.
* The positive (in phase) feedback arrangement maintains the
oscillations.
* The feedback gain must be kept to unity to keep the output from
distorting.
Design Criteria for Oscillators

1.
The magnitude of the loop gain must be unity or slightly larger

Barkhaussen criterion
2.
Total phase shift, of the loop gain mus t be Nx360 where N=0, 1,
2,
A 1
RC Oscillators
*
RC feedback oscillators are generally limited to frequencies of 1 MHz

or less.
The types of RC oscillators that we will discuss are the Wien-bridge

and the phase-shift
Wien-bridge Oscillator
*
It is a low frequency oscillator which ranges from a few kHz to 1

MHz.
*
The loop gain for the oscillator is;
R2
where; T s A s s 1
R
1
and;
R
Zp
1 sRC
1 sRC
Zs
sC
Zp
Z Z
s
p
*
Hence;
Substituting for s;
R2
T s 1
R1
1
3 sRC 1 /sRC
For oscillation frequency f0;
R2
T j 1
R1
R2
T j0 1
R1
3 jRC 1/jRC
3 j0 RC 1/j0 RC
*
Since at the frequency of oscillation, T(j) must be real (for zero

phase condition), the imaginary component must be zero;
Which gives us;
1
j0 RC
0
j0 RC
1
0
RC
*
From the previous equation;
R2
T j0 1
R1
3 j0 RC 1/j0 RC
the magnitude condition is;
R2
1 1
R1
1

3
or
R2
2
R1
To ensure oscillation, the ratio R2/R1 must be

slightly greater than 2.
With the ratio;
R2
2
R1
then;
R2
K 1
3
R1
K = 3 ensures the loop gain of unity oscillation

K > 3 : growing oscillations
K < 3 : decreasing oscillations
Phase-Shift Oscillator
*
The phase shift oscillator utilizes three RC circuits to provide 180

phase shift that when coupled with the 180 of the op-amp itself
provides the necessary feedback to sustain oscillations.
* The gain must be at least 29 to maintain the oscillations.
* The frequency of resonance for the this type is similar to any RC
circuit oscillator:
1
fr
2 6 RC
vi
C v
1
C v
2
v
1
R
sRC
v1
vi
1 sRC
sRC
v2
vi
1 sRC
C R
v v
2 3
R2
v
o
vo R2
A( s )
v
R
3
3
sRC
v3
vi
1 sRC
v3
sRC
(s)
vi
1 sRC
*
Loop gain, T(s):
Set s=jw
R2
T ( s ) A( s ) ( s )
R2
T ( j )
jRC
1 jRC
sRC
1 sRC
( jRC )(RC )
R2
T ( j )
2 2 2
2 2 2
R 1 3 R C jRC 3 R C
2
*
To satisfy condition T(jwo)=1, real component must be zero since the

numerator is purely imaginary.
the oscillation frequency:
1 3 2 R 2C 2 0
1
0
3RC
* Apply wo in equation:
* To satisfy condition T(jwo)=1
( j / 3 )(1 / 3)
R2
R2
T ( jo )

R 0 ( j / 3 ) 3 (1 / 3)
R
R2
8
R
1

8
The gain greater than 8, the circuit will

spontaneously begin oscillating & sustain
oscillations
1
fo
2 6 RC
R2
29
R
The gain must be at least

29 to maintain the
oscillations
LC Oscillators
*
Use transistors and LC tuned circuits or crystals in their feedback

network.
* For hundreds of kHz to hundreds of MHz frequency range.
* Examine Colpitts, Hartley and crystal oscillator.
Colpitts Oscillator
* The Colpitts oscillator is a type
of oscillator that uses an LC
circuit in the feed-back loop.
* The feedback network is made
up of a pair of tapped capacitors
(C1 and C2) and an inductor L to
produce a feedback necessary
for oscillations.
* The output voltage is developed
across C1.
* The feedback voltage is
developed across C2.
Colpitts Oscillator
* KCL at the output node:
Vo Vo
Vo
g mVgs
0
1
1
R
sL
sC1
sC2
- Eq (1)
* voltage divider produces:
Vgs
- Eq (2)
sC2
Vo
1
sL
sC2
* substitute eq(2) into eq(1):
1

