Book Review: Oscillators Simplified — With 61 Projects

Chapter 3 deals with the theory of oscillators in more detail. There is considerable emphasis on the role of feedback in oscillators. Specific references are made to the negative-resistance-type tunnel-diode oscillator, and various relaxation-type oscillators such as the multivibrator, the blocking oscillator, and the squegging oscillator. There is also discussion on oscillation initiation and build-up, amplitude limiting, and loading of oscillators. Chapter 4 deals with practical oscillators. Besides discussion of the well-known Hartley, Colpitts, Clapp and Miller oscillators, the author describes the Lampkin, Pierce, Meissner, Meacham, Franklin, Butler, line, magnetrostriction and unijunction transistor (DJT) oscillators. Chapter 5 focuses on solid-state oscillators. It does this by giving examples of specific oscillator circuits configured around readily available solid-state discrete devices and integrated circuits such as: the 2N2222 general-purpose npn transistor, the LM 741 compensated operational amplifier, the SN7400 quad two-input NAND gate IC, and the NE555 timer Ie. The chapter concludes with a section on voltage-controlled oscillators (YCOs) using both discrete devices and integrated circuits such as the 4046 CMOS phase-locked loop (PLL) IC. All in all, I would say that this little book would be very helpful to anyone who requires an understanding of the operation and performance of electronic-oscillator circuitry. In particular, it will provide a useful source of ideas and circuits for electronic engineers and project students, at all levels, who are involved in electronic circuit design and development, and who want easilyassimilated information. BRIAN M, SHAW, Division ofElectrical and Electronic Engineering, Hatfield Polytechnic