Oscillators: RC, LC and crystal (introductory)
Analog electronics · Physics
DC circuit
Interactive 3DElectrons drift around the loop — raise the voltage and watch the current obey Ohm's law.
Controls
Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.
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1V12V
Study notes
Let's calculate the frequency of a simple RC oscillator using the formula f = 1 / (1.38 * R * C). Suppose we have a Resistor of 1000 Ohms (1kΩ) and a Capacitor of 0.001 Farads (1000μF). Step 1: Multiply R and C. 1000 * 0.001 = 1. Step 2: Multiply by 1.38. 1.38 * 1 = 1.38. Step 3: Divide 1 by the result. 1 / 1.38 ≈ 0.72 Hz. This means the oscillator completes about 0.72 cycles per second, which is quite slow.