Vo g m sC2 1 s LC 2
sC1 0
R

Colpitts Oscillator
*
Assume that oscillation has started, then Vo0

2
s
LC2
1
3
s LC1C2
s C1 C2 g m 0
R
R
Let s=j
1 2 LC2
g m
j C1 C2 2 LC1C2 0
R
R
both real & imaginary component must be zero

Imaginary component:
C1C2
L
C1 C2
- Eq (3)
Colpitts Oscillator
*
both real & imaginary component must be zero

Imaginary component:
2
LC2
1
gm
R
R
C2
gm R
C1
Combining Eq(3) and Eq(4):
to initiate oscillations spontaneously:
C2
g m R
C1
- Eq (4)
Hartley Oscillator
* The Hartley oscillator
is almost identical to
the Colpitts oscillator.
* The primary
difference is that the
feedback network of
the Hartley oscillator
uses tapped inductors
(L1 and L2) and a
single capacitor C.
C
Hartley Oscillator
*
*
the analysis of Hartley oscillator is identical to that Colpitts oscillator.

the frequency of oscillation:
1
o
L1 L2 C
Crystal Oscillator
* Most communications and digital applications require the
use of oscillators with extremely stable output.
output Crystal
oscillators are invented to overcome the output fluctuation
experienced by conventional oscillators.
* Crystals used in electronic applications consist of a quartz
wafer held between two metal plates and housed in a a
package as shown in Fig. 9 (a) and (b).
Crystal Oscillator
*
Piezoelectric Effect
The quartz crystal is made of silicon oxide (SiO 2) and exhibits a
property called the piezoelectric
When a changing an alternating voltage is applied across the

crystal, it vibrates at the frequency of the applied voltage. In the
other word, the frequency of the applied ac voltage is equal to the
natural resonant frequency of the crystal.
The thinner the crystal, higher its frequency of vibration. This

phenomenon is called piezoelectric effect.
Crystal Oscillator
* Characteristic of Quartz Crystal
The crystal can have two resonant

frequencies;
One is the series resonance frequency f1
which occurs when XL = XC. At this
frequency, crystal offers a very low
impedance to the external circuit where Z
= R.
The other is the parallel resonance (or
antiresonance) frequency f2 which occurs
when reactance of the series leg equals
the reactance of CM. At this frequency,
crystal offers a very high impedance to
the external circuit
R
L
C
CM
Crystal Oscillator
*
The crystal is connected as a series element in the feedback path from

collector to the base so that it is excited in the series-resonance mode
BJ
T
FE
T
Crystal Oscillator
* Since, in series resonance, crystal impedance is the smallest that
causes the crystal provides the largest positive feedback.
* Resistors R1, R2, and RE provide a voltage-divider stabilized dc
bias circuit. Capacitor CE provides ac bypass of the emitter
resistor, RE to avoid degeneration.
* The RFC coil provides dc collector load and also prevents any
ac signal from entering the dc supply.
* The coupling capacitor CC has negligible reactance at circuit
operating frequency but blocks any dc flow between collector
and base.
* The oscillation frequency equals the series-resonance frequency
of the crystal and is given by:
1
fo
2 LCC
Unijunction Oscillator
* The unijunction transistor
can be used in what is
called a relaxation
oscillator as shown by
basic circuit as follow.
* The unijunction oscillator
provides a pulse signal
suitable for digital-circuit
applications.
* Resistor RT and capacitor
CT are the timing
components that set the
circuit oscillating rate
UJ
T
* Sawtooth wave
appears at the emitter
of the transistor.
* This wave shows the
gradual increase of
capacitor voltage
*
The oscillating frequency is calculated as follows:
where, = the unijunction transistor intrinsic stand- off ratio
Typically, a unijunction transistor has a stand-off ratio from 0.4 to 0.6
1
fo
RT CT ln1 / 1
Oscillators
Feedback amplifier but frequency dependent feedback

A f s
A s
1 f ( s ) A( s )
*
*
Positive feedback, i.e. f () A () < 0
Oscillation condition at = o (Barkhausens criterion) Af (o) =
Oscillator gain defined by
A f s
A s
1 f ( s ) A( s)
L( o ) f ( o ) A( o ) f ( o ) A( o ) e j ( o ) 1
( o ) phase of f ( o ) A( o )
42
Wien Bridge Oscillator

*
*
Based on op amp
Combination of Rs and Cs in
feedback loop so feedback factor
f has a frequency dependence.
Analysis assumes op amp is ideal.

