Constant Frequency Oscillators

The manner in which the frequency of vacuum tube oscillators depends upon the operating voltages is discussed. The theory of the dependence is derived and is shown to indicate methods of causing the frequency to be independent of the operating voltages. These methods are applied in detail to the more commonly used oscillator circuits. Experimental data are cited which show the degree of frequency stability which may be expected as a result of application of the methods outlined in the theory, and also show that the best adjustment is in substantial agreement with that predicted by theory. With a carefully built and adjusted oscillator the effects of normal variations in the operating voltages are negligible in comparison with the effects of temperature variations resulting from the changed operating currents. Methods of preventing these latter effects are not discussed in the present paper. The appendix contains an analysis of the conditions under which the performance of an oscillator may be represented by the use of linear circuit equations.