Saturday, 7 March 2026

 

Analog Electronics – Problems Page 22

Oscillator Conceptual & GATE Level Problems

This section includes conceptual questions and solved problems on oscillator circuits useful for GATE and PSU examinations.


Problem 1

State the Barkhausen criterion for sustained oscillations.

Solution

The Barkhausen criterion states that for sustained oscillations:

|Aβ| = 1

and the total phase shift around the loop must be:

360° (or 0°)

This ensures that the feedback signal reinforces the input signal.


Problem 2

Why are LC oscillators used for high frequency applications?

Solution

  • LC circuits have very low losses
  • They provide high Q factor
  • They can operate efficiently at radio frequencies

Hence LC oscillators are used in RF transmitters and communication systems.


Problem 3

Calculate the oscillation frequency of an LC oscillator if L = 2 mH and C = 50 pF.

Solution

Formula:

f = 1 / (2π√LC)

Substitute values:

f = 1 / (2π √(2×10⁻³ × 50×10⁻¹²))

Result:

f ≈ 503 kHz


Problem 4

What is the advantage of crystal oscillators compared to RC oscillators?

Solution

Crystal oscillators provide:

  • Very high frequency stability
  • Very high Q factor
  • Low frequency drift

Hence they are used in digital clocks, microprocessors and communication systems.


Problem 5

Which oscillator is commonly used in audio frequency applications?

Solution

RC Phase Shift Oscillator

Because RC networks are suitable for low frequency ranges.


Problem 6

What happens if the loop gain Aβ is greater than 1?

Solution

  • Oscillations grow in amplitude
  • Signal distortion occurs
  • The amplifier eventually saturates

Therefore practical circuits stabilize the gain.


Problem 7

What is the main function of the feedback network in an oscillator?

Solution

The feedback network:

  • Provides the required phase shift
  • Controls the oscillation frequency
  • Maintains the feedback ratio β

No comments:

Post a Comment

  Operational Amplifiers – Complete Theory Page 15 – Active Low Pass Filter An Active Low Pass Filter allows low-frequency sig...