Gain A is very large
Input currents are negligibly
small (I+ I_ 0).
R2
R1
V0
Vi
ZS
If
ZP
*
Input terminals are virtually

shorted (V+ V_ ).
Analyze like a normal feedback

amplifier.
Determine input and output
loading.
Determine feedback factor.
Determine gain with feedback.
Shunt-shunt configuration.
43

Define
R1
Z S R ZC R
R2
V0
Vi
1
1
Z P R Z C
R
Z
C
ZS
If
ZP
sC
R
R
1 sCR
ZS
Z1
ZS
V0 = 0
ZP
1
1
Z1 Z P Z S
ZP ZS
Output Loading
Input Loading
sC
1 sCR
R
1 sCR
1 1 sRC
sC
sC
Vi = 0
ZP
R 1 sCR
sCR (1 sCR ) 2
Z2 Z S R ZC
Z2
1 sRC
sC
44

I1
I2
Amplifier gain including loading effects
R2
R1
Vi
V0
IS
IS
IS
Z2
Z1
If
Xo
To get
V0
Vo
, we use I1 I 2
and
Vi
R1 R2
ZS
Since I 0,
V0
If
Vo
sC
1 sRC
Vo
R1 so
R1 R2
V0 R1 R2
R
1 2
Vi
R1
R1
ZP
Xf
V0 V0 Vi
I S Vi I S
Vi V V I1 R1
Feedback factor
Ar
1
ZS
Vi
Z1 and
IS
V0 Vi
R
Z1 1 2
Vi I S
R1
R 1 sCR
where Z1
so
sCR (1 sCR ) 2
Ar
R
R1 sCR
Ar 1 2
R1 sCR (1 sCR ) 2
45

Oscillation condition
Phase of f Ar equal to 180o. It already is since f Ar 0.
R
sCR
Then need only f Ar 1 2
1
R1 sCR (1 sCR ) 2
Rewriting
R
sCR
f Ar 1 2
R1 sCR (1 sCR ) 2
R
sCR
1 2
R1 sCR 1 2 sCR s 2C 2 R 2
R
sCR
R
1
1 2
1 2
2 2 2
R1 1 3sCR s C R
R1 3 1 sCR
sCR
R
1
1 2
1
R1
3 j CR
CR
Then imaginary term 0 at the oscillation frequency
Loop Gain
sC
f Ar
Ar
1
sCR
sC
R
R1 sCR

1 2
R1 sCR (1 sCR ) 2
1 sCR
1
RC
Then, we can get f Ar 1 by selecting the resistors R1 and R2
R
sCR
1 2
R1 sCR (1 sCR ) 2
Gain with feedback is
Ar
Arf
1 f Ar
appropriately using
R2 1
R
1 or 2 2
R1 3
R1
46
Wien Bridge Oscillator - Example
Oscillator specifications: o=1x106 rad/s

Selecting for convenience C 10 nF , then from o
R
1
RC
1
1
100
oC 10nF (1x106 rad / s )
Choosing R 1 10 K , then since R 2 2 R 1 we get

R2 2(10 K ) 20 K
47
Final note: No input signal is needed. Noise at the desired oscillation frequency
will likely be present at the input and when picked up by the oscillator when
the DC power is turned on, it will start the oscillator and the output will
quickly buildup to an acceptable level.
48

