2 x Simple LFO

I just finished my first “2 x LFO” prototype.


This is an outdated version, an update is available!


It’s a very common dual op-amp triangle wave form generator. U1A is used as an integrator while U1B is acting as a Schmitt Trigger.
R1 potentiometer and C1 or C2 capacitors set the frequency. Large capacitor value will lower the frequency, and of course, smaller cap will increase the frequency.

Main schematic

S1 allows you to choose between 2 frequency ranges.
With a 10nF capacitor, the frequency range starts from a couple Hertz and goes up to 250 Hz.
With 1nF, the range goes up to 2.5 kHz. At 1 µF, the maximum frequency is 2.5 Hz.
The relation between C and frequency is as follow:
freq_max = 1 / (400 000 × C)
freq_min = 1 / (40 000 000 × C)
The values may vary somewhat.

Output

In order to prevent the waveform to be altered and to avoid any frequency fluctuation, the charge on the output needs to be fairly high impedance.
While S2 allows to choose, for J1/K1 outputs, between triangle and square waveforms, you can also set S2 on “square” position by default and then choose between square and triangle waveform by using the corresponding output, J1/K1 or K2.

Top silkscreen
Bottom copper (mirrored)
Top copper

I made a front panel for two LFO units. It’s 6HP wide. The panel was processed at Schaeffer’s.

6HP Eurorack Front panel

Here’s the complete schematics: lfo 1.0 20150527

2 thoughts on “2 x Simple LFO

  1. Hi there, can this be powered in anyway other than a eurorack power cable?

    I wanted to use it with various CV-able synths that are not Eurorack powered and had hoped to use it as a portable unit.

    thanks,

    Danny.

    1. Hi, This circuit can be powered from different voltage levels. It runs smoothly between ±4 V and ±16 V. The most important part is to use a dual power supply. Instead of 10 pin connector, you can employ either wires or screw terminals or any other 2.54 or 5.08 pin pitch connector.

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