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→Function Generator
==Function Generator==
==Function Generator==
[[File:Waveforms.png|400px|thumb|right|Different Waveform Shapes]]
A function generator creates AC periodic waveforms; it allows the user to manipulate an electrical signal’s amplitude, duty cycle, offset, and frequency over a wide range of values. This function generator can produce sine, square, triangle, ramp/sawtooth, and digital pulse waveforms. The manual for this function generator is fairly well-written, so I will only highlight a few excerpts here. I would encourage you to read the manual for complete operating instructions.
A function generator creates AC periodic waveforms; it allows the user to manipulate an electrical signal’s amplitude, duty cycle, offset, and frequency over a wide range of values. This function generator can produce sine, square, triangle, ramp/sawtooth, and digital pulse waveforms. The manual for this function generator is fairly well-written, so I will only highlight a few excerpts here. I would encourage you to read the manual for complete operating instructions.
===Controls===
===Controls===
[[File:FG Controls.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Function Generator Controls]]
There are eight range switches that select output frequencies from <1Hz to 10MHz. The coarse frequency knob adjusts the frequency within a range from 10%-of-the-maximum to the maximum. For example, if the 100kHz range is selected, the output frequency can be adjusted from 10kHz to 100kHz. The duty cycle, CMOS level, DC offset, and -20dB functions are only active if their corresponding switches are pressed in. The duty cycle knob alters the symmetry of the waveform through skewing or changing the ratio of “on” time versus “off” time. The DC offset changes the mean amplitude of the waveform. Reference the manual for information on more advanced capabilities such as the sweep functions, TTL/CMOS, and voltage-controlled generation.
There are eight range switches that select output frequencies from <1Hz to 10MHz. The coarse frequency knob adjusts the frequency within a range from 10%-of-the-maximum to the maximum. For example, if the 100kHz range is selected, the output frequency can be adjusted from 10kHz to 100kHz. The duty cycle, CMOS level, DC offset, and -20dB functions are only active if their corresponding switches are pressed in. The duty cycle knob alters the symmetry of the waveform through skewing or changing the ratio of “on” time versus “off” time. The DC offset changes the mean amplitude of the waveform. Reference the manual for information on more advanced capabilities such as the sweep functions, TTL/CMOS, and voltage-controlled generation.
The best way to “see” the output of a function generator is to use an oscilloscope. An oscilloscope will show you a graphical representation of the signal, and allow you to understand the effects of the waveform shape, frequency range switches, coarse/fine adjustment, duty cycle, DC offset, etc.
The best way to “see” the output of a function generator is to use an oscilloscope. An oscilloscope will show you a graphical representation of the signal, and allow you to understand the effects of the waveform shape, frequency range switches, coarse/fine adjustment, duty cycle, DC offset, etc.