95.VCO's for my favorite CB's June 2025.
- Ronald Verweerdt
- Jun 29
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 3
A Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) plays a crucial role in both transmitters and receivers by generating signals whose frequency can be precisely adjusted using a control voltage.
In a transmitter, the VCO:
Produces the carrier frequency that gets modulated with the information signal (like voice or data).
Enables frequency modulation (FM) or phase modulation (PM) by varying its frequency in response to the input signal.
Supports frequency hopping in systems like spread-spectrum communications, allowing rapid switching between frequencies for security and interference resistance.
In a receiver, the VCO:
Acts as part of the local oscillator in a superheterodyne receiver, helping to convert incoming RF signals to a lower intermediate frequency (IF) for easier processing.
Works within phase-locked loops (PLLs) to maintain synchronization with incoming signals, which is essential for demodulation and tuning.
In short, the VCO is like the heartbeat of frequency agility in modern communication systems. Want to dive into how it works inside a PLL or how it enables frequency synthesis?
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