FUNCTION GENERATORS

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Basics
Function generators, which are very
important and versatile instruments.
provide a variety of output waveforms
over a wide frequency range.

The most common output waveforms

are sine, square, triangular, ramp. and
pulse. The frequency range generally
extends from a fraction of a hertz to at
least several hundred kilohertz.

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Basics
Since a function generator provides sine, square, and
triangular wave outputs, any of these may be the primary
waveform generated by the instrument.

This primary waveform can then be applied to the proper

circuitry to generate the remaining waveforms.

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Basics
For example, the primary waveform may be a sine wave
generated with the RC or LC oscillator circuit.
However, because of difficulties with amplitude and
frequency stability, particularly at very low frequencies,
oscillators with a sine wave as the primary output are
generally not used.

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Front Panel of Function Generator

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Circuit for a basic function generator.

Figure shows a schematic diagram of one of several alternative

approaches that can be used in a basic function generator. The primary
waveform in the circuit shown is a square wave.

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

 This waveform is chosen because some circuits generating

square waves are simpler and offer significantly better
amplitude and frequency stability than do circuits
generating sine waves.
The first stage, A1, which is a voltage comparator,
generates a square wave output.
The output of A1 is driven to saturation; therefore, the
square wave is either at + Vcc or - Vcc.
The second stage, A2 is an integrator which generates a
triangular output.
The square wave is applied to a square-to-sine wave
converter that filters out the odd harmonics making up
the square wave while passing on only the fundamental
sine wave.
Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

 The waveforms at Vx, V01 and V02 are shown

Waveforms for the function generator

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Functionality
The function generator can supply output waveforms at very
low frequencies starting from 0.01 Hz.
The frequency control network is governed by the frequency
dial on the front panel of the instrument or by an externally
applied control voltage.
The frequency control voltage regulates two current sources.

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Functionality
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 typical function generator can provide frequencies up to 20 MHz.
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

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Ways to obtain various wave forms

Multiple integrated electronic circuits provides the
required form of waves (wave shaping circuits)
*Bistable multivibrator (square waves)
*Sinusoidal oscillators (Sine waves)
*Clippers (Sine wave to square wave)
*Op-amp integrators

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

BISTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR
The Bistable Multivibrator circuit is
stable in both states, either with one
transistor OFF and the other ON
or with the first transistor ON and
the second OFF ..
Switching of state can be done via
Set and Reset terminals connected
to the bases.

If Q2 is on and Set is grounded

momentarily, this switches Q2 off,
and makes Q1 on. Thus, Set is used
to "set" Q1 on, and Reset is used to
"reset" it to off state.
Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

BISTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR
Then unlike the monostable multivibrator whose output is dependent
upon the RC time constant of the feedback components used, the
bistable multivibrators output is dependent upon the application of two
individual trigger pulses, SET and RESET.
So Bistable Multivibrators can produce a very short output pulse or a
much longer rectangular shaped output whose leading edge rises in
time with the externally applied trigger pulse and whose trailing edge is
dependent upon a second trigger pulse as shown below.

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Sinusoidal oscillators

RC Phase Shift Oscillator

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Wien Bridge Oscillator

Clippers

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Attenuation
It reduces the amplitude or power
of a signal without appreciably
distorting its waveform. (Just
opposite to amplifiers which
amplifies the signal)
Attenuators are usually passive
devices made from simple voltage
divider
networks.
Switching
between different resistances
forms
adjustable
stepped
attenuators.
Basic circuits used in attenuators
are pi pads (-type) and T pads.
Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,

Frequency sweeping
It is the ability to smoothly change
from a specified start frequency to the
specified stop frequency.
Stepped sweep - moving from the
start frequency by a set incremental
frequency until the stop frequency is
reached.
Carrier frequency (center frequency) =
(start frequency + stop frequency) / 2
Deviation = |start frequency - stop
frequency| / 2

Prof.G.Aarthi,SENSE,