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In addition to the above general-purpose devices, there are several classes of signal generators designed for specific applications.
Tone generators and audio generators
A tone generator is a type of signal generator optimized for use in audio and acoustics applications. Tone generators typically include sine waves over the audio frequency range (20 Hz-20 kHz). Sophisticated tone generators will also include sweep generators (a function which varies the output frequency over a range, in order to make frequency-domain measurements), multitone generators (which output several tones simultaneously, and are used to check for intermodulation distortion and other non-linear effects), and tone bursts (used to measure response to transients). Tone generators are typically used in conjunction with sound level meters, when measuring the acoustics of a room or a sound reproduction system, and/or with oscilloscopes or specialized audio analyzers.
Many tone generators operate in the digital domain, producing output in various digital audio formats such as AES-3, or SPDIF. Such generators may include special signals to stimulate various digital effects and problems, such as clipping, jitter, bit errors; they also often provide ways to manipulate the metadata associated with digital audio formats.
The term synthesizer is used for a device that generates audio signals for music, or that uses slightly more intricate methods.
Video signal generators
A video signal generator is a device which outputs predetermined video and/or television waveforms, and other signals used to stimulate faults in, or aid in parametric measurements of, television and video systems. There are several different types of video signal generators in widespread use. Regardless of the specific type, the output of a video generator will generally contain synchronization signals appropriate for television, including horizontal and vertical sync pulses (in analog) or sync words (in digital). Generators of composite video signals (such as NTSC and PAL) will also include a colorburst signal as part of the output. Video signal generators are available for a wide variety of applications, and for a wide variety of digital formats; many of these also include audio generation capability (as the audio track is an important part of any video or television program or motion picture).
Special purpose signal generators
In addition to the above general-purpose devices, there are several classes of signal generators designed for specific applications.
Tone generators and audio generators
A tone generator is a type of signal generator optimized for use in audio and acoustics applications. Tone generators typically include sine waves over the audio frequency range (20 Hz-20 kHz). Sophisticated tone generators will also include sweep generators (a function which varies the output frequency over a range, in order to make frequency-domain measurements), multitone generators (which output several tones simultaneously, and are used to check for intermodulation distortion and other non-linear effects), and tone bursts (used to measure response to transients). Tone generators are typically used in conjunction with sound level meters, when measuring the acoustics of a room or a sound reproduction system, and/or with oscilloscopes or specialized audio analyzers.
Many tone generators operate in the digital domain, producing output in various digital audio formats such as AES-3, or SPDIF. Such generators may include special signals to stimulate various digital effects and problems, such as clipping, jitter, bit errors; they also often provide ways to manipulate the metadata associated with digital audio formats.
The term synthesizer is used for a device that generates audio signals for music, or that uses slightly more intricate methods.
Video signal generators
A video signal generator is a device which outputs predetermined video and/or television waveforms, and other signals used to stimulate faults in, or aid in parametric measurements of, television and video systems. There are several different types of video signal generators in widespread use. Regardless of the specific type, the output of a video generator will generally contain synchronization signals appropriate for television, including horizontal and vertical sync pulses (in analog) or sync words (in digital). Generators of composite video signals (such as NTSC and PAL) will also include a colorburst signal as part of the output. Video signal generators are available for a wide variety of applications, and for a wide variety of digital formats; many of these also include audio generation capability (as the audio track is an important part of any video or television program or motion picture).
Frequency synthesiser
A frequency synthesizer is an electronic system for generating any of a range of frequencies from a single fixed timebase or oscillator. They are found in many modern devices, including radio receivers, mobile telephones, radiotelephones, walkie-talkies, CB radios, satellite receivers, GPS systems, etc.
Function generator
A function generator is a piece of electronic test equipment used to generate electrical waveforms. These waveforms can be either repetitive, or single-shot (once only) in which case some kind of triggering source is required (internal or external). The resultant waveforms can be applied to a device under test and analyzed as they progress through the device, confirming the proper operation of the device or pinpointing a fault in it. Explanation
Analog function generators usually generate a triangle waveform as the basis for all of its other outputs. The triangle is generated by repeatedly charging and discharging a capacitor from a constant current source. This produces a linearly ascending or descending voltage ramp. As the output voltage reaches upper and lower limits, the charging and discharging is reversed using a comparator, producing the linear triangle wave. By varying the current and the size of the capacitor, different frequencies may be obtained.
