⚡ What is a Signal Generator?
A signal generator is a vital piece of electronic test equipment used for troubleshooting,
development, and testing electronic circuits1.
Its primary function is to produce a variety of waveforms (like sine waves, square waves,
triangular waves, and pulse trains) at known and controllable frequencies and amplitudes2222.
This differs from an "oscillator," which the text defines as an instrument that typically provides
only a sinusoidal output signal3.
Key requirements for any signal generator are:
• The frequency of the signal should be known and stable4.
• The amplitude should be controllable, from very small to relatively large values5.
• The output signal should be free from distortion6.
🔧 Block Diagram of a Standard Signal Generator
Based on the provided document, here is the definition and block diagram for an AF Sine and
Square Wave Generator.
🎵 AF Sine and Square Wave Generator
An AF (Audio Frequency) Sine and Square Wave Generator is an instrument that uses a
Wien bridge oscillator to produce signals in the audio frequency range1. It features a function
switch that allows the user to select either a sine wave output or a square wave output2.
• For Sine Wave Output: The signal from the Wien bridge oscillator is sent directly to a
sine wave amplifier and then to an attenuator to control the output amplitude3.
• For Square Wave Output: The oscillator's output is first routed to a square wave
shaper circuit, which converts the sine wave into a square wave. This square wave is
then amplified and sent to its own attenuator4.
The frequency of the oscillator can be varied by adjusting the capacitance 5or by switching in
different resistors6. The text describes a typical model as generating frequencies from 10 Hz to 1
MHz7.
Block Diagram
Here is a detailed explanation of a function generator, based on Section 8.8 of the provided text.
🎛️ Function Generator
A function generator is a versatile instrument that produces a variety of different waveforms at
an adjustable frequency1. The most common waveforms are sine, square, triangular, and
sawtooth2.
The frequency can be adjusted over a wide range, from a fraction of a Hertz to several hundred
kHz3. A key feature is that the generator can often provide multiple outputs (e.g., a square wave
and a sawtooth wave) at the same time4. It can also be "phase locked" to an external signal
source, which allows its output to have the same accuracy and stability as a frequency
standard5555.
Block Diagram
Working Principle
Unlike a standard Wien bridge oscillator, this function generator's frequency is controlled by
varying the magnitude of current that drives an integrator6. The entire operation is based on
first generating a triangular wave, which is then used to create the square and sine waves.
Here is the step-by-step process:
1. Generate Triangular Wave: The "Freq. Control" voltage regulates two constant current
sources: an Upper Constant Current Source and a Lower Constant Current Source7.
o Initially, the upper source supplies a constant current ($i$) to the Integrator8.
This causes the integrator's output voltage to increase linearly (forming the rising
ramp of a triangle)9.
o This rising voltage is monitored by the Voltage Comparator Multivibrator
(M/V)10. When the voltage reaches a pre-determined maximum level, the
comparator flips its state11.
o This change cuts off the upper current source and switches on the lower current
source12.
o The lower source supplies a reverse current, causing the integrator's output to
decrease linearly (forming the falling ramp of the triangle)13.
o When the voltage reaches a pre-determined minimum level, the comparator flips
back to its original state, switching on the upper current source again14.
o This continuous cycle results in a triangular waveform at the output of the
integrator15.
2. Generate Square Wave: The Voltage Comparator M/V itself generates the square
wave16. As it flips between its high and low states (to control the current sources), it
produces a square wave voltage of the same frequency as the triangular wave17. This is
sent to Output Amplifier #118.
3. Generate Sine Wave: The triangular wave from the integrator is also fed into a
Resistance Diode Shaping Circuit191919. This specialized network "alters the slope of
the triangular wave as its amplitude changes," which rounds off the sharp peaks and
valleys, converting the triangular wave into a smooth sine wave with less than 1%
distortion20. This signal is then sent to Output Amplifier #221.
Based on the provided document, here is the definition of a sweep generator.
🧹 Sweep Generator
A sweep generator is an instrument that provides a sinusoidal output voltage1. Its defining
feature is that its frequency varies smoothly and continuously over an entire frequency band,
repeating at a set rate (usually an audio rate)2.
Purpose
The main purpose of a sweep generator is to test the frequency response of a device (like an
amplifier or filter) and display the result on a Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO)333.
It plots the device's response curve (e.g., gain vs. frequency) "live" on the screen, which is much
faster than testing one frequency at a time4. To do this, the generator provides a "sweep voltage"
that controls its own frequency and is also sent to the CRO's horizontal input, synchronizing the
display5.
Working Principle
This process of "sweeping" the frequency is a form of frequency modulation, which can be
achieved in two main ways6:
• Electronically: By applying a modulating voltage (like the sweep voltage) to a
component (like a varactor diode) that varies the reactance of the main oscillator's tank
circuit777.
• Mechanically: By using a motor to physically turn a variable capacitor in the oscillator's
circuit8.
Would you like me to explain the block diagram of the sweep generator or define a marker
generator, which is often used with it?