Summary of 100 MHz RF oscillator using ATtiny12 microcontroller
The article describes a quick, minimal-component tone generator built using an ATtiny12 microcontroller and a Saronix crystal oscillator to provide a frequency reference for tuning an RF adapter. The project required fewer parts than a standard NE-555 solution by utilizing the oscillator's open emitter output and adding a single transistor for gating.
Parts used in Tone Generator Project:
- Saronix crystal oscillator
- ATtiny12 microcontroller
- Transistor
- 330 Ohm load resistor
- AVRStudio software
I needed a frequency reference for tuning up the RS-232 to 100 MHz RF desktop channel adapter elsewhere on this site, when I found this Saronix crystal oscillator in my junk box. A few minutes with AVRStudio produced an ATtiny12 to make a tone – even fewer parts than using an NE-555. With the addition of a transistor to gate the output, I was set to go. Quick and dirty, but it was useful.
The Saronix oscillator has an open emitter output. When the 330 Ohm load resistor on the output is grounded, the RF out of the oscillator increases.
For more detail: 100 MHz RF oscillator using ATtiny12 microcontroller
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Why was the ATtiny12 chosen over an NE-555?
The ATtiny12 required even fewer parts than using an NE-555. -
What software was used to produce the tone?
A few minutes with AVRStudio produced the ATtiny12 to make a tone. -
How does the Saronix oscillator output behave when grounded?
When the 330 Ohm load resistor on the output is grounded, the RF out of the oscillator increases. -
What type of output does the Saronix oscillator have?
The Saronix oscillator has an open emitter output. -
What component gates the output of the circuit?
A transistor was added to gate the output. -
What was the primary purpose of this build?
The build served as a frequency reference for tuning up an RS-232 to 100 MHz RF desktop channel adapter.
