What is the name of a circuit that generates a signal at a specific frequency?

• A. Modulator
• B. Oscillator
• C. Transverter
• D. Filter

Answer: (B)

The correct choice is an oscillator. An oscillator is an electronic circuit that generates a continuous wave signal at a specific frequency. It achieves this through various methods, depending on the design and components used, such as inductor-capacitor (LC) circuits or quartz crystals. The output of an oscillator can be a simple sine wave, square wave, or other waveform shapes. Oscillators are fundamental in many applications, including radio transmitters and receivers, where they provide the necessary carrier frequencies for communication.

Understanding the role of other types of circuits helps clarify the distinction. A modulator, for example, alters a carrier signal's properties (amplitude, frequency, or phase) to embed information such as voice or data, rather than generating the signal itself. A transverter is a type of device that converts signals from one frequency band to another, enabling communication across different ranges, but it does not primarily generate signals. A filter is designed to allow or block certain frequency ranges from a signal, shaping the output but not generating it. Each of these devices plays a unique role within electronic systems, underscoring the specialized function of oscillators in frequency generation.