ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the main concepts of the oscillator theory. Initially, the chapter describes the ideal form of oscillation, fundamentals of sinusoidal oscillators, Barkhausen criterion, limiter circuits and the main types of LC oscillators. The LC oscillators are an excellent alternative for applications requiring high‐frequency sinusoidal signals. These oscillators are easily deployable and can provide output signal frequency ranging from 1 MHz to hundreds of megahertz. The chapter discusses two of the most popular LC oscillators: Hartley oscillator and Colpitts oscillator. It also describes the mixer circuit and voltage control oscillator. Mixers are circuits controlled by an external source and are intended to perform a frequency conversion. Mixers can be classified as passive mixers or active mixers. The classification is given depending on the components that form the mixer circuit. Passives are implemented with diodes and transformers while passive mixers are made with transistors.
