All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Which of the following components are used to determine the frequency of oscillation in a Colpitts oscillator?

This question was previously asked in
RRB NTPC 2025 Graduate Level CBT 1 Question Paper (25-Mar-2026) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

Capacitors and inductor

The Colpitts oscillator is a type of LC oscillator where both inductors and capacitors are used to determine the frequency of oscillation. Here is the detailed explanation:

  1. Basic Structure of a Colpitts Oscillator: The Colpitts oscillator consists of a transistor (or any amplifying device), two capacitors, and one inductor in its feedback network. The capacitors are connected in series, and the inductor is connected parallel to them, forming the tank circuit.
  2. Frequency of Oscillation Formula: The frequency of oscillation \((f)\) for a Colpitts oscillator is given by the formula: \(f = \frac{1}{2 \pi \sqrt{L \cdot C_{T}}}\) where \(L\) is the inductance and \(C_{T}\) (Total Capacitance) is given by: \(C_{T} = \frac{C_1 \cdot C_2}{C_1 + C_2}\) (C1 and C2 are the capacitances of the two capacitors).
  3. Role of Components:
    • Capacitors: They form a part of the tank circuit with the inductor. Their values, along with the inductor, determine the frequency of oscillation.
    • Inductor: It works with capacitors to create an oscillatory circuit, providing the necessary condition for sustained oscillations.
  4. Incorrect Options:
    • Diodes and resistors: Diodes are usually not part of the oscillation frequency determination in a Colpitts oscillator. Resistors may be part of biasing and stabilization, but not directly involved in setting the frequency.
    • Resistors and capacitors: While resistors may impact the gain of the circuit, they do not determine the frequency in a Colpitts oscillator.
    • Inductor and resistors: Though an inductor is part of the frequency determining components, resistors alone do not set the frequency.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Capacitors and inductor.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. If the equivalent inductance in a Hartley oscillator is doubled, the frequency is:

  2. The working principle of a crystal oscillator is based on:

  3. Which of the following is a type of RC Oscillator?

  4. What is the phase shift required in RC phase shift oscillator from the entire feedback RC network to produce oscillations?

  5. For a circuit to function as an oscillator and produce sustained sinusoidal output, the feedback applied must be:

  6. Which pin on the IC-555 Timer is used to discharge the timing capacitor when it is operated as an astable multivibrator?

  7. Two oscillators use the same inductor (L) and the same capacitor (C) values. One is Colpitts with $C_1$ = $C_2$ and the other is Hartley with $L_1$ = $L_2$ with negligible mutual  inductance (M). Which of the following is true about their resonant frequencies?


Important Questions from Oscillators

  1. Which of the following oscillators is the most stable one?

  2. In simple oscillators, _______ are used.

  3. What is an oscillator?

  4. Which of the following oscillator can be used, where high stability of frequency is required?

  5. Which is a fixed frequency oscillator?

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
RRB NTPC
September 27, 2026
Test Series
RRB ALP img
Railways
RRB ALP 2026 Mock Test series
1035 Tests 1 Tests Free
726 Attempts
4.3(233)
English, Hindi
More Questions from RRB ALP

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App