Electronic – Problems Building Variable Frequency Wien-Bridge Oscillator

frequencyoscillationoscillatorpotentiometerwien-bridge

I have been doing some experiments with Wien-Bridge Sine Wave Oscillators, specifically trying to make one where frequency can be controlled via a single knob, using a dual ganged potentiometer. I am basing my design on the following circuit from page 29 of Analog Devices App Note 43:
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I am replacing the two 1.6k resistors with each of the gangs of a 100k dual potentiometer.

I have been noticing some strange behavior. Rather than creating a variable frequency oscillator the circuit only oscillates when the potentiometer is set to a very specific range of values (~1k ohms). As I turn the knob away from this range the oscillation first becomes unstable (very jittery in oscilloscope) then disappears. Does anyone know the reason for that this is happening?

Best Answer

Are you sure you have the two gangs of the pot wired the same way (i.e. so they both increase together)?

If the two resistors are not matched well the gain required to oscillate may increase beyond the range of control of the 430 ohm resistor and #327 lamp.

The classic Wien bridge needs a gain of 3.