FUNCTION GENERATOR

                          FUNCTION GENERATOR:

A function generator produces different waveforms of adjustable frequency. The common outputwaveforms are the sine, square, triangular and saw tooth waves. The frequency may be adjusted,

from a fraction of a Hertz to several hundred kHz lie various outputs of the generator can bemade available at the same time. For example, the generator can provide a square wave to testthe linearity of a rectifier and simultaneously provide a saw tooth to drive the horizontal

deflection amplifier of the CRO to provide a visual display.

 Capability of Phase Lock the function generator can be phase locked to an external source. One function generator can be used to lock a second function generator, and the two output signals can be displaced in phase by adjustable amount. In addition, the fundamental frequency of one generator can be phase locked to a harmonic of another generator, by adjusting the amplitude and phase of the harmonic; almost any waveform can be generated by addition.

The function generator can also be phase locked to a frequency standard and its output waveforms will then have the same accuracy and stability as the standard source. 

 The block diagram of a function generator:

 

The block diagram of a function generator is illustrated in fig. Usually the frequency is controlled by

varying the capacitor in the LC or RC circuit. In the instrument the frequency is controlled by

varying the magnitude of current which drives the integrator. The instrument produces sine,

triangular and square waves with a frequency range of 0.01 Hz to 100 kHz.

The frequency controlled voltage regulates two current sources. The upper current source

supplies constant current to the integrator whose output voltage increases linearly with time,

according to the equation of the output signal voltage. An increase or decrease in the current

increases or decreases the slope of the output voltage and hence controls the frequency. The

voltage comparator multi-vibrator changes states at a pre-determined maximum level of the integrator output voltage. This change cuts off the upper current supply and switches on the lower current supply. The lower current source supplies a reverse current to the integrator, so

that its output decreases linearly with time. When the output reaches a pre-determined minimum level, the voltage comparator again changes state and switches on the Lower current source. The

output of the integrator is a triangular waveform whose frequency is determined by the magnitude of the current supplied by the constant current sources. The comparator output delivers a square wave voltage of the same frequency.

e = - 1/C ∫ idt

e = - 

The resistance diode network alters the slope of the triangular wave as its amplitude changes and

produces a sine wave with less than 1% distortion.