Scribd
Upload
34 views7 pages

BE Lab Manual 8

Uploaded by

ameafzal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
34 views7 pages

BE Lab Manual 8

Uploaded by

ameafzal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

Basic Electronics

Course Code GE101

Lab - 08

Name:

Registration No:

Date: ________________________________

Department of Computer Science


University of Central Punjab
Function Generator
A function generator is an electronic device used to create different types of electrical waveforms. These
waveforms, or "waves" can be shapes like sine waves, square waves, triangular waves, and more, which
represent repeating patterns of voltage over time. Function generators are widely used in electronics,
engineering, and physics to test and analyze circuits and equipment by providing these controlled signals.

How it Works:
A function generator lets you select the type of waveform you need, adjust its frequency (how fast the wave
repeats per second), and control its amplitude (the maximum voltage level of the wave). By connecting it to
an oscilloscope or another device, you can visually see the waveform, measure it, and use it to test how
different circuits respond.
Function Generator on TinkerCad:

Types of Waveforms and Their Examples:


1. Sine Wave: A smooth, continuous wave that looks like gentle curves. Sine waves are commonly
found in nature (like sound waves) and are used to test audio equipment. Example: When testing
speakers, a function generator can send sine waves of various frequencies to check the speaker’s
response across the audio spectrum.
2. Square Wave: A waveform that switches quickly between high and low voltage, creating a square-
like shape. Square waves are often used in digital electronics for testing components like
microcontrollers and switches. Example: Testing the timing of a digital clock circuit with square
waves to ensure it operates correctly.
3. Triangular Wave: A waveform that gradually rises and falls in a triangular pattern. It’s used in audio
synthesizers and for testing linear electronics. Example: A triangular wave can be used in music
synthesizers to create certain tones or sound effects.
4. Sawtooth Wave: A wave that sharply rises and gradually falls, resembling the teeth of a saw. It’s
used in video signal testing and in sound synthesis. Example: Creating electronic sounds in
synthesizers by generating sawtooth waves for their rich harmonic content.

Semiconductor Devices

In Tinkercad, a beginner-friendly 3D design and electronics simulation tool, you can explore various
semiconductor devices like diodes, transistors, and LEDs. These components are essential for controlling
the flow of electricity in electronics and are widely used in circuits. Tinkercad lets you build and test circuits
virtually, making it an ideal way to learn about these devices without any physical hardware.

What are Semiconductor Devices?


Semiconductor devices are components made of materials (like silicon) that can act as either conductors
(allowing current to flow) or insulators (blocking current), depending on the conditions. This makes them
very versatile for controlling electrical signals in circuits.

Common Semiconductor Devices in Tinkercad and Their Terminals:


Here’s a simple look at some common semiconductor devices in Tinkercad and what each terminal
(connection point) does:
1. Diode
o Function: Diodes allow current to flow in only one direction.
o Terminals:
▪ Anode (+): The positive side where current enters.
▪ Cathode (-): The negative side where current exits.
o Example in Tinkercad: Place a diode in your circuit to protect other components by
preventing reverse current from flowing.
2. LED (Light Emitting Diode)
o Function: LEDs are a type of diode that emits light when current flows through it.
o Terminals:
▪ Anode (+): The longer leg, which is the positive side.
▪ Cathode (-): The shorter leg, which is the negative side.
o Example in Tinkercad: Use an LED in circuits with a resistor to see it light up when
connected correctly. The resistor limits the current to protect the LED from burning out.
3. Transistor (NPN or PNP)
o Function: Transistors are switches or amplifiers in circuits.
o Terminals:
▪ Collector (C): The terminal where the current enters (for NPN type).
▪ Base (B): Controls the flow of current between collector and emitter.
▪ Emitter (E): Where the current exits.
o Example in Tinkercad: Use a transistor to control a larger current with a smaller signal, like
turning on a motor with a small switch.

How to Understand Terminals in Tinkercad:


In Tinkercad, you can click on each component to see labels for these terminals, which helps you connect
them correctly in your virtual circuit. Tinkercad also has a simulation feature to check if the connections are
working properly, making it easy to learn how each terminal affects the circuit’s behavior.

LAB TASKS

Lab Task 1:
Exploring Waveforms with an Oscilloscope
• Steps:
1. Connect a function generator to an oscilloscope.
2. Set the function generator to produce a sine wave with a frequency of 1 kHz and an amplitude
of 5V.
3. Observe the sine wave on the oscilloscope. Sketch or note the waveform shape, frequency,
and amplitude.
4. Repeat the process for square and triangle waves. Adjust the settings to see how frequency
and amplitude affect the waveform.
• Expected Outcome: You should observe the different shapes of each waveform and how they
change with different frequencies and amplitudes.

Lab Task 2:
Testing Circuit Response to Waveforms
• Steps:
1. Build an RC circuit with a resistor (10 kΩ) and capacitor (1 µF).
2. Connect the function generator output to the RC circuit input.
3. Set the function generator to a square wave with a frequency of 500 Hz and observe the
waveform at the capacitor.
4. Change to a sine wave and observe any differences in how the capacitor charges and
discharges.
5. Increase the frequency and note how the circuit response changes with higher and lower
frequencies.
• Expected Outcome: You should see the RC circuit react differently to square and sine waves,
showing filtering effects at different frequencies.
Lab Task 3:
Creating and Measuring Sawtooth Waves
• Steps:
1. Set the function generator to produce a sawtooth wave with a frequency of 2 kHz and
amplitude of 3V.
2. Connect the output to an oscilloscope and observe the waveform.
3. Measure the frequency and amplitude directly from the oscilloscope to verify they match the
function generator settings.
4. Experiment by increasing and decreasing the amplitude, then repeat the measurement.
• Expected Outcome: You should accurately measure the frequency and amplitude of the sawtooth
wave and understand how changes in the function generator’s settings affect the wave.
Lab Task 4:
Testing Diode Directionality
• Steps:
1. In Tinkercad, place a power source (9V battery), a diode, and a resistor (220Ω) in series.
2. Connect an LED to the circuit to visually show if current is flowing.
3. First, place the diode with the anode connected to the positive side and cathode to the
negative side.
4. Simulate the circuit. The LED should light up if current flows.
5. Now, reverse the diode so the cathode is connected to the positive side.
6. Simulate again and observe the LED. The LED should not light up because the diode blocks
current in this direction.
• Expected Outcome: You’ll observe that the diode only allows current to flow in one direction,
demonstrating its role in controlling current.

Lab Task 5:
Building and testing an LED Circuit
• Steps:
1. Place a 9V battery, LED, and 220Ω resistor in series in Tinkercad.
2. Connect the anode of the LED to the positive side of the battery and the cathode to the
resistor.
3. Simulate the circuit. The LED should light up if connected correctly.
4. Measure the current through the LED in the simulation to ensure it is within safe limits (20-30
mA for most LEDs).
5. Reverse the LED connections and simulate again to see that it won’t light up in the wrong
orientation.
• Expected Outcome: You’ll see the LED light up only when it’s oriented correctly and protected by a
resistor.

You might also like