oscillator
nounEtymology From oscillate + -or.
1
A tuned electronic circuit used to generate a continuous output waveform.
2
An instrument for measuring rigidity by the torsional oscillations of a weighted wire.
3
Cellular automata, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences A pattern that returns to its original state, in the same orientation and position, after a finite number of generations.
- He has turned up a number of new oscillators of periods 2,3,4,5,6, & 8.1989 October 26, Richard Schroeppel, “Some recent Life results”, in comp.theory.cell-automata (Usenet):
- Two track segments, each of which realizes the same transformation in a different number of generations are particularly useful for obtaining oscillator periods.1996 December 16, Paul Callahan, “Need help in finding topic for research project”, in comp.theory.cell-automata (Usenet):
1 more example
- Synthesis of spaceship flotillas is even more complicated than synthesis of oscillators, since spaceships are like oscillators that move[…]2010, Andrew Adamatzky, Game of Life Cellular Automata, page 126:
- Derived terms
- Armstrong oscillator, beat frequency oscillator, electronic oscillator, harmonic oscillator, Hartley oscillator, Meissner oscillator, nanooscillator, Oudin oscillator, piezoelectric oscillator, ring oscillator, simple harmonic oscillator, suboscillator, wobbulator, wobulator