Types of Signal Generators

Signal generators could be of many different types based on the purposes and applications, here we have classified some of them:

RF Signal Generator

• RF signal generator is a radio frequency generator which has the ability to produce radio waves at a range of frequencies. In the field of wireless communication, it is very helpful. Radio frequency signals are highly dependable and versatile, and engineers generate them using RF signal generators. Analogue, digital, and vector signal generators all have similar components that help with signal generation, despite their differences.
• Its main purpose is to generate radio frequency signals.
• Its applications consist of testing and troubleshooting different radio frequency(RF) devices, also it is used in communication systems, antennas, and all other devices which are operating in RF spectrum.
• The main features of this device is that it gives precise control on frequency within the RF range, and its modulation capabilities which are also suitable for RF applications.

Vector Signal Generator

• To test communication systems it requires the generation of complex signals, which can be achieved with this highly advanced testing and measuring equipment by using amplitude and phase modulation. To producing complex modulated signals the Vector signal generators is equipped with advanced capabilities.
• Its main purpose is to produce complex signals with both characteristics of amplitude and phase modulation.
• Its application consists of testing communication systems which use advanced modulation schemes, such as QAM(Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) or PSK Phase Shift Keying.
• Its main features include that it gives independent control of in phase(I) and quadrature(Q) components, which enables the simulation of real world signal conditions.

Arbitrary Waveform Generator

• With the help of an Arbitrary waveform generator, we can create unique waveforms, enabling more intricate and customizable testing and simulation of actual signals. It is very helpful in various applications and the creative innovation of waveforms.
• The main purpose of this type of generator is that it allows the generation of custom waveforms which is defined by user.
• The main applications consists of Research and development, prototyping, and testing where accurate control over waveform characteristics is needed.
• Its main feature is the flexibility in creating waveforms, it also has high sampling rates, and it is also equipped with memory for storing complex waveform patterns.

Audio Signal Generators

• These generator produces audible signals spanning from the range of 20 Hz to 20 KHz.
• It plays Importaant role in audio systems for checking frequency response and measuring distortion.
• It is widely used in electronics lab for using complex techniques for signal generations.

Video Signal Generators

• They are used for generating high quality video outputs.
• Synchronization is a critical factor affecting video quality on TV; hence, video generator output typically includes synchronization signals.
• These signals encompass horizontal and vertical synchronization, essential for proper video display.

Function Generator

• A function generator is capable of producing sine, triangle, and square waveforms, among other basic waveforms. This makes it advantageous for a variety of purposes, including the enhancement and innovation of waveform synthesis and testing of electronic and communication circuits.
• Its main purpose is to produce standard waveforms such as sine, square, triangular, and many different types of waves.
• Its applications consist of circuit testing, it can also be use for educational purposes, and it can generate simple waveforms for applications like audio testing.
• Its features are that it has adjustable frequency, amplitude, and waveform type, often with modulation capabilities.

Pulse Generator

• With the help of digital circuit testing and user-controlled pulse-width modulation, this Pulse generator is specially designed to generate pulses of different widths and frequencies. This is useful for applications like power electronics, radar systems, and medical devices.
• Its main purpose and also specifically designed to generate pulses with varying widths and frequencies.
• Its applications are in digital circuit testing, pulse-width modulation(PWM) applications, radar system testing.
• Its main feature is that is gives precise control over pulse width, frequency and amplitude, his is important for simulating digital signal conditions.

Signal Generator Formats

• Signal Generators come in various formats similar to other instruments.
• Its formats largely depends on the types of generators with options such as Usb based generators.
• The need for formats depends upon the need and availability of user device.

Signal Generators are used to replicate and control the source of electrical signals for many different applications, signal generators are crucial devices for electrical and electronics engineers. From electronic circuit testing to the diagnosis, and repair can all be done with signal generators.

In this article we will go through signal generators in brief, first, we will start our article with the introduction of Signal Generators, and then we will go through the types of signal generators, after that we will go through their key features and working with its block diagram, at last, we will conclude our article with some application, advantages, disadvantages and some faqs.