Basic Electronics

Definition: VCO is an acronym for Voltage Controlled Oscillator. It is a device that produces such an oscillating output signal whose frequency can be regulated or altered by the input dc voltage. In other words, we can say, VCO generates an output signal having an adjustable frequency range that is controlled by the dc input voltage. It is a type of oscillator in which the output frequency obtained is the function of the input signal. Usually, the frequency of an oscillator is … [Read more...] about Voltage Controlled Oscillator (V C O)

Definition: A type of multivibrator whose output consists of 2 stable states is known as Bistable Multivibrator. The circuit switches from one stable state to the other when an appropriate trigger pulse is applied. In a nutshell, in a bistable multivibrator, one stable state can be maintained until a triggering pulse is provided. It is also known as flip-flop multivibrator because due to applied trigger pulses, multivibrator flip from one stable state. And by applying the next trigger … [Read more...] about Bistable Multivibrator

Definition: Monostable Multivibrator is a type of multivibrator that has single stable state. MONO means one thus the name itself indicates one state stable and a quasi-stable state. It is also known as a one-shot multivibrator. Here, a triggering pulse is used in order to have transition from a stable state to quasi-stable state. However, no any triggering pulse is provided to have transition from quasi to a stable state. After a pre-determined time interval, the quasi-state returns … [Read more...] about Monostable Multivibrator

Definition: An astable multivibrator is a type of multivibrator that does not require a triggering pulse thus, sometimes known as a free-running multivibrator. It necessarily provides square wave as its output. Astable multivibrator is called so because both the states present here are unstable i.e., quasi-stable. This means output swings between 0 and 1 and neither 0 nor 1 is the stable state. Here, the successive transition is made from one quasi-state to other after some pre-decided … [Read more...] about Astable Multivibrator

Definition: An electronic device that produces a non-sinusoidal waveform as its output is known as a Multivibrator. The generated non-sinusoidal waveforms are basically a square wave, rectangular wave, a triangular wave, sawtooth wave, or ramp wave etc. It is a 2 stage RC coupled amplifier that operates in two modes. The modes are basically termed as states of the multivibrator. Basics of Multivibrator The multivibrator is a switching circuit and its basic configuration is shown … [Read more...] about Multivibrator

Definition: An electronic device that is used to boost the power level of an input signal is known as an amplifier. Amplifiers are basically used in wireless communication systems that include an analogue signal. It has the ability to provide an amplified or increased form of an applied input signal. It is noteworthy that BJT, JFET or MOSFET can be used as an amplifier. However, for amplification, the device must be in the appropriate region. In other words, proper biasing must be provided … [Read more...] about Amplifier in electronics

Definition: Single Tuned Amplifiers are multistage amplifier circuit that employs a parallel tuned circuit as a load. However, the tuned circuit in each stage is required to be tuned to similar frequencies. A common emitter configuration amplifier can be used as a single tuned amplifier which includes the parallel tuned circuit. During wireless communication, the radio frequency stage requires a tuned voltage amplifier in order to select the desired carrier frequency and amplify the allowed … [Read more...] about Single Tuned Amplifiers

Definition: Tuned amplifiers are used to for the amplification of a specific frequency signal or a narrowband frequency signal. Basically high frequency or radio frequency signals are amplified using tuned amplifiers. Tuning (i.e., selecting) of frequency is done by using a tuned or resonant circuit at the load. Sometimes during amplification of the signal, it is necessary to select the desired frequency range and reject others. Thus tuned amplifiers are employed in radio receivers. Need for … [Read more...] about Tuned Amplifiers

Definition: Peak detector circuits are used to determine the peak (maximum) value of an input signal. It stores the peak value of input voltages for infinite time duration until it comes to reset condition. The peak detector circuit utilizes its property of following the highest value of an input signal and storing it. Rectifier circuits usually provide an output in proportion to the average value of the input. However, some application requires measurement of the peak value of the signal. … [Read more...] about Peak Detector

Definition: Unijunction Transistor is a semiconductor switching device having 2 layers and 3 terminals and is abbreviated as UJT. It is called so because of the presence of only one junction. It has the ability to limit large power with a small input signal and is also known as a double base diode. UJT is a device that possesses negative resistance characteristic that means its emitter current rises regeneratively when triggered. Thus an emitter supply is needed in order to restrict it. In … [Read more...] about Unijunction Transistor (UJT)