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Function Generator

A function generator produces electrical waveforms that can be used to test electronic equipment by generating signals to test amplifiers or introduce errors into control loops. It works by charging and discharging a capacitor to create a triangle wave that forms the basis for other output waveforms like sine, square and sawtooth waves through comparative circuits and diode shaping. Function generators offer adjustable frequency oscillation with stable amplitude, precise waveforms and calculated RMS values for applications in development, testing and repair of electronics.

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NagaSudhan
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441 views

Function Generator

A function generator produces electrical waveforms that can be used to test electronic equipment by generating signals to test amplifiers or introduce errors into control loops. It works by charging and discharging a capacitor to create a triangle wave that forms the basis for other output waveforms like sine, square and sawtooth waves through comparative circuits and diode shaping. Function generators offer adjustable frequency oscillation with stable amplitude, precise waveforms and calculated RMS values for applications in development, testing and repair of electronics.

Uploaded by

NagaSudhan
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Function Generator

Abstract:
A function generator is a piece of electronic test equipment it is used to generate electrical waveforms. These waveforms can be either repetitive or single-shot, in which case some kind of triggering source is required (internal or external). Function Generators are used in development, testing and repair of electronic equipment, e.g. as a signal source to test amplifiers, or to introduce an error signal into a control loop. This produces a linearly ascending or descending voltage ramp. As the output voltage reaches upper and lower limits, the charging and discharging is reversed using a comparator producing the linear triangle wave.

Working Principle:
Analog function generators usually generate a triangle waveform as the basis for all of its other outputs. The triangle is generated by repeatedly charging and discharging a capacitor from a constant current source. This produces a linearly ascending or descending voltage ramp. As the output voltage reaches upper and lower limits, the charging and discharging is reversed using a comparator producing the linear triangle wave . By varying the current and the size of the capacitor, different frequencies may be obtained. Saw tooth waves can be produced by charging the capacitor slowly, using a current, but using a diode over the current source to discharge quickly - the polarity of the diode changes the polarity of the resulting saw tooth, i.e. slow rise and fast fall, or fast rise and slow fall. 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's 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. It does so by rounding off the hard corners of the triangle wave in a process similar to clipping in audio systems.

Functional Block Diagram:

Advantages:

Cost is effective Different types of waveforms can be obtained. The amplitude and RMS values are easily calculated. No drifts due to temperature variations.

Uses:

The frequency is tunable The output sin waves have high impedance values. It provides free running frequency oscillation with low temperature drift. It gives linear output frequency curve.

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