A Wien bridge oscillator is a type of electronic oscillator that generates sinusoidal waveforms. It uses a bridge circuit consisting of resistors and capacitors, and it operates based on the principle of balanced bridge. The basic Wien bridge oscillator configuration consists of a high-pass and low-pass RC filter in a bridge configuration, and it can be modified to include an amplifier with gain to sustain oscillations.
Here's a general explanation of how a Wien bridge oscillator with gain works to amplify the output signal and sustain oscillations:
Wien Bridge Circuit: The Wien bridge oscillator consists of four elements - two resistors (R1 and R2) and two capacitors (C1 and C2). It forms a bridge configuration, with the output taken from the middle of the bridge.
Frequency Determination: The oscillation frequency of the Wien bridge oscillator is determined by the RC time constants of the resistors and capacitors in the bridge. The desired oscillation frequency is typically set by adjusting the values of these components. When the frequency is set correctly, the feedback signal will be in-phase with the input signal at the bridge's midpoint.
Phase Shift: When the frequency of the oscillator is at the desired oscillation frequency, the phase shift around the loop becomes 0 degrees. This phase shift condition is important for sustained oscillation.
Gain: In the basic Wien bridge oscillator, the gain of the bridge circuit without any amplification is relatively low, and it may not be sufficient to overcome losses in the circuit and sustain oscillations. To address this, an amplifier is introduced in the circuit.
Amplification: The amplifier in the Wien bridge oscillator provides gain to the feedback signal that is taken from the bridge's midpoint. The amplified signal is then fed back into the bridge circuit. This increased gain compensates for the losses in the circuit, allowing the oscillator to maintain oscillations at the desired frequency.
Feedback Loop: The output of the bridge circuit, which now has increased gain due to the amplifier, is fed back to the input. This creates a positive feedback loop, where the output signal reinforces the input signal, leading to sustained oscillations.
Amplitude Stability: The Wien bridge oscillator with gain will naturally amplify the output signal, but it also needs to ensure that the amplitude remains stable. To achieve this, the amplifier is designed with appropriate gain control and stabilization mechanisms to prevent excessive distortion or saturation.
It's important to note that while the Wien bridge oscillator with gain can sustain oscillations, it needs proper biasing, component values, and feedback network design to achieve stable and reliable operation. The gain should be set carefully to avoid distortion or clipping of the waveform. The practical implementation of the circuit may require additional considerations to ensure good performance and stability.