Hartley Oscillator Frequency

f = 1 / (2π√((L1+L2) · C))

Quick answer

This calculator solves f = 1 / (2π√((L1 + L2) × C)) for Frequency. With Inductor L1 100 µH, Inductor L2 0.22 mH, Tank Capacitor 100 nF, the result is 28.13 kHz. It solves in 4 directions, so you can enter the values you have and get the one you need.

Calculator

Frequency (MHz)
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Formula

f = 1 / (2π√((L1 + L2) × C))

Description

The Hartley oscillator is the inductive dual of the Colpitts: its tank uses a tapped inductor (or two inductors in series) with the tap providing feedback, resonating with a single capacitor. The total tank inductance is the sum of the two sections plus any mutual coupling. Hartley circuits are easy to tune with a variable capacitor and were widely used in radio receivers.

Variables

  • f — Oscillation frequency (Hz)
  • L1 — First inductor section (H)
  • L2 — Second inductor section (H)
  • C — Tank capacitor (F)

Practical Notes

If the two coil sections are magnetically coupled, add 2M to the total inductance. The L1/L2 ratio sets the feedback fraction needed to sustain oscillation.

Symbols and units

Symbol Meaning Default unit Accepted units
f Frequency MHz Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz
L1 Inductor L1 µH nH, µH, mH, H
L2 Inductor L2 µH nH, µH, mH, H
C Tank Capacitor nF pF, nF, µF, mF, F

Step by step

  1. 1. What you know: Inductor L1 100 µH, Inductor L2 0.22 mH, Tank Capacitor 100 nF
  2. 2. The relation: f = 1 / (2π√((L1 + L2) × C))
  3. 3. Substitute: L1 = 100 µH, L2 = 0.22 mH, C = 100 nF
  4. 4. Result: Frequency = 28.13 kHz

Worked examples

Minimum range

Given: Inductor L1 100 nH, Inductor L2 0.22 µH, Tank Capacitor 100 pF

Result: Frequency = 28.13 MHz

Low range

Given: Inductor L1 1 µH, Inductor L2 2.2 µH, Tank Capacitor 1 nF

Result: Frequency = 2.813 MHz

Typical

Given: Inductor L1 100 µH, Inductor L2 0.22 mH, Tank Capacitor 100 nF

Result: Frequency = 28.13 kHz

High range

Given: Inductor L1 0.47 mH, Inductor L2 1.03 mH, Tank Capacitor 1 µF

Result: Frequency = 4.109 kHz

Maximum range

Given: Inductor L1 4.7 mH, Inductor L2 10.3 mH, Tank Capacitor 10 µF

Result: Frequency = 0.4109 kHz

Solving for each variable

Solve for Frequency

Inductor L1 100 nH, Inductor L2 0.22 µH, Tank Capacitor 100 pF → 28.13 MHz

Solve for Tank Capacitor

Frequency 100 kHz, Inductor L1 100 nH, Inductor L2 0.22 µH → 7.916 µF

Solve for Inductor L1

Frequency 100 kHz, Inductor L2 0.22 µH, Tank Capacitor 100 pF → 25.33 mH

Solve for Inductor L2

Frequency 100 kHz, Inductor L1 100 nH, Tank Capacitor 100 pF → 25.33 mH

How Frequency changes with Inductor L1

Inductor L1 (input) Frequency (result)
10 µH 33.19 kHz
25 µH 32.15 kHz
50 µH 30.63 kHz
75 µH 29.3 kHz
100 µH 28.13 kHz
150 µH 26.16 kHz
0.2 mH 24.56 kHz
0.4 mH 20.21 kHz
0.7 mH 16.59 kHz
1 mH 14.41 kHz

The same result in other units

Unit Value
Hz 28130
kHz 28.13
MHz 0.02813

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Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate Hartley Oscillator Frequency?

Use f = 1 / (2π√((L1 + L2) × C)). With Inductor L1 100 µH, Inductor L2 0.22 mH, Tank Capacitor 100 nF, Frequency works out to 28.13 kHz.

What is the formula for Hartley Oscillator Frequency?

The formula is f = 1 / (2π√((L1 + L2) × C)). The Hartley oscillator is the inductive dual of the Colpitts: its tank uses a tapped inductor (or two inductors in series) with the tap providing feedback, resonating with a single capacitor.

How do you find Tank Capacitor when you know the other values?

Rearrange for Tank Capacitor: with Frequency 100 kHz, Inductor L1 100 nH, Inductor L2 0.22 µH, Tank Capacitor is 7.916 µF.

How do you find Inductor L1 when you know the other values?

Rearrange for Inductor L1: with Frequency 100 kHz, Inductor L2 0.22 µH, Tank Capacitor 100 pF, Inductor L1 is 25.33 mH.

What units does Hartley Oscillator Frequency use?

Frequency is shown in Hz, kHz, MHz. Values are held in SI base units internally, so you can mix prefixes without converting by hand.

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