Two-Stroke Oscillators

A four-stroke oscillator, whether symmetrical or moderately dissymmetrical, is one in which the linear, conservative elements receive energy from the source two times per period; such are typically a Class A vacuum tube oscillator, a Class C push-pull oscillator, or a clock with anchor escapement. This paper presents a number of nonlinear, second-order differential equations which correspond to two-stroke oscillators in which the source is active or strongly active only once per period; such as a Class C oscillator. It is hoped that this second type will lead to a better understanding of a number of oscillations which it has not been possible to interpret so far by means of the four-stroke model.