heterodyne oscillator
- noun
- /ˈhɛtərəˌdaɪn ˈɒsɪleɪtər/
- Specialized
:
oscilador heterodino
- A heterodyne oscillator is an essential component in a superheterodyne radio receiver.
Examples
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By tuning the heterodyne oscillator, the technician could select different radio channels.
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The engineer adjusted the heterodyne oscillator to improve the radio's frequency response.
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The heterodyne oscillator is essential for radio communication.
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Many engineers prefer using a heterodyne oscillator in their designs.
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A heterodyne oscillator is an essential component in a superheterodyne radio receiver.
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The engineer adjusted the heterodyne oscillator to improve the radio's frequency response.
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By tuning the heterodyne oscillator, the technician could select different radio channels.
Synonyms
A steady radio signal made inside a radio to mix with incoming signals
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is compositionally transparent: 'heterodyne' describes the type of oscillator, so the phrase straightforwardly means an oscillator that generates heterodyne (sum and difference) frequencies. Although the term is technical, the modifier+noun structure follows ordinary English composition, so a B1 learner who knows both constituent meanings would be able to infer the overall sense.
Etymology
The noun heterodyne oscillator comes from an old radio trick called heterodyne, which is simply mixing two different signals. Imagine two musical notes played together: you hear a new slow 'beat' made from their difference, and the oscillator makes one steady signal so the mix creates new signals that are easier to tune. So a heterodyne oscillator is used to 'shift' radio signals into a range a receiver can handle.
