What is the Difference Between Amplifier and Oscillator?

The main difference between an amplifier and an oscillator is their function: an amplifier increases the magnitude of a signal, while an oscillator generates an oscillating signal. Here are some key differences between the two:

• Definition: An amplifier is an electronic circuit that increases the magnitude of a weak signal, while an oscillator is an electronic circuit that generates a periodic signal, usually sinusoidal or square wave, of definite frequency.
• Input Signal: An amplifier requires an input signal to generate an amplified output signal, while an oscillator does not require an input signal to generate an oscillatory output signal.
• Feedback: Amplifiers use negative feedback to produce output, while oscillators use positive feedback to produce output.
• Applications: Amplifiers are widely used in audio systems to increase the intensity of audio signals, and they can be used multiple times in a circuit wherever necessary. Oscillators, on the other hand, are extensively used in computers, laptops, and many other electronic devices and systems to generate clock signals or reference signals.
• Location in the Circuit: Amplifiers can be placed at various points in a circuit, but oscillators are typically used only once at the start of a circuit.

Comparative Table: Amplifier vs Oscillator

Here is a table highlighting the differences between an amplifier and an oscillator:

In summary, amplifiers are used to increase the intensity of weak signals, while oscillators generate oscillatory signals of a definite frequency. Both circuits play crucial roles in electronic and communication systems but serve different purposes and use different types of feedback.