Electronic Measurements and Instrumentation

2

Waveform Generators

Introduction • Considerations in choosing an oscillator or signal generator • Sine wave generator • Oscillator circuit • Attenuator • Frequency-synthesised signal generator • Sweep-frequency generator • Pulse and square wave generator • Function generator • Arbitrary waveform generator • Video signal generator • Summary

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Generation of signals is an important aspect in electronic circuits and troubleshooting. Signal generators are widely used in testing electronic circuits, systems, and equipments. A signal generator must be capable of producing stable signals over a wide range of frequencies from a few Hz to even in the GHz range. The amplitude must be variable, and attenuators are usually provided to ...