The Benefits of Using Low Cost Function Generator

Introduction

An acquisition instrument - usually an oscilloscope or logic analyzer - is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about making electronic measurements. But these tools can only make a measurement when they are able to acquire a signal of some kind. And, there are many instances in which no such signal is available unless it is externally provided.

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A strain gauge amplifier, for example, does not produce signals; it merely increases the power of the signals it receives from a sensor. Inevitably, it becomes necessary to test the amplifier before it is connected to the circuit that feeds it. In order to use an acquisition instrument to measure the behavior of such devices, you must provide a stimulus signal at the input.

To cite another example, engineers must characterize their emerging designs to ensure that the new hardware meets design specifications across the full range of operating conditions and beyond. This is known as margin or limit testing. It is a measurement task that requires a complete solution - one that can generate signals as well as make measurements.

The signal generator pairs with an acquisition instrument such as an oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer to create a complete measurement solution. In its various configurations, the signal generator can provide stimulus signals in the form of analog waveforms, pulse patterns, modulation, intentional distortion, noise, and more. To make effective design, characterization, or troubleshooting measurements, it is important to consider both elements of the solution.

The arbitrary function generator (AFG) serves a wide range of stimulus needs; in fact, it is the prevailing signal generator architecture in the industry today. If the DUT requires the classic sine and square waveforms (to name a few) and the ability to switch almost instantly between two frequencies, the AFG is the right tool. An additional virtue is the AFG’s low cost, which makes it very attractive for applications that do not require the versatility of an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG).

The AFG offers unique strengths: it produces stable waveforms in standard shapes such as sine, square, pulse, triangle, and others. In addition, it allows users to generate so called arbitrary waveforms with a shape defined by the user. Moreover, AFGs offer a way to modulate the signal from internal or external sources, generate frequency sweeps or output signal bursts.

Waveforms can be created in a variety ways, the choice of which depends upon the information available about the DUT and its input requirements, whether there is a need to add distortion or error signals, and other variables.

An AFG provides users a means to:

• Create: Customer-defined signals for circuit stimulus and testing.
• Replicate: Synthesize a real-world signal unavailable in the electronics lab (previously captured from an oscilloscope).
• Generate: Ideal or stressed reference signals for industry standards with specific tolerances.

Embedded and Semiconductor Test Applications

Clock Source

TYPICAL APPLICATION

Frequency margining: Test clock frequency operating range of digital circuits. Substitute unavailable clock source for functional test of device.

USERS

Electronic test and design engineers who develop embedded and digital communication circuitry.

BENEFITS OF USING AN ARBITRARY FUNCTION GENERATOR

• Cost savings over dedicated pulse generators.
• Dual channels and floating outputs to generate differential signals.
• Pulse and square frequency range up to 160 MHz.

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As an electrical engineer, a function generator is a tool you'll find yourself turning to regularly. It's essential for creating various electrical waveforms, crucial in your daily tasks of designing, testing, and troubleshooting circuits. The function generator you choose can greatly affect the success of your projects.

Imagine this scenario: You are working on a critical project with tight deadlines. Your current function generator, that you’ve been using for years, struggles with accuracy and reliability. Testing drags on, each delay ticking closer to that looming deadline. The pressure mounts as you realize you're at risk of not finishing on time.

While the project doesn't fail outright, these delays put strain on your team and could even affect your reputation. Now, you're left wondering, "Could a better function generator have made the difference?"

What is a Function Generator?

A function generator is a tool that generates different electrical waveforms over a wide range of frequencies and is the most common type of signal generator. It's a fundamental piece of equipment for anyone involved in electronics or electrical engineering. 

With it, you can simulate various conditions for circuits, making it invaluable for design, testing, troubleshooting, and education. The right function generator can make your work more efficient and reliable, helping to keep projects on track.

Types of Function Generators

Function generators are vital tools for electrical engineering, offering a variety of options tailored to different needs and applications. 

The main types available in the market include analog, digital, arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs), and software-based function generators. Each type has unique strengths and limitations, making them suitable for various applications.

Choosing the Right Function Generator

• Analog function generators: These are best suited for straightforward tasks where basic waveforms like sine, square, and triangular waves are sufficient. They're ideal for educational purposes and basic circuit troubleshooting.

• Digital function generators: These offer more precision and a wider variety of waveforms, making them suitable for more complex projects that require detailed signal simulation.

• Arbitrary waveform generators: (AWG) are the top choice for applications requiring the utmost flexibility and precision. They can generate any waveform, modeled after real-world signals, which is essential for research and development in cutting-edge technologies.

• Software-based function generators: These provide a good balance between flexibility and cost. They are suitable for environments where customizability and upgradability are key, such as in educational settings or startups.

