VCO

A Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) is an electronic oscillator which oscillation frequency is controlled by a voltage input. The applied input voltage determines the instantaneous oscillation frequency.

VCOs are used in function generators and phase-locked loops (including frequency synthesizers used in communication equipment), to generate variable tones in synthesizers. VCO’s are used in frequency hopping or in spread spectrum frequency hopping (FHSS) applications where the tuning speed is critical.

A VCO is a Voltage Controlled Oscillator; it is an electronic oscillator which output frequency can be controlled by a DC voltage which tunes over a wide frequency range. In contrast, a VCXO is a Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator; the oscillating/output frequency of a VCXO is determined by the properties of the crystal which tunes over narrow frequency range.

Yes, VCOs can be safely operated at a lower voltage, however, output power, phase noise and frequency range may change. Please note that it is generally not recommended and that we offer a number of specialised oscillators designed specifically for use with a lower supply voltage. Please contact our sales engineers to discuss your options. 

Wide band VCOs can be used for a variety of applications, such as radar and electronic counter measures, where wide band VCOs provide fast tuning and wide frequency coverage. In addition, when frequency pulling is significant enough to shift the VCO outside of its frequency range, a wide band VCO can more easily accommodate the correction to the frequency shift.