PIERCE OSCILLATOR Meaning and
Definition
-
A Pierce oscillator is an electronic circuit used to generate high-frequency oscillations in various electronic devices such as radio transmitters, computers, and quartz crystal oscillators. It is primarily designed for producing stable and precise oscillations in the radio frequency (RF) range.
The workings of a Pierce oscillator are based on the principle of using a quartz crystal as a frequency-determining element. The oscillator consists of an active device, usually a transistor or an integrated circuit (IC), which provides the amplification required for sustaining the oscillations. The quartz crystal, with its inherent piezoelectric properties, serves as the resonator that determines the oscillation frequency.
In a typical configuration, the crystal is connected in a feedback loop, which ensures that the oscillations generated by the active device are sustained at the desired frequency. The crystal acts as a highly stable frequency reference, resulting in accurate and reliable oscillations.
The Pierce oscillator is known for its simplicity and frequency stability, making it a popular choice in many applications where precise timing or frequency control is required. It is commonly used in clock generators, microcontrollers, data communication systems, and frequency synthesizers.
Overall, a Pierce oscillator is a circuit that utilizes a quartz crystal to generate stable and accurate high-frequency oscillations, making it an essential component in various electronic devices that rely on precise timing or frequency control.
Etymology of PIERCE OSCILLATOR
The word "pierce oscillator" is derived from the surname of its inventor, George W. Pierce, an American electrical engineer. George W. Pierce developed the Pierce oscillator circuit in the early 1920s. It is a type of electronic oscillator that is commonly used in electronic devices for generating highly stable frequency signals.
