This general definition allows us to organize relaxation oscillators we encounter according to the nature of the energy accumulated, the way the relaxation threshold is determined and how energy is released. For example:
Device | Energy | Where | Threshold | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|
Shishi Odoshi | Water Level | Bamboo Tube | Balance Point | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shishi-odoshi [1] |
Old Faithful Guyser | Steam | Rock Tube | Vapor point | http://www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com/learn/geyser-info/ [2] |
555 Astable | Charge | Capacitor | Voltage Comparator | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/555_timer_IC#Astable [3] |
Neon | Charge | Capacitor | Ionization | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearson–Anson_effect |
Bowed String | Tension | String | Friction | http://newt.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/Bows.html [4] |
UJT | Charge | Capacitor | PN Junction Potential | http://www.circuitstoday.com/ujt-relaxation-oscillator [5] |
Schmitt Trigger | Charge | Capacitor | MOS Junction Potential | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmitt_trigger#Use_as_an_oscillator [6] |
Opamp | Charge | Capacitor | Voltage Comparator | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relaxation_oscillator#Comparator–based_relaxation_oscillator |
BJT Blocking Oscillator | Flux | Inductor | Current Comparator | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blocking_oscillator [7] |
Phase Accumulator (Phasor) | Charge | Register | Modulo operation | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerically_controlled_oscillator [8] |
Run-up Time ADC | Charge | Capacitor | MOS Junction Potential | https://github.com/adrianfreed/FastTouch [9] |
Links:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shishi-odoshi
[2] http://www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com/learn/geyser-info/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/555_timer_IC#Astable
[4] http://newt.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/Bows.html
[5] http://www.circuitstoday.com/ujt-relaxation-oscillator
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmitt_trigger#Use_as_an_oscillator
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blocking_oscillator
[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numerically_controlled_oscillator
[9] https://github.com/adrianfreed/FastTouch