oscillator

Any device producing a desired oscillation (vibration). There are many types of oscillator for different purposes. These involve various arrangements of thermionic valves or components such as transistors, inductors, capacitors, and resistors.

An oscillator is an essential part of a radio transmitter, generating the high-frequency carrier signal necessary for radio communication. The frequency is often controlled by the vibrations set up in a crystal (such as quartz).

oscillator

In music, an electrical generator used to convert electricity into sound. It produces an oscillating current that may be heard as sound when played at a frequency between 16 Hz and 20,000 Hz and attached to an amplifier and loudspeakers. Different types of tone produced by an oscillator include sine waves and saw-toothed waves.