A relaxation oscillator is a type of electronic circuit that generates a repetitive waveform, typically a square or sawtooth wave. It operates by charging and discharging a capacitor through a resistor, creating a cycle of rapid changes in voltage. This process results in a consistent oscillation, which can be used in various applications, such as timers and signal generators. These oscillators are characterized by their simplicity and ability to produce oscillations without requiring a stable input signal. Common examples include the astable multivibrator and the 555 timer, both of which are widely used in electronics for creating clock pulses and controlling timing functions.