Function generator
In
Although function generators cover both audio and radio frequencies, they are usually not suitable for applications that need low distortion or stable frequency signals. When those traits are required, other signal generators would be more appropriate.
Some function generators can be phase-locked to an external signal source (which may be a frequency reference) or another function generator.[2]
Function generators are used in the development, test and repair of electronic equipment. For example, they may be used as a signal source to test
Electronic instruments
Principles of Operation
Simple function generators usually generate triangular waveform whose frequency can be controlled smoothly as well as in steps.
A 50% duty cycle square wave is easily obtained by noting whether the capacitor is being charged or discharged, which is reflected in the current switching comparator output. Other duty cycles (theoretically from 0% to 100%) can be obtained by using a comparator and the sawtooth or triangle signal. Most function generators also contain a non-linear diode shaping circuit that can convert the triangle wave into a reasonably accurate sine wave by rounding off the corners of the triangle wave in a process similar to clipping in audio systems.
A
A typical function generator can provide frequencies up to 20 MHz. RF generators for higher frequencies are not function generators in the strict sense since they typically produce pure or modulated sine signals only.
Function generators, like most signal generators, may also contain an attenuator, various means of modulating the output waveform, and often the ability to automatically and repetitively "sweep" the frequency of the output waveform (by means of a voltage-controlled oscillator) between two operator-determined limits. This capability makes it very easy to evaluate the frequency response of a given electronic circuit.
Some function generators can also generate white or pink noise.[citation needed]
More advanced function generators are called
Specifications
Typical specifications for a general-purpose function generator are:
- Produces sine, square, triangular, sawtooth (ramp), and pulse output. Arbitrary waveform generators can produce waves of any shape.[2]
- It can generate a wide range of frequencies. For example, the Tektronix FG 502 (ca 1974) covers 0.1 Hz to 11 MHz.[5]
- Frequency stability of 0.1 percent per hour for analog generators[5] or 500 ppm for a digital generator.
- Maximum sinewave distortion of about 1% (accuracy of diode shaping network) for analog generators.[6] Arbitrary waveform generators may have distortion less than -55 dB below 50 kHz and less than -40 dB above 50 kHz.
- Some function generators can be phase locked to an external signal source, which may be a frequency reference or another function generator.
- Amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or phase modulation (PM) may be supported.
- Output amplitude up to 10 V peak-to-peak.
- Amplitude can be modified, usually by a calibrated attenuator with decade steps and continuous adjustment within each decade.
- Some generators provide a DC offset voltage, e.g. adjustable between -5V to +5V.[2]
- An output impedance of 50 Ω.
Software
A completely different approach to function generation is to use
Circuit elements
Waveform generator
An electronic circuit element used for generating waveforms within other apparatus that can be used in communications and instrumentation circuits, and also in a function generator instrument. Examples are the Exar XR2206[7] and the Intersil ICL8038 integrated circuits[citation needed], which can generate sine, square, triangle, ramp, and pulse waveforms at a voltage-controllable frequency.
Function generator
An electronic circuit element that provides an output proportional to some mathematical function (such as the square root) of its input; such devices are used in
Mechanical function generators
Mechanical function generators are linkages, cam-follower mechanisms or non-circular gears, designed to reproduce different types of functions, either periodic (like sine or cosine functions), or single-shot (logarithm, parabolic, tangent functions etc.). [10]
Measurement instruments like pressure gauges, altimeters and barometers include linkage-type function generators as linearization means. Before the advent of digital computers, mechanical function generators were used in the construction of gun fire control systems, and mechanical calculators.
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Four-bar function generator of the function Log(u) for 1 < u < 10.
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Rocker-slider function generator of the function Log(u) for 1 < u < 10.
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Slider-rocker function generator of the function Tan(u) for 0 < u < 45°.
See also
References
- ^ cnx.org - Using a Basic Function Generator, 2005-08-21
- ^ ISBN 978-81-8431-435-9.
- ISBN 978-81-224-0386-2.
- ^ Don Lancaster. "TV Typewriter Cookbook". (TV Typewriter). 1976. p. 180-181.
- ^ a b FG 502 Function Generator, Instruction Manual, Beaverton, OR: Tektronix, 1973, pp=1-7–1-8
- ^ FG 502 distortion is 0.5 percent
- ^ "Exar XR-2206 Monolithic Function Generator" (PDF). Exar. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
- ^ Miller, Joseph A.; Soltes, Aaron S.; Scott, Ronald E. (February 1955). "Wide-band Analog Function Multiplier" (PDF). Electronics. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
- ^ "Intersil ICL8048 Log Amplifier" (PDF). Intersil. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
- ^ Simionescu, P.A. (2016). "A restatement of the optimum synthesis of function generators with planar four-bar and slider-crank mechanisms examples". International Journal of Mechanisms and Robotic Systems. 3 (1). Inderscience Publishers (IEL): 60–79. .
External links
- Function Generator & Arbitrary Waveform Generator Guidebook
- Waveform Generator Fundamentals
- Function Generator Fundamentals
- Rostky, George (March 13, 2001), Design classics: the function generator, EE Times, retrieved March 31, 2012. History of the function generator.