What is the term for positive feedback that makes any amplifier an oscillator?

Study for the Aircraft Electronics Technician Test. Boost your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the term for positive feedback that makes any amplifier an oscillator?

Explanation:
Regenerative feedback is positive feedback that reinforces the signal in the loop until the circuit can sustain oscillations. When the feedback path returns a signal in phase with the input and the loop gain reaches the right value (the Barkhausen condition), the amplifier acts as an oscillator. The term regenerative feedback path specifically describes the portion of the circuit that provides that positive, self-amplifying feedback, which is why it’s the best descriptor for turning an amplifier into an oscillator. A general feedback loop can be either positive or negative, and an amplifier by itself isn’t an oscillator unless that positive feedback is present and strong enough to sustain the oscillation.

Regenerative feedback is positive feedback that reinforces the signal in the loop until the circuit can sustain oscillations. When the feedback path returns a signal in phase with the input and the loop gain reaches the right value (the Barkhausen condition), the amplifier acts as an oscillator. The term regenerative feedback path specifically describes the portion of the circuit that provides that positive, self-amplifying feedback, which is why it’s the best descriptor for turning an amplifier into an oscillator. A general feedback loop can be either positive or negative, and an amplifier by itself isn’t an oscillator unless that positive feedback is present and strong enough to sustain the oscillation.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy