Theremin circuit shown in this schematic diagram uses digital component, so we can call it a digital Theremin. This circuit employs  logic inverter 74C04 or CD4069 hex inverter and CD4046 phase-locked-loop (PLL) IC. The CD4069 logic inverter is operated as a fixed-frequency oscillator with  frequency around 100kHz. The CD4046 is operated as a variable frequency oscillator which is adjustable around 100kHz. The exact center frequency of the on-chip oscillator is determined by R4, C2 and R3. Here is the schematic diagram of the circuit:

Digital Theremin circuit schematic

The frequency of variable oscillator frequency circuit can be shifted several kilohertz by moving your hand approaching the antenna since the C2 and the antenna form an equivalent parallel capacitance. The frequency of the variable oscillator should be set to the same frequency of fixed oscillator when there is no hand or human body close to the antenna. This  calibration is done by adjusting the  zero control R4 pot with this simple rule: If  both oscillators (the fixed and the variable) are set to the same frequency then the Theremin will produce no output (silent). This Theremin circuit will start  producing audible tone if you move your hand approaching the antenna since it will shift the frequency of the variable oscillator. You can play this Theremin circuit by moving your right hand around the antenna and at the same time turning the volume knob R5 with your left hand. [Circuit's schematic diagram source: seekic.com]



Possibly Related Articles:

  • Simple Theremin with Inverter Gates
    This simple but complete Theremin circuit is constructed using only two inverter chip plus one regulator IC. This Theremin circuit consist of five functional blocks: power supply regulator, hand controlled...
  • Optical Theremin
    Normally, Theremin works by detecting hand proximity using capacitive coupling method. A Theremin circuit shown in the schematic diagram below use different method to control the pitch. The oscillator of...
  • Single Chip Theremin Circuit
    This schematic diagram show a single chip Theremin circuit.  Theremin is an electronic music instrument which sense hand movement to control the tones/frequency.  This Theremin circuit uses two separate Colpitts...
  • Stereo Digital Volume Control
    It’s good to use CS3310 because CS330 is a complete stereo digital volume control designed specifically for audio systems. This device has features like 16 but serial interface that controls...
  • Digital Control for Tone, Volume, and Balance
    Try to imagine the possibilities to integrate full audio tone, balance, and volume control into your multimedia computer product, and you integrate it without having to resort to any manual...
  • Audio Amplifier with Logarithmic Digital Volume Control
    The X9314 with the low voltage LM386 power amplifier is shown on figure below. 250mW of audio power will be produced by this circuit with only a 5V DC source....
  • RF AGC with Digital Control
    The AGC is used in many system especially communications. This AGC  works at 50Mhz, and the output voltage is set by a digital signal that is needed by Self-calibrating systems...
  • Simple LDR Light Alarm
    This is a light alarm circuit. This circuit uses Light dependent resistor (LDR). When there is no light fall on the LDR, the transistor driving the speaker is not turned...
  • Simple Audio Amplifier
    This is an audio amplifier circuit which has power of 18W. It is very simple but it has a high quality. This circuit does not require pre amplifier. It can...
  • How Digital Potentiometer Works
    Nowadays, the digital potentiometer is available. The digital potentiometer is effective to replace the mechanical potentiometers in a number of areas because it has FET  switching under digital control and...
  • Digital Isolation and Termination
    This is a digital isolation and termination circuit. This circuit uses The CLT3-4 that is a digital termination device with quadruple input. The CLT3-4 is designed for 24 V DC...
  • Digital IC Transmits Both FM and AM Simultaneously
    The transmitters that either working in FM or in AM is familiar. This is transmitters circuit that can transmit both FM and AM signal simultaneously at two different frequencies FM...