25 Common Things You Can Do with an Arbitrary Function ...

15, Jul. 2024

 

25 Common Things You Can Do with an Arbitrary Function ...

Introduction

An acquisition instrument - usually an oscilloscope or logic analyzer - is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about making electronic measurements. But these tools can only make a measurement when they are able to acquire a signal of some kind. And, there are many instances in which no such signal is available unless it is externally provided.

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A strain gauge amplifier, for example, does not produce signals; it merely increases the power of the signals it receives from a sensor. Inevitably, it becomes necessary to test the amplifier before it is connected to the circuit that feeds it. In order to use an acquisition instrument to measure the behavior of such devices, you must provide a stimulus signal at the input.

To cite another example, engineers must characterize their emerging designs to ensure that the new hardware meets design specifications across the full range of operating conditions and beyond. This is known as margin or limit testing. It is a measurement task that requires a complete solution - one that can generate signals as well as make measurements.

The signal generator pairs with an acquisition instrument such as an oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer to create a complete measurement solution. In its various configurations, the signal generator can provide stimulus signals in the form of analog waveforms, pulse patterns, modulation, intentional distortion, noise, and more. To make effective design, characterization, or troubleshooting measurements, it is important to consider both elements of the solution.

The arbitrary function generator (AFG) serves a wide range of stimulus needs; in fact, it is the prevailing signal generator architecture in the industry today. If the DUT requires the classic sine and square waveforms (to name a few) and the ability to switch almost instantly between two frequencies, the AFG is the right tool. An additional virtue is the AFG's low cost, which makes it very attractive for applications that do not require the versatility of an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG).

The AFG offers unique strengths: it produces stable waveforms in standard shapes such as sine, square, pulse, triangle, and others. In addition, it allows users to generate so called arbitrary waveforms with a shape defined by the user. Moreover, AFGs offer a way to modulate the signal from internal or external sources, generate frequency sweeps or output signal bursts.

Waveforms can be created in a variety ways, the choice of which depends upon the information available about the DUT and its input requirements, whether there is a need to add distortion or error signals, and other variables.

An AFG provides users a means to:

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  • Create: Customer-defined signals for circuit stimulus and testing.
  • Replicate: Synthesize a real-world signal unavailable in the electronics lab (previously captured from an oscilloscope).
  • Generate: Ideal or stressed reference signals for industry standards with specific tolerances.

Embedded and Semiconductor Test Applications

Clock Source

TYPICAL APPLICATION

Frequency margining: Test clock frequency operating range of digital circuits. Substitute unavailable clock source for functional test of device.

USERS

Electronic test and design engineers who develop embedded and digital communication circuitry.

BENEFITS OF USING AN ARBITRARY FUNCTION GENERATOR
  • Cost savings over dedicated pulse generators.
  • Dual channels and floating outputs to generate differential signals.
  • Pulse and square frequency range up to 160 MHz.
TIPS AND HINTS
  • Differential clock signals, e.g. for PECL, LVPECL or LVDS, can be generated with a dual channel source with floating single-ended outputs.
  • To generate a differential signal, configure waveform, frequency and amplitude in Channel 1 and duplicate inverted settings to Channel 2 via the CH1 Complement function on the quick settings menu. Then activate the synchronization mode by setting Frequency CH1=CH2 to On and initiating Align Phase.
  • Disable any on-board clock source while driving the device with an external clock source.
  • To avoid signal integrity degradations such as ringing or variable delay and amplitude, take care to obtain adequate impedance matching between the probe connecting to the signal source and the board trace.

Signal Generator: Types, Formats, and Applications ...

What is signal generator ?

A signal generator is a type of electrical oscillator. It generates a low-frequency, periodic electronic signal that can be analog in nature (sine wave signal or square wave signal)

Define pulse generator?

A piece of electronic test equipment called a pulse generator produces rectangular pulses. Similar to function generators, pulse generators are utilised with digital circuits while function generators are used with analog circuits in projects.

What is a voltage controlled oscillator?

The voltage controlled oscillator is a crucial component of the block diagram because its frequency may be used to calculate the input-controlled voltage. As a result, the relationship between the control voltage and VCO frequency is directly proportional. And once the control input receives the signal, the oscillator frequency is generated. 
           Once the control voltage receives the audio input signal, the VCO will produce the frequency-modulated signal. 

What is a logic function generator?

The logic function generator generates only binary signals as outputs.

What are the applications of signal generator?

This equipment serves testing and high-end design objectives. It is used extensively in receivers for cellular communications, audio and video transmission, WiFi, radar, geo-positioning satellites, and many more applications. Also used for components verification, testing of systems, and receivers in receivers

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