Equipment - Function Generators

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	WAVESTATION 3122 Teledyne LeCroy	120MHZ 2CH FUNCTION GENERATOR	0
	WAVESTATION 2012 Teledyne LeCroy	FUNCTION GEN 10MHZ 2CH	0
	WAVESTATION 2022 Teledyne LeCroy	FUNCTION GEN 25MHZ 2CH	0
	AS1102 Teledyne LeCroy	GEN 125MHZ 2CH 16BIT 1GS/S	0

Equipment - Function Generators

1. Overview

Function generators are electronic test equipment that generate precise AC signals with adjustable frequency, amplitude, and waveform. They play a critical role in designing, testing, and repairing electronic circuits by simulating real-world signal conditions. These instruments enable engineers to verify circuit behavior under controlled parameters, making them indispensable in R&D, manufacturing, and educational settings.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWG)	Custom waveform creation, high-resolution signal editing	Radar simulation, communication protocol testing
Signal Generators	Standard waveforms (sine, square, triangle), frequency sweeping	Component characterization, impedance measurement
Function Generators	Basic waveforms with variable duty cycle and offset	Educational labs, sensor testing
RFG Generators	High-frequency signal generation (GHz range)	Wireless communication testing, aerospace applications

3. Structure and Components

Typical function generators consist of:

Digital signal processor (DSP) for waveform generation
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) module
Amplification and attenuation circuits
Control interface (knobs, touchscreen, or software)
BNC output ports with 50 impedance matching
Power supply unit with voltage regulation

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Importance
Frequency range: 1 Hz - 1GHz	Determines application versatility
Output amplitude: -20dBm to +30dBm	Enables testing under various power levels
Waveform resolution: 12-16 bits	Affects signal fidelity
Sample rate: 1-10 GSPS	Dictates maximum frequency capability
Phase noise: -100dBc/Hz @1kHz offset	Critical for communication systems

5. Application Fields

Telecommunications: 5G NR signal testing, fiber optic modulation
Automotive: Sensor signal simulation for ADAS systems
Medical: Biomedical signal emulation for diagnostic equipment
Education: Circuit analysis in undergraduate laboratories
Aerospace: Avionics component validation under extreme conditions

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
Keysight Technologies	33500B Series	320 MSa/s sample rate, 16-bit resolution
Teledyne LeCroy	WaveStation 2000	Arbitrary waveform capability, 25MHz bandwidth
NI (National Instruments)	PXIe-5433	Modular design, 100MHz output
Rohde & Schwarz	SMA100B	6GHz frequency range, ultra-low phase noise

7. Selection Guidelines

Key selection criteria include:

Required frequency range and amplitude accuracy
Waveform complexity requirements
Interface preferences (GPIB, USB, LAN, PXI)
Form factor (benchtop vs modular)
Phase noise requirements for communication systems
Budget considerations (entry-level vs high-end models)

Example: For IoT device testing, select a generator with at least 20MHz bandwidth, built-in modulation schemes (AM/FM), and USB interface compatibility.

8. Industry Trends

Current trends include:

Integration with AI for automated test pattern generation
Increased adoption of software-defined instruments
Development of mmWave signal generation capabilities
Cloud connectivity for remote monitoring and control
Miniaturization through System-on-Chip (SoC) technology

Market forecasts indicate 7.2% CAGR through 2027, driven by 5G deployment and automotive electronics demand.