A 50% duty cycle square wave is easily obtained by noting whether the capacitor is being charged or discharged, which is reflected in the current switching comparator's output. Most function generators also contain a non-linear diode shaping circuit that can convert the triangle wave into a reasonably accurate sine wave. It does so by rounding off the hard corners of the triangle wave in a process similar to clipping in audio systems.
The type of output connector from the device depends on the frequency range of the generator. A typical function generator can provide frequencies up to 20 MHz and uses a BNC connector, usually requiring a 50 or 75 ohm termination. Specialised RF generators are capable of gigahertz frequencies and typically use N-type output connectors.
Function generators, like most signal generators, may also contain an attenuator, various means of modulating the output waveform, and often the ability to automatically and repetitively "sweep" the frequency of the output waveform (by means of a voltage-controlled oscillator) between two operator-determined limits. This capability makes it very easy to evaluate the frequency response of a given electronic circuit.
Some function generators can also generate white or pink noise.
More advanced function generators use Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) to generate waveforms. Arbitrary waveform generators use DDS to generate any waveform that can be described by a table of amplitude values.
Pulse generator
Pulse generators can either be internal circuits or pieces of electronic test equipment used to generate pulses.Features
Simple pulse generators usually allow control of the pulse repetition rate (frequency), pulse width, and the high- and low-voltage levels of the pulses. More-sophisticated pulse generators may allow control over the rise time and fall time of the pulses. Pulse generators may use digital techniques, analog techniques, or a combination of both techniques to form the output pulses. For example, the pulse repetition rate and duration may be digitally controlled but the pulse amplitude and rise and fall times may be determined by analog circuitry in the output stage of the pulse generator. With correct adjustment, pulse generators can also produce a 50% duty cycle square wave.
Applications
These pulses can then be injected into a device under test and used as a stimulus or clock signal or analyzed as they progress through the device, confirming the proper operation of the device or pinpointing a fault in the device. The output of a pulse generator may also be used as the modulation signal for a signal generator.
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Test Equipment Products
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Acterna/JDSU, Adret, Advantest, Agilent - HP, AH Systems, Amplifier Research, Ando, Anritsu, AOIP, Audio Precision, Austrian Research, Bird, BMI, Boonton, Bruel & Kjaer, California Instruments, CEM, Chauvin Arnoux, Chroma, Climats, Convergie, Divers, Dranetz, Druck, EA, Efratom, EIN, EIP, ELC, Elgar, EM Test, EMCO, Enertec, Exfo, Flir, Fluke, FUG, Fujikura, Furukawa, GE Programma, Gigatronics, GMC, Goerz, Gould Nicolet, Hameg, Hioki, IFR-Aeroflex, Instek, Intec, Itech, Itronix, Kalmus, Keithley, Kepco, Kikusui, Kimo, Kyoritsu, Lambda, LECroy, LEM, Litepoint, Marconi, Mastech, MCP, Metrix, Microlab, Microtest, Milmega, Multimetrix, Narda, NetTest, Niton, Noisecom, Ophir, Panasonic, Philips, PMM, Powerbox, Prolabo, Promax, Protek, Racal, Raytek, Rigol, Rohde & Schwarz, Rotronic, Sample Instruments, Schaffner, Schlumberger, Schomandl, Secasi, Sefelec, Sefram, Solartron, Sony, Sorenson, Spinner, Stanford Research, Sunrise telecom, Svantek, Systron Donner, Tabor, Teac, Tegam, Tektronix, Tescom, Testo, Thomson, Toellner, Trend , TRT, TTI, USB Instruments, Varian, Veriwave, Voltech, Voltsch, Votsch, W/G Acterna, Wavetek, Western Graphtec, Willtek, Xantrex, Yokogawa,
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