When selecting a function generator, consider the specific requirements of your application, including the complexity of the tests, the precision needed, and your budget. Here's a comparison table to help you understand the differences between each type of function generator:

TypeProsConsBest ForAnalog

• Simple to use 
• Often more affordable – Immediate waveform output

• Limited waveform variety 
• Less precision and flexibility

Basic circuit testing and educationDigital

• Greater precision – More waveform options 
• Easy integration with digital systems

• Can be more expensive than analog 
• Slightly more complex to use

Advanced circuit design and digital system testingArbitrary Waveform (AWG)

• Maximum flexibility in waveform generation
• High precision 
• Ability to simulate real-world signals

• Higher cost
• May require more expertise to fully utilize

Complex and precise testing, research, and developmentSoftware-Based

• Highly customizable
• Can be updated or upgraded easily
• Lower hardware cost

• Dependent on computer system
• Potential compatibility issues

Flexible environments, education, and budget-conscious labs

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Key Specifications and Performance Parameters

When choosing a function generator, it’s important to understand the key specifications and performance parameters. These details not only determine the device's capability but also ensure it meets the specific needs of your projects. 
Let's consider some of these critical parameters to understand their importance and impact on a function generator's performance.

Wave Frequency, Range, Resolution, and Precision

• Wave frequency: Refers to the number of cycles a waveform completes in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz). It dictates the speed of the signal generated by the function generator.
• Range: Indicates the spectrum of frequencies a function generator can produce, from the lowest to the highest frequency. This range is essential for ensuring the function generator can cover the necessary frequencies for various applications.
• Resolution: This is the smallest increment of frequency that the generator can handle. Higher resolution means you can make finer adjustments to the frequency, which is critical for applications requiring precise signal tuning.
• Precision: This relates to how accurately the function generator can produce the set frequency. It's a measure of the device's ability to generate signals that closely match the specified settings without significant error.

Real-World Applications and Impacts

An engineer might use a function generator to simulate different audio signals when designing a new audio amplifier. Here, the range of the function generator needs to cover the full spectrum of human hearing (roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz) to test the amplifier properly. The resolution is important when the engineer wants to precisely pinpoint the frequency at which the amplifier might introduce distortion or lose efficiency.

Output Characteristics

Understanding the output characteristics of a function generator, such as amplitude, load impedance, and waveform distortion, is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of your experiments or projects. These characteristics define how the signal interacts with the device under test and can significantly affect the outcome of your work.

• Amplitude: Refers to the maximum height of the waveform, indicating the strength of the signal output. It's essential for matching the signal level required by the device under test.
• Load impedance: The resistance the function generator expects at its output. Matching the generator's output impedance with the load impedance of the device being tested is crucial for accurate signal transmission.
• Waveform distortion: Occurs when the shape of the waveform deviates from the ideal due to various factors, including the function generator's limitations. Minimizing distortion is critical for applications where signal integrity is paramount.

Users should look for function generators that offer high-quality output with the flexibility to adjust these characteristics according to their specific needs. The ability to fine-tune amplitude, properly match load impedance, and minimize waveform distortion ensures the reliability and accuracy of your testing and experimentation.

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Comparing Output Characteristics of Different Function Generators

FeatureBasic AnalogAdvanced DigitalArbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG)Amplitude RangeLimitedWideWidestLoad ImpedanceFixedAdjustableAdjustable, with detailed settingsWaveform DistortionHigherModerateLowest

Advanced digital and AWG models typically offer better control and lower distortion levels, making them suitable for more demanding applications. 

Frequency Stability and Phase Lock Capability

Frequency stability is a measure of how consistently a function generator maintains the set frequency over time. This stability is vital for applications requiring precise and consistent signal generation, such as in communications testing, where even minor frequency drifts can lead to significant errors in data interpretation.
Phase lock capability refers to a function generator's ability to synchronize its output phase with an external signal or another generator. This capability is crucial when working with multiple signals that must be coherently aligned, such as in phased array systems, complex modulation testing, or when simulating multi-channel scenarios.

Importance in Applications

In a radar system test, frequency stability ensures that the simulated signals remain consistent, allowing accurate measurement of the system's sensitivity and response over time.
With phase lock capability, engineers can synchronize multiple function generators to simulate complex environments or signals, such as coordinating the signals in a multi-antenna communication system to test beam-forming algorithms.
Choosing a function generator with robust frequency stability and phase lock capability is essential for ensuring the precision and reliability of your work, especially in advanced and high-precision applications.

