Signal Generators | Function & Waveform Generators

Signal Generators for Testing and Measurement

Signal generators are essential test equipment for electronics design, RF testing, audio engineering, and telecommunications applications. These instruments produce precise electrical waveforms across various frequency ranges, enabling circuit testing, component characterization, and system calibration.

Function Generator Capabilities

Function generators deliver standard waveforms including sine, square, triangle, and pulse signals with adjustable frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle. Modern digital signal generators offer arbitrary waveform generation (AWG), allowing custom signal creation for specialized testing requirements. Frequency ranges typically span from microhertz to hundreds of megahertz, with output amplitudes from millivolts to tens of volts.

RF and Microwave Signal Generation

RF signal generators provide stable, low-phase-noise outputs for wireless communication testing, antenna measurements, and receiver sensitivity analysis. These instruments cover frequency ranges from kilohertz to gigahertz, with modulation capabilities including AM, FM, PM, and digital modulation schemes. Vector signal generators support complex modulation formats for modern communication standards.

Applications and Use Cases

Signal generators serve multiple purposes: amplifier gain and distortion testing, filter response characterization, oscilloscope calibration, audio equipment testing, and educational laboratory work. Dual-channel models enable stimulus-response testing and phase relationship studies. Pulse generators address digital circuit timing analysis and logic device testing.

Key Specifications

Critical parameters include frequency range and accuracy, output amplitude range and flatness, waveform types and resolution, phase noise performance, and frequency stability. Interface options such as USB, GPIB, LAN, and remote control capabilities facilitate automated test systems integration. Display quality and user interface design affect operational efficiency.