A Voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is an electronic device that generates an output signal with a frequency that is proportional to an input voltage. The input Voltage is used to control the frequency of the output signal, making VCOs ideal for applications where the frequency of the output signal needs to be dynamically adjusted. VCOs are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including frequency synthesis, signal modulation, and pulse generation.
VCOs can be designed to operate over a wide range of frequencies, from a few kilohertz to several gigahertz. The frequency range of a VCO is typically determined by the components used in the resonant circuit and the amplifier stage. VCOs can also be designed to produce either square waves, triangular waves, or sine waves, depending on the requirements of the application.
Voltage controlled oscillators are widely used in radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications, such as in radio transmitters and receivers, radar systems, and wireless communication systems. They are also commonly found in embedded systems, such as microcontrollers and digital signal processors, where they are used for timing and frequency synthesis.