Voltage to Frequency Converters Review

Electronics, Instrumentation & Electrical Database

Voltage to Frequency Converters Review

Voltage to frequency converters (also called wide-range voltage-controlled oscillator) may be a component or electronic circuit which converts an input voltage to a linear or nonlinear frequency output. Voltage to frequency converter circuit typically consist of an analog voltage amplifier, a oscillator circuit, required resistors and capacitors, and a driving power supply. Voltage to frequency converters are available as a integrated circuit as well. Integrated circuits, combine all if the relevant electronic systems into a compact package which maybe easily mounted on a pc board.

Typical specifications for voltage to frequency converters include the following:

• Required number of analog channels
• Required number of differential channels.
• Differential channels
• Maximum input and output voltage
• Bandwidth capability
• Signal isolation
• Accuracy (percent of range)
• Operating temperature
• Operating bandwidth ( normally stated in dB )

Voltage to Frequency applications include an automotive or engine tachometer, where a frequency is converted from a alternating current. Other applications include telephone communications, where a direct current is not practical and the voltage to frequency converter is used to transmit current to frequency over the long distance telephone line.