Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) are electronic components that generate oscillating (wave-like) electrical signals with a frequency that can be adjusted by varying the voltage input. These devices serve crucial functions in many modern technologies, primarily in the realm of electronic communication, where they modulate signal frequencies in radios, televisions, and other telecommunication systems. The ability to control the frequency of the output signal makes VCOs integral in phase-locked loops (PLLs), frequency synthesizers, and in the function of various test and measurement instruments, ensuring that signals are precise and stable across different operating conditions.
VCOs are designed with specific applications in mind, such as in RF (radio frequency) applications where they help in frequency modulation and demodulation for wireless communication devices. They are characterized by their tuning range (the range of frequencies they can generate), output power, and phase noise, which refers to the stability and purity of the output signal. Common manufacturers of VCOs include Mini-Circuits, Analog Devices, and Texas Instruments.