Function generators go further than signal generators do, enabling the generation of periodic standard functions such as noise, dc, ramp up and down, triangle, square, and sine. So, now that you know what a signal generator is, let’s take a look at where function generators differ. The device is centred on an oscillator made from quartz-crystal, GPS-device oscillator, or rubidium frequency standard. While they do not all operate in the same manner, a lot of the signal generators are constructed around the frequency synthesizer, which creates sine waves at specific frequencies, which is accurate to a 10 μ/sec resolution. Swept signals are ideal for examining circuits whose properties differ with frequency, such as tuned circuits and filters. In addition to this, the signal can have a burst inserted, such as the colour burst within television transmission, or it can sweep between two specified frequencies in a Rigol oscilloscope demo board. There can be the possibility of adding the option for the signal to be modulated with a second lower frequency, which can be made periodic, like an audio tone or non-periodic, such as the human voice. Should there be two channels, outputs can also be made so that they vary in phase. What is the difference between function generator and signal generator?Īs there are a number of different generators that can be used when it comes to electrical testing, it can be a little bit confusing, so we will explain the difference between a signal generator and a function generator.Ī signal generator will make sinusoidal waveforms available at their outputs with a settable amplitude or frequency. However, you may also find that there are buttons that will yield other waveforms. With a function generator, a variable voltage source is provided, but it can also vary the frequency, which is measured in Hertz, or the cycles per second.Ī lot of the function generators that are available for sale today can alter the shape of the alternating voltage signal. In a similar manner, a function generator can be an AC power supply for AC circuits. To adjust the output voltage, you simply need to turn the knob. quick rise and slow fall or quick fall and slow rise.Ĭan a function generator be used as a power supply?Ī standard DC power supply is going to provide you with a variable voltage source for DC circuits. The polarity of the resulting sawtooth will change due to the polarity of the diode, i.e. You can produce sawtooth waves by slowly charging the capacitor with a low current, yet utilising a diode over the existing source for quick discharge. Through varying the capacitor size and the current, various frequencies can be attained. This creates a voltage ramp that is linearly ascending and descending.Ī comparator is used to reverse the charging or discharging when the output voltage gets to the lower or upper limits, and this then creates the linear triangle wave. The generation of the triangular wave occurs by charging and discharging a capacitor from a continual current source on a repetitive basis. This triangular wave is utilised as the basis for all of the other outputs.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |