[sci.electronics] R-C oscillator

jph@ihlpe.ATT.COM (452is-Hayes) (01/23/88)

Does anyone have or can refer me to a simple RC oscillator circuit for
audio or low-mid RF range?  Need a "discrete" (straight transistor)
type circuit (i.e., non-IC type circuit).  Looking fro a Wein-bridge or
Phase-Shift circuit that dosen't have too many components:  don't want
to use inductors.  Is for home hobby project.

J. Hayes
ihlpe!jph
IW, 1d-263

wtm@neoucom.UUCP (Bill Mayhew) (01/25/88)

My ancient copy of the ARRL handbook has simple little circuit for
a twin T single transistor circuit.  It is quite stable.  It
requires one transistor, 4 resistors and 4 capacitors.  One of the
caps is used for coupling the output.  Basically you use a low-pass
T circuit and a hig-pass T wired in parallel to feed back.  The
circuit oscillates at the freqency where there is maximal feedback.
At that frequency, the phase shifts of both T sections is 180
degress, permitting oscillation.

You can approximate the output frequency by graphically overlaying
the responses of the T sections.  Making the output fequency
adjustable is a hassle.

I'll give this a shot:

                        o (Vcc)
                        |
                        R-bais
                        |
          +-------------+--------+
          |                      |
          |         o (OUT)      | c
          |         |         b  |
          +----R1---+---R1--+----Q1
          |         |       |    |
          |         C1      |    | e
          |         |       |    gnd
          |         gnd     |
          |                 |
          +----C2---+---C2--+
                    |
                    R2
                    |
                    gnd

The output is taken at the R1-C1 junction.  Harmonic distortion in
minimized at that point.  To assure oscillation R2 ~= 0.1 * R1, and
C1 ~= 2 * C2.  Rbias should be ~2700 - 4700 ohms.

I found this on pg. 522 of my 1974 ARRL handbook.  I remember
building one with a 2N414 years ago.  Definitely a circuit for Old
Farts.  I never really did like the light bulb in a Wien bridge.

--Bill