*
Once oscillations start, a limiting circuit is needed to prevent

them from growing too large in amplitude
49
Phase Shift Oscillator

IC3
VX
*
*
V2
IC2
C
IR2
V1
R IR1
If
IC1
C
Rf
I C 2 I R1 I C1
V0
Vo
V
V
1
o o 1
sCRR f R f R f
sCR
V2 V1 I C 2 Z C
Vo
V
1 1
o 1
sCR f R f
sCR sC
Vo
1
2
sCR f
sCR
Based on op amp using inverting input

Vo
V
1
I R2 2
2
R
sCRR f
sCR
Combination of Rs and Cs in
feedback loop so get additional phase
Vo
1 Vo
1
I
o
C3
R2
C2
shift. Target 180 to get oscillation.
sCRR f
sCR R f
sCR
Analysis assumes op amp is ideal.
V V 0 so I f
V1 V I C1Z C
I R1
Vo
I C1
Rf
Vo
sCR f
V
Vo
V1 1
o
R
R sCR f sCRR f
Vo
Rf
1
1
1
1 sCR sCR 2 sCR
Vo
3
1
R
sCR ( sCR ) 2
Finally
IC3
V
V
1
3
1
o 2
o 1
sC
sCR f
sCR sCR f
sCR ( sCR ) 2
VX V2
Vo
sCR f
4
1
sCR ( sCR ) 2
50

Rearranging
IC3
VX
V2
R
IC2
C
IR2 R
IC1
V1
If
Rf
VX
IR1
V0
Selecting for convenience C 10 nF ,
1
3RC
1
1
58
3 oC
3 10nF (1x106 rad / s )
Then
R f 12(58 ) 0.67 K
Note: We get 180o phase shift from op amp

since input is to inverting terminal and
another 180o from the RC ladder.
4
1
3 sCR ( sCR ) 2
we get for the loop gain
Example
Oscillator specifications: o=1x106 rad/s
then from o
Vo
sCR f
L( ) ( ) A( )
V0
VX
jCR f
4
1
3
CR (CR) 2
To get oscillations, we
sCR f
1
4
1
3 sCR ( sCR ) 2
2C 2 RR f
j
3
CR
CR
need the imaginary term to go to zero.
We can achieve this at one frequency o so

3CR
1
1
so 0
CR
3RC
To get oscillations, we also need L(o ) 1 so

2
0 C 2 RR f
L(o )
1 and substituting for o we get
4
2
0 C 2 RR f C 2 RR f 1
Rf
1 so
2 2
4
4 3R C
12 R
R f 12 R
51
Colpitts LC-Tuned Oscillator
CB
V0
CE
Vi
V0
Vi
* Feedback amplifier with inductor L and

capacitors C1 and C2 in feedback network.
Feedback is frequency dependent.
Aim to adjust components to get
positive feedback and oscillation.
Output taken at collector Vo.
No input needed, noise at oscillation
frequency o is picked up and
amplified.
* RB1 and RB2 are biasing resistors.
* RFC is RF Choke (inductor) to allow dc
current flow for transistor biasing, but to
block ac current flow to ac ground.
* Simplified circuit shown at midband
frequencies where large emitter bypass
capacitor CE and base capacitor CB are
shorts and transistor capacitances (C and
C) are opens.
52

*
Voltage across C2 is just V
V
sC2V
ZC 2
Neglecting input current to transistor (I 0),
V
I L I C 2 sC2V
ZC 2
Then, output voltage Vo is
IC 2
Vo V I L Z L V ( sC2V )( sL) V 1 s 2 LC2
AC equivalent circuit
sC2V
I 0
sC2V
V0
KCL at output node (C)
Assuming oscillations have started, then V 0 and Vo 0, so

1
sC2V g mV
sC1 Vo 0
R
sC2V g mV
sC1 V 1 s 2 LC2 0
R
1
LC2
s 3 LC1C2 s 2
s C1 C2 g m 0
R
R
Setting s = j
1 2 LC2
gm R
3
j C1 C2 LC1C2 0
53

