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Unit 3

A signal generator provides different output waveforms including sine, square, triangular, and pulse trains at low powers for testing electronic circuits. It must have a stable, controllable output frequency and amplitude with low distortion. Signal generators are used to test amplifiers, measure circuit properties, and characterize antennas. Common types include low frequency sine wave, radio frequency sine wave, pulse, and sweep frequency generators. An audio frequency signal generator has stable, simple operation with low distortion and good amplitude stability. A function generator can produce sine, sawtooth, triangular, and square waves over a wide adjustable frequency range.

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141 views6 pages

Unit 3

A signal generator provides different output waveforms including sine, square, triangular, and pulse trains at low powers for testing electronic circuits. It must have a stable, controllable output frequency and amplitude with low distortion. Signal generators are used to test amplifiers, measure circuit properties, and characterize antennas. Common types include low frequency sine wave, radio frequency sine wave, pulse, and sweep frequency generators. An audio frequency signal generator has stable, simple operation with low distortion and good amplitude stability. A function generator can produce sine, sawtooth, triangular, and square waves over a wide adjustable frequency range.

Uploaded by

S Manikandan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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UNIT 3

1. What is signal generator?


Signal generators provides variety of different signals for
testing various electronic circuits at low powers.
The signal
generator is an instrument which provides several different output
waveforms including sine wave, square wave, triangular wave, pulse
train and an amplitude modulated waveform.
2. What are the various requirements of a signal generator?
1. The output frequency of signal generator should be very
stable.
2. The amplitude of the output should be controllable from
very small to relatively large values.
3. The output signal should be free from distortion.
4. The amplitude of output signal must be stable.
3. What are the applications of signal generator?
1. To provide appropriate signal for calibration, testing and
trouble shooting of the amplifier circuits used in
communications, electronics such as radio and television
amplifiers.
2. To be employed as power source for the measurement of
gain, bandwidth, signal to noise ratio and standing wave
ratio and other properties of circuits.
3. To measure the characteristics of antennas and
transmission lines.
Mention any four signal generating instruments.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Low frequency (LF) sine wave generators.


Radio frequency (RF) sine wave generators.
Pulse generators.
Sweep frequency generators.

What are the advantages of AF signal generator?


1.
2.
3.
4.

Stable and simple operation.


Low distortion
Good amplitude stability
Relatively easily achievable audio frequency variation

What is a function generator?


A function generator is a versatile instrument. It delivers different
waveforms whose frequencies are adjustable over a wide range. The
most required common output waveforms are the sine, triangular ,
square, and saw tooth waves. The frequencies of these waveforms may
be adjusted from a fraction of a hertz to several hundred kilohertz.

Write any four features of the function generator.


The frequency range is 0.01 Hz to 100 kHz.
Can produce various waveforms such as sine wave, saw tooth wave,
triangular wave, square wave etc.
The accuracy is within 1% low frequency range
The distortion is less than 1% for the sine wave.
Can be phase locked to another external signal source.
A continuous adjustable d.c. offset is available between -5V to +5V
What are the basic elements of function of function generator?
Frequency control network
Upper and lower constant current source.
Integrator
Voltage comparator multivibrator
Resistance diode shaping circuit.
Output amplifier.
Define duty cycle for a pulse value.
The duty cycle is defined as the ratio of average value of the
pulse over one cycle to the peak value. It is also defined as
ratio of the pulse width to the period of one cycle.

`Duty cycle =Pulse width


Pulse period

Define pulse rise and fall time.


The pulse time is the time needed for the pulse to go from 10%to
90% of its amplitude. The fall time is the time need for the trailing
edge to go from 90% to 10%. These times are also called leading
edge and trailing edge transition times.

Define pulse undershoot.


A distortion of base value immediately following a falling edge.

Define ringing.
The positive and negative peak distortion, excluding overshoot or
undershoot, on the pulse top or base line.

Define Droop or sag.


Droop or Sag occurs when the peak value gradually decreases during
the pulse.

Define pulse repetition rate.


The rate at which pulses are produced.

Define settling time.

The time required for a signal to decrease to a given percentage typically


1% to 5% of its peak value.

What are the

features of pulse generator?

The frequency range of the instrument is covered in seven decade steps


form 1 Hz to 10 MHz, with a linearly calibrated dial for continuous
adjustment on all ranges.
The duty cycle can be varied from 25% to 75%.
Two independent outputs are available:
A 50 source that supplies pulses with
rise-and-fall times of 5ns at 5 V peak
amplitude;
A 600 source that supplies pulses with
rise-and-fall times of 70ns at 30 V peak
amplitude.
The instrument can be operated as a free running generator or it can be
synchronized with external signals.
Trigger out pulses for synchronization are also available.
What is RF signal generator?
A radio frequency (RF) signal generator has a sinusoidal output with a
frequency range between 100 kHz to 40 GHz.

What is a sweep frequency generator?


The process of testing the frequency response of amplifiers and filters can
be
simplified and speeded up by using a signal generator that automatically
varies its frequency over a predetermined range. Such an instrument is
known as a sweep frequency generator.

What is a frequency synthesized generator?


Frequency synthesized generators produce a very accurate and very
stable output frequency derived from either multiples or submultiples of
one or more crystal controlled oscillator, a process referred to as
frequency synthesis

What are the two methods of frequency synthesizer?


Direct method
Indirect method
What are the applications of function generator?
To test the bandwidth of the audio frequency amplifier. This method is
commonly known as square wave testing.
To be used as an important instrument in the trouble shorting of different
analog and digital circuits and instruments.
To act as a source for the alignment of receiver.

Compare audio generator and function generator


Aspects
1

Type of wave
generator

Frequency stability

Method of frequency
control

Signal generator
Sine wave

Limited
By frequency range
control and vernier
dial setting (By
varying capacitor in
LC or RC circuit)

Function
generator
Sine square,
saw tooth,
triangular etc,
High
By varying the
magnitude of
the current
which drives
the integrator

Phase looking
capability

No

Yes

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