Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2023-2027 Question Pool | Topic: G7B
G7B07G7B

Which of the following are basic components of a sine wave oscillator?

Deep Dive: G7B07

The correct answer is D: A filter and an amplifier operating in a feedback loop. The basic components of a sine wave oscillator are a filter and an amplifier operating in a feedback loop. Oscillators use positive feedback with frequency-selective filtering to generate sine waves. For amateur radio operators, this is how oscillators work. Understanding this helps when designing oscillators.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Oscillators don't use an amplifier and divider - dividers reduce frequency, not generate oscillations. Divider isn't a basic component. Option B: Incorrect. Oscillators don't use a frequency multiplier and mixer - multipliers increase frequency, mixers combine signals. These aren't basic oscillator components. Option C: Incorrect. Oscillators don't use a circulator and filter in feed-forward - oscillators use feedback, not feed-forward. Circulator and feed-forward aren't oscillator components.

Exam Tip

Sine wave oscillator = filter and amplifier in feedback loop. Think 'O'scillator = 'O'scillates with 'F'eedback 'A'mplifier and 'F'ilter. Uses positive feedback with frequency-selective filtering to generate sine waves. Not divider, not multiplier/mixer, not circulator - just filter and amplifier in feedback.

Memory Aid

Sine wave oscillator = filter and amplifier in feedback loop. Think 'O'scillator = 'F'eedback 'A'mplifier and 'F'ilter. Uses positive feedback with frequency-selective filtering to generate sine waves. Basic oscillator structure.

Real-World Example

A sine wave oscillator: An amplifier provides gain, and a filter (like an LC tank circuit) selects the frequency. They're connected in a feedback loop - the filter's output feeds back to the amplifier input. This creates sustained oscillation at the filter's resonant frequency. This is how oscillators work.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool

Subelement: G7B

Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G7 - Practical Circuits

Key Concepts

Sine wave oscillator Filter and amplifier Feedback loop Oscillator components

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G7B topic.