Oscillator Frequency Calculator

Calculate the oscillation frequency for common oscillator circuits.

Wien Bridge Oscillator

Ohms (Ω)
μF

RC Phase Shift Oscillator

Ohms (Ω)
μF

LC Oscillator (Resonant Frequency)

mH
nF

Oscillator Formulas

Different types of oscillators use different component configurations to generate oscillating signals.

Wien Bridge Oscillator

f = 1 / (2 π R C)

Where R is in Ohms and C is in Farads.

RC Phase Shift Oscillator

f = 1 / (2 π R C √6)

Where R is in Ohms and C is in Farads.

LC Oscillator (Resonant Frequency)

f = 1 / (2 π √(L C))

Where L is in Henrys and C is in Farads.

Common Oscillator Applications

Oscillator Type Common Applications
Wien BridgeAudio frequency generators, function generators
RC Phase ShiftLow-frequency signal generation, audio applications
Colpitts/Hartley (LC)Radio frequency (RF) circuits, local oscillators in receivers, signal generators
Crystal OscillatorMicrocontrollers, real-time clocks, frequency references (high stability)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an electronic oscillator?

An electronic oscillator is an electronic circuit that produces a repetitive electronic signal, often a sine wave or a square wave. Oscillators are used in many electronic devices to generate clock signals, carrier waves for radio transmission, and audio tones.

What is a Wien Bridge Oscillator?

The Wien Bridge oscillator is a type of electronic oscillator that generates sine waves. It uses a bridge circuit consisting of resistors and capacitors to determine the frequency of oscillation. It's commonly used in audio frequency generators.

What is an RC Phase Shift Oscillator?

An RC phase shift oscillator uses a resistive-capacitive (RC) network to produce the phase shift required for oscillation. Typically, three RC stages are used to provide a total phase shift of 180 degrees at the oscillation frequency.

What is an LC Oscillator?

An LC oscillator uses an inductor (L) and a capacitor (C) in its resonant circuit to determine the frequency of oscillation. These are often used for higher frequencies, such as in radio frequency (RF) applications.