Modulation and Sample Rate

Modulation is the process of varying a waveform to encode information. In function generators, modulation capability allows the user to simulate real-world signals more accurately by applying amplitude, frequency, phase modulation, or more complex modulation types. 
This feature is crucial for testing communication systems, electronic components, and control systems where the signal's behavior under various modulation schemes is of interest.
Sample rate refers to the frequency at which the function generator samples the digital representation of the waveform. A higher sample rate means that the waveform is represented with more data points, leading to greater fidelity and accuracy in the generated signal. 
This is especially important when creating complex or high-frequency waveforms, as it ensures the waveform's nuances are accurately reproduced.

Scenarios Requiring High Modulation Capability and Sample Rates

Communication systems testing: High modulation capabilities are essential for simulating the various modulation schemes used in wireless communication, such as QAM or PSK, to test receiver sensitivity and error rates.
High-fidelity audio equipment testing: High sample rates are crucial when testing audio components to ensure the generated signal accurately represents audio frequencies without aliasing or distortion.

Bandwidth and Record Length

Bandwidth, in the context of a function generator, refers to the range of frequencies it can accurately generate. Higher bandwidth allows the generator to produce a wider range of frequencies, from very low to very high, allowing it to test devices across a broad spectrum of applications.
Record length is the total duration of the waveform that can be stored and generated by the function generator. A longer record length allows for the generation of more complex or longer-lasting waveforms, which is crucial when simulating signals that change over time or when a precise simulation of real-world signals is required.

Impact on Waveform Production

• Broadband RF component testing: High bandwidth is necessary to test components in broadband RF systems, ensuring they operate correctly across their entire frequency range.
• Long-duration signal simulation: Long record lengths are essential for simulating signals that vary over time, such as the output of a varying sensor in environmental testing or long communication signals in network testing.

Noise and Jitter

In electronic signal generation, noise and jitter are critical factors that can significantly affect signal integrity and the accuracy of test results. 

• Noise: Refers to any unwanted variation or interference in the signal. It can be caused by a variety of sources, including electrical interference from other devices, thermal fluctuations, or inherent imperfections in the function generator itself. Noise can distort the signal, making it difficult to accurately measure the response of the device under test or to simulate real-world signals accurately.
• Jitter: A specific type of temporal noise that affects the timing of the signal. It refers to the variability in the time position of the signal's edges, leading to uncertainty in the signal's phase and frequency. Jitter is particularly problematic in digital communications and any application where the precise timing of signal transitions is critical.

Effects on Signal Integrity

• Noise can reduce the clarity and accuracy of the signal, leading to errors in measurement and potentially masking the effects you're trying to observe or simulate.
• Jitter can cause bit errors in digital communications, disrupt synchronization between signals, and degrade the performance of systems that rely on precise timing.

Specifications to Minimize Issues

Users should look for function generators with:

1. Low phase noise: This indicates the generator produces a stable frequency with minimal short-term variations, crucial for applications requiring high-frequency stability.
2. Low jitter specifications: A function generator with low jitter is essential for digital signal applications, ensuring that timing errors are minimized.
3. High signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): A high SNR means that the signal is much stronger than the background noise, ensuring clearer, more accurate output.

Understanding User Interface and Ease of Use

A user-friendly interface in a function generator significantly reduces setup time and improves overall efficiency. Whether you're conducting complex experiments or routine tests, the ease with which you can navigate settings and adjust parameters directly impacts your productivity and the accuracy of your results.

1. Touchscreen interfaces: Offer intuitive navigation and easy access to a wide range of features and settings. Ideal for complex applications where multiple parameters need adjustment.

• Pros: Easy to use, visually appealing, allows quick adjustments.
• Cons: Can be prone to fingerprints and smudges, potentially less durable than physical controls.

2. Physical knobs and buttons: Provide tactile feedback and can be easier to use without looking, which some users prefer for quick adjustments.

• Pros: Durable, precise control, works well in environments where gloves might be worn.
• Cons: May require more time to navigate through menus for complex settings.

When choosing a function generator, consider the following based on user preference and application complexity:

• For applications requiring frequent and rapid adjustments, physical knobs and buttons might offer better control.
• For complex setups with multiple parameters, a touchscreen interface could simplify navigation and reduce setup time.
• Consider the environment in which the device will be used. In labs where users wear gloves or where equipment might be subject to spills, physical controls could offer advantages in durability and usability.

Selecting a function generator with an interface that matches the user's preference and the complexity of the application can greatly enhance the testing and development process, making it more efficient and less prone to errors.

Power Requirements and Connectivity Essentials

Understanding the power requirements and connectivity options of a function generator is crucial for ensuring it fits seamlessly into your work environment, whether that's in a laboratory, in the field, or as a portable solution.

