Oscillator Comparison

Oscillator TypeFrequency StabilityComplexityOutput Amplitude StabilityFrequency RangeComponent SensitivityHarmonic ContentTypical Use Cases
ColpittsHighLowMediumHigh (RF range)MediumMediumRF circuits, transmitters
HartleyModerateLowMediumHigh (up to MHz)MediumMediumRF circuits, tuners
Crystal (XTAL)Very HighMediumHighFixed, very stableLowLowClocks, microcontrollers
Phase ShiftLow to ModerateMediumModerateLow (audio freq)HighLowAudio, low-freq signal generation
Wien BridgeModerate to HighMediumHighLow to MediumMediumLowAudio oscillators, function generators
RC RelaxationLowLowModerateLowHighHighTiming, blinking circuits
LC OscillatorModerate to HighLow to MediumMediumHigh (RF)MediumMediumRF transmitters, local oscillators