Function Generator Specifications

Like any other device, function generator has some specifications which are used to determine the overall performance of device. Specification is an important tool that determines the overall design and working of device. We need some parameters in order to define what are the specifications. Depending on the type of generator being used ,the specifications are bound to change.

Here are some different specifications-

Waveforms

Depending on the waveform, we can describe different specifications. Waveforms can be of different type like

• Sine wave: This is generated from triangular wave by adding a pair of back to back diodes. Some specifications of this waveform is higher distortion as compared to sine waves produced by other test instruments
• Triangular wave: The line obtained in this signal will not particularly be a straight line. This means there will be a departure from straight line. If levels are around 90% of waveform amplitude then 99% linearity can be achieved.
• Square wave: It categorizes one important specification which is edge rise and fall time which is significant in logic chips. Synchronous chips needing clock require an edge of specific speed. A function generator can produce rise time and fall time of 100ns between 10 and 90% of the waveform.

Output symmetry: Output symmetry is another important specification. Function generator provides a range over which we can control the symmetry of our output waveform. The average range is 20% – 80% with positive or negative 10% error.

DC offset: This specification is provided by some Function Generators. This allows to control the base voltage level of signal over a given range. Sample range can be around +5V or -5V.

Frequency stability: Every function generator has a different stability range. While analogue instruments are less efficient when it comes to stability as digital ones will use a crystal for the clock in the generator making them more stable. generally the range is 0.1% per hour for analogue function generators, and 500 parts per million for digital Function Generator.

Power requirements: Depending on the type of device, every device has a certain different power need. Depending on the type of function generator its power needs can vary and are mentioned on it. The power required is AC and DC is out of option.

In the field of electronics engineering, scientists and researchers often require signals that can be fed as an input to various devices which can later test their devices on these signals. Devices like modulators, filters, and analog-to-digital convertors require some input signals and other signals for testing. You will wonder what researchers do to get these signals. The answer to this is Function Generator. These are the devices that can generate different types of signals each representing different functions. These can be trigonometric signals, square functions, or any other necessary function. In this article we will see what is a function generator, we will also see the block diagram of a function generator and understand its working through it.