What is the Difference Between Amplifier and Oscillator?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between an amplifier and an oscillator is their function: an amplifier increases the magnitude of a signal, while an oscillator generates an oscillating signal. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Definition: An amplifier is an electronic circuit that increases the magnitude of a weak signal, while an oscillator is an electronic circuit that generates a periodic signal, usually sinusoidal or square wave, of definite frequency.
- Input Signal: An amplifier requires an input signal to generate an amplified output signal, while an oscillator does not require an input signal to generate an oscillatory output signal.
- Feedback: Amplifiers use negative feedback to produce output, while oscillators use positive feedback to produce output.
- Applications: Amplifiers are widely used in audio systems to increase the intensity of audio signals, and they can be used multiple times in a circuit wherever necessary. Oscillators, on the other hand, are extensively used in computers, laptops, and many other electronic devices and systems to generate clock signals or reference signals.
- Location in the Circuit: Amplifiers can be placed at various points in a circuit, but oscillators are typically used only once at the start of a circuit.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Amplifier and Oscillator? Comparative Table: Amplifier vs Oscillator
Comparative Table: Amplifier vs Oscillator
Here is a table highlighting the differences between an amplifier and an oscillator:
Basis of Difference | Amplifier | Oscillator |
---|---|---|
Definition | An electronic circuit that increases the magnitude of a weak signal is called an amplifier. | An electronic circuit that generates an AC signal of definite frequency having either sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal waveforms is called an oscillator. |
Primary function & location in circuit | Amplifiers are used to increase the intensity of weak signals in various stages of a circuit. | Oscillators are used as the source of power and produce oscillatory signals of a definite frequency in the initial stage of a circuit. |
Feedback | Amplifiers use negative feedback. | Oscillators use positive feedback. |
Input Source | Amplifiers always require an input source for operation. | Oscillators do not require an input source for operation. They act like a source of alternating current (AC). |
Frequency | Amplifiers amplify the signal without changing its frequency. | Oscillators generate a signal with a specific frequency, either sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal. |
In summary, amplifiers are used to increase the intensity of weak signals, while oscillators generate oscillatory signals of a definite frequency. Both circuits play crucial roles in electronic and communication systems but serve different purposes and use different types of feedback.
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