functiegenerators
Functiegenerators, or function generators, are laboratory instruments that produce electrical waveforms used to test and characterize electronic devices and circuits. They typically generate standard waveforms such as sine, square, triangle, and sawtooth, with adjustable parameters including frequency, amplitude, and DC offset. Many models provide multiple output channels, fixed or variable load impedance (commonly 50 ohms), and coupling options that allow AC or DC information to be transmitted to the device under test. In addition to standard waveforms, some devices include arbitrary waveform generation capabilities, allowing users to upload or program custom waveforms.
Controls usually include a frequency control (often spanning from millihertz to tens of megahertz or higher
There are two main families: analog function generators, which provide continuous, smoothly adjustable waveforms and are
Applications span electronics design, signal integrity testing, audio and RF systems, sensor calibration, and education. History