* To get oscillations, both the real and imaginary parts
of this equation must be set equal to zero.
1 2 LC2
gm
j C1 C2 3 LC1C2 0
R
R
* From the imaginary part we get the expression for

the oscillation frequency
o C1 C2 o3 LC1C2 0
o
C1 C2
LC1C2
C1C2
C
2
1
* From the real part, we get the condition on the ratio

1 o2 LC2
of C2/C1
gm
0
R
C1 C2
C
1 2
C1
LC1C2
1 g m R o2 LC2 LC2
C2
gm R
C1
54

Example
* Given:
Design oscillator at 150 MHz
o 2f 2 150 x106 9.4 x108 rad / s
Transistor gm = 100 mA/V, R = 0.5 K
* Design:
C2
g m R (100mA / V )(0.5K ) 50
C1
Select L= 50 nH, then calculate C2, and then C1

C1 C2
LC1C2
1
C
1 2
LC2
C1
1
C2
1
(1 50) 1.13 x10 9 F 1,130 pF

2
8 2
C1 50nH (9.4 x10 )

L o
C
1,130 pF
C1 2
23 pF
50
50
C2
55
Summary of Oscillator Design

*
*

*
Shown how feedback can be used with

reactive components (capacitors) in the
feedback path.
Can be used to achieve positive feedback.
With appropriate choice of the resistor

sizes, can get feedback signal in phase
with the input signal.
Resulting circuit can produce large

amplitude sinusoidal oscillations.
Demonstrated three oscillator circuits:
Wien Bridge oscillator
Phase Shift oscillator
Colpitts LC-Tuned oscillator

Derived equations for calculating resistor and
capacitor sizes to produce oscillations at the
desired oscillator frequency.
Key result: Oscillator design depends
primarily on components in feedback
network, i.e. not on the amplifiers
characteristics.
56

Oscillator Design

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Oscillator Design

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Oscillator

ECES 352 Winter 2007

Describe the basic concept of an oscillator

ECES 352 Winter 2007

Oscillator is an electronic circuit that generates a periodic waveform

ECES 352 Winter 2007

ECES 352 Winter 2007

Basic principles for oscillation

An oscillator is an amplifier with positive feedback.

Vo AVe AVs V f AVs Vo

Basic principles for oscillation

Basic principles for oscillation

In general A and are functions of frequency and thus may be written

ECES 352 Winter 2007

Basic principles for oscillation

Writing the loop gain becomes;

Basic principles for oscillation

* At this frequency, the closed loop gain;

ECES 352 Winter 2007

Basic principles for oscillation

Thus, the condition for sinusoidal oscillation of frequency is 0

This is known as Barkhausen criterion.

ECES 352 Winter 2007

Basic principles for oscillation

The feedback oscillator is widely used for generation of sine wave

ECES 352 Winter 2007

Basic principles for oscillation

ECES 352 Winter 2007

Design Criteria for Oscillators

The magnitude of the loop gain must be unity or slightly larger

ECES 352 Winter 2007

RC feedback oscillators are generally limited to frequencies of 1 MHz

The types of RC oscillators that we will discuss are the Wien-bridge

ECES 352 Winter 2007

It is a low frequency oscillator which ranges from a few kHz to 1

ECES 352 Winter 2007

The loop gain for the oscillator is;

ECES 352 Winter 2007

For oscillation frequency f0;

ECES 352 Winter 2007

Since at the frequency of oscillation, T(j) must be real (for zero

Which gives us;

From the previous equation;

the magnitude condition is;

To ensure oscillation, the ratio R2/R1 must be

K = 3 ensures the loop gain of unity oscillation

ECES 352 Winter 2007

The phase shift oscillator utilizes three RC circuits to provide 180

Loop gain, T(s):

ECES 352 Winter 2007

To satisfy condition T(jwo)=1, real component must be zero since the

the oscillation frequency:

* To satisfy condition T(jwo)=1

ECES 352 Winter 2007

The gain greater than 8, the circuit will

The gain must be at least

Use transistors and LC tuned circuits or crystals in their feedback

ECES 352 Winter 2007

* voltage divider produces:

* substitute eq(2) into eq(1):

ECES 352 Winter 2007

Assume that oscillation has started, then Vo0