Cursed circuits #6: reverse avalanche oscillator
5 days ago
- #oscillator
- #avalanche breakdown
- #reverse bias
- The article discusses a peculiar oscillator circuit called the 'reverse avalanche oscillator', which uses an NPN transistor in an unconventional orientation to create blinking LED functionality.
- It explains how the circuit leverages reverse-bias avalanche breakdown in the transistor, particularly with the emitter-collector junction due to heavy doping, leading to a negative resistance region that enables oscillation.
- The author compares this behavior to that of a neon lamp, noting similar striking and sustaining voltage characteristics, while also critiquing the circuit's inefficiency, high voltage requirements, and instability.