The function of the signal generator
- Signal modulation function
Signal modulation means that in the modulated signal, amplitude, phase or frequency changes embed low-frequency information into a high-frequency carrier signal, and the resulting signal can transmit any signal from voice to data, to video. Signal modulation can be divided into analog modulation and digital modulation, where analog modulation, such as amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM), is most commonly used in broadcast communications, while digital modulation is based on two states, allowing the signal to represent binary data.
- Frequency scan function
Measuring the frequency characteristics of electronic equipment requires "sweeping" a sine wave, which changes frequency over a period of time. Generally divided into linear (Lin) frequency sweep and logarithmic (Log) frequency sweep; advanced signal generators support frequency sweep function and can choose the start frequency, hold a frequency, stop frequency, and correlation time, some signal generators also provide and sweep frequency Synchronized trigger signal.
- TTL synchronization output function
The TTL synchronization signal output by the general signal source is converted into a square wave by a triode circuit, and the level is 0 (Low), 3.6 ~ 5V (High). Mainly used to synchronize other signal sources, or other types of instruments, to ensure trigger synchronization.
- Reference clock output function
TTL synchronization output can only ensure trigger synchronization. To make the signal source fully synchronized, the clock must be synchronized. The reference clock output is designed to synchronize the clocks of the two signal sources. Generally, the reference clock outputs a square wave signal with a relatively stable frequency.
- Burst function
Similar to the One-Shot function, inputting a TTL signal can make the signal source generate a period of signal output. The design method is that when there is no signal input, the output can be grounded.
- Frequency meter
In addition to the simple dial display on the market, whether it is an LED digital tube or an LCD liquid crystal display frequency, it overlaps with the frequency counter circuit.
The purpose of the four signal generators
- Sine signal generator
It is mainly used to measure the frequency characteristics, nonlinear distortion, gain, and sensitivity of circuits and systems. According to its different properties and uses, it can also be subdivided into low frequency (20 Hz to 10 MHz) signal generators, high frequency (100 kHz to 300 MHz) signal generators, microwave signal generators, sweep frequency and program control, frequency synthesis type signal generator, etc.
- Function (waveform) signal generator
Can generate some specific periodic time function waveforms (sine wave, square wave, triangle wave, sawtooth wave and pulse wave, etc.) signal, the frequency range can be from several microhertz to tens of megahertz. In addition to being used for communication, instrumentation, and automatic control system testing, it is also widely used in other non-electrical measurement fields.
- Pulse signal generator
A generator capable of producing rectangular pulses of adjustable width, amplitude, and repetition rate that can be used to test the transient response of linear systems, or used as an analog signal to test the performance of radar, multiplexed, and other pulsed digital systems.
- Random signal generator
Usually divided into two categories: noise and pseudo-random signal generators. The main purpose of the noise signal generator is: to introduce a random signal into the system under test to simulate the noise in the actual working conditions to measure the system performance; to add a known noise signal and compare it with the internal noise of the system to measure the noise figure; to use the random signal Instead of sinusoidal or pulsed signals, to determine system dynamics, etc. When the correlation function is measured with a noise signal, if the average measurement time is not long enough, there will be statistical errors, which can be solved by pseudo-random signals.
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