Numerically controlled oscillator

A digitally controlled oscillator (DCO, dt digitally controlled oscillator) or numerically controlled oscillator (NCO, dt numerically controlled oscillator) is an electronic circuit or an electronic component which is used based on a fixed time basis, a reference clock to generate oscillations will. Many DCO based on the method of direct digital synthesis (DDS ) in synthesizers, however, are also oscillators analog integrator is reset cyclically by a timer, referred to as DCO.

The frequency of oscillation is set in the digitally controlled oscillator directly via a numerical value. This gives a very accurate set frequency, which (within the specifications of the component or components of the circuit ) remains constant. This tuning stability is paid for with one only in steps ( discrete) adjustable frequency range.

• Electrical oscillator