Power Requirements

• Laboratory applications: Typically rely on standard AC power sources. Ensure the function generator matches your lab's power supply in terms of voltage and frequency.
• Field applications: May require function generators with battery options or those that can operate on a wider range of power sources.
• Portable applications: Look for devices with low power consumption, battery operation capabilities, and lightweight design for ease of transportation.

Connectivity Options

• USB: Universal and easy to use, ideal for direct connection to a PC for data logging or control with custom software.
• Ethernet: Suitable for integration into networks, allowing remote control over LAN, which is beneficial for automated test systems or environments where the generator is part of a larger setup.
• GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus): Though older, GPIB is still widely used in laboratory environments for connecting and controlling multiple devices in a test setup.

Relevance for Integration
USB and ethernet connections are essential for modern test environments where integration with computer-controlled setups is common. They offer flexibility in controlling the function generator from software, enabling automated testing and data collection.
GPIB remains relevant for setups that rely on this traditional standard, especially in labs with existing GPIB-controlled equipment, ensuring compatibility and ease of integration.

The Importance of Channel Options

Channels in a function generator allow you to output multiple waveforms simultaneously, significantly expanding the device's capabilities. Each channel can operate independently, enabling the generation of complex signal scenarios, such as simulating multiple sensors or communication signals at once.

Available Options

• Single channel: Basic option, suitable for straightforward applications where only one waveform is needed at a time.
• Dual channel: Allows for two independent waveforms to be generated, useful for comparative testing or simulating two-part signals.
• Multiple channels (four or more): Ideal for advanced applications requiring the simulation of several signals or complex multi-channel communication systems.

Balancing Quality with Cost

Function generators vary widely in price, influenced by their capabilities, precision, brand, and additional features. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars for basic models to several thousand for high-end, feature-rich options.

Factors Affecting Cost

• Precision and range: Higher precision and wider frequency ranges typically increase the price.
• Number of channels: More channels add to the cost due to increased versatility.
• Connectivity and interface options: Advanced connectivity (Ethernet, USB, GPIB) and user-friendly interfaces (touchscreen) can raise the price.

Tips for Balancing Budget and Features

• Assess core needs: Focus on function generators that meet the essential requirements of your projects to avoid paying for unnecessary features.
• Consider future projects: Investing a bit more in a function generator with advanced capabilities can save money in the long run if it means avoiding the need to upgrade sooner.
• Look for deals on bundled software: Some function generators come with software packages that can add value.
• Explore used or refurbished equipment: Purchasing from reputable sources like the Keysight Used Equipment Store can significantly reduce costs while still providing quality and reliability. These options often come with limited warranties, offering a balance between cost savings and peace of mind.

"All of the equipment I sell is Premium Used. I don’t like to call it just “used”, because it’s so much more than used equipment." – Keysight Account Manager

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Considering Brand Reputation and Support

Choosing a function generator from a reputable brand with excellent customer support is crucial. It ensures reliability, durability, and access to help when you need it, affecting the long-term value and usability of your investment.

Factors to Consider

• User reviews: Research what current users say about the product's performance and reliability. User experiences can offer insights beyond the specifications.
• Warranty terms: Look for brands that offer comprehensive warranties. The length and coverage of the warranty can signal the manufacturer's confidence in their product.
• After-sales support services: Ensure the brand provides accessible and helpful customer support. Availability of technical support, repair services, and software updates are key for long-term satisfaction.
• Community and resources: Brands that foster a community or offer extensive resources (tutorials, forums, FAQs) can enhance your user experience and provide valuable troubleshooting, and help.

Selecting a function generator from a brand that values quality and customer satisfaction not only secures your investment but also ensures a smoother, more supported user experience throughout the product's life.

"Customers come to us and buy used, because they get premium KS quality, with a lower price, and we ship within 2 weeks. New equipment right now takes up to 14 weeks to ship." – Keysight Account Manager

Conclusion: Engineer Your Success with the Perfect Function Generator

Thinking back to that opening scenario about projects dragging on past deadlines because of unreliable equipment, it's clear why getting this decision right matters so much. Armed with the knowledge from this guide, you're ready to choose a function generator that won't let you down, ensuring your next project is on track for success, without the stress and strain of before. 

Choosing the right function generator directly influences the efficiency and success of your projects. We've gone through everything you need to think about, from the nuts and bolts of wave frequency and modulation, to ease-of-use features, power demands, and how it'll fit with the rest of your gear. We've also looked at why the number of channels matters, how to weigh up cost against features, and the importance of picking a brand you can trust.

Engineer your success with a Keysight function generator that's as ambitious and forward-thinking as you are. The right choice will elevate your projects, streamline your workflow, and allow you to tackle challenges with confidence, precision, and efficiency.

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