Hi. I need to find a way to generate signals of different frequencies using the same circuit so that I can swap through them. Have considered using oscillator but can not find one with good range and plus the very good ones are only useful for a small variation in frequency. Need to swap through frequencies between range of 17000Hz and 50000Hz.

 

Are you looking to generate square waves, pulses, triangle waves, sine waves?

For square waves and pulses, you could use a 555 timer with a few extra components.

For triangle waves or sine waves, things get a bit more complicated.

 

Well square wave would be more desirable but I have been told I won't be able to get very good precision with the 555. I need at least 4 digit precision hopefully 5.

 

With precision down to 5 places, that's down to Hz for 50,000Hz. Only a DDS generator can fulfill your needs.

You can look up Google for "DDS frequency generator".

 

How precise could the 555 be?

 

DDS to complicated/expensive for the application required need simple and compact

 

Your requirement is not specific enough. Can you give some examples of what is required?

1. Do you want just several fixed frequencies inside the range of 20,000 to 50,000Hz or they are continuously variable?

2. Do the frequencies needed be specific and spot on every time? e.g. 24,567Hz every time or anything from 24,560 to 24,570Hz be OK?

3. Making your goal too ambitious just complicate the ultimate circuit design.

 

If you need 4 or 5 digit precision in that frequency range, then you need a crystal oscillator. You could build something in the MHz range, and divide it down using a microcontroller or other circuitry.

 

What other circuitry can I use to divide the frquency?