Acropolis Technical Campus, Indore 452020

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

Lab-Electronic Instrumentation

Group/Title: Function Generator

Evaluation

Type/Periods Explorative

Name

Enrollment No.

Performing on
Extra
Regular

First submission

0875EC
Second submission

Grade and Remarks by the Tutor

1. Clarity about the objective of experiment
2. Clarity about the Outcome
3. Submitted the work in desired format
4. Shown capability to solve the problem
5. Contribution to the team work
Additional remarks
Grade: Cross the grade.
A B C D
Tutor

1. Title:

Study of function generator

2. Outcome:
1. An ability to function in multi disciplinary teams for applications of working.

2. An ability to develop and conduct experimental investigations of complex problems of

measurement related to cathode-ray oscilloscope.
3. An ability to develop, select and use the modern techniques, tools and skills necessary for
engineering practice in measurement..

3. Objective and value addition:

After completing the

experiment, student should able:

1 Understanding the working of a function generator through the block diagram.
2. To understand and interpret technical specifications of the equipment used.
3. Verify the generator performance with the given specifications
4. Study of different waveforms such as sine, square, triangular etc.
5. To measure the frequency at different ranges and compare with C.R.O.
6. Understand the functionality of C.R.O.
7. To understand the effect of output impedance of FG.

4. Apparatus required
1 Function Generator.
2 CRO.
3 CRO probes and chords.

Study Group: Electronic Instrumentation

Modified by: Garima Jain

Exp.No: 02
Date:21/05/15

5.THEORY :
INTRODUCTION TO FUNCTION GENERATOR:
A Function Generator offers a choice of different waveforms. Its time period(frequencies) are
adjustable over a wide ranges, from one tenth of a s to 10000seconds. The most common
output waveforms are the sine, triangular, square and saw tooth waves with & without preset
table offset. The various outputs of the Generator are available but selectable one at a time.
The offset helps in creating D.C shift in the wave form.
Some function generator also permits AM/FM operations, change in duty cycles, impulses and
sweep. Sweep function provides an automatic change in frequency in the ratio of 1:10 and in
some case up to 1:10000.Harmonic sweep function generator can evaluate the frequency
response of an electronic circuit. The trigger or gated mode generates bursts of the function
generator out puts.
The TTL compatible SYNC output pulses can be used to trigger scopes, and source the logic
ciruit. An external signal can modulate the frequency of the main generator with carrier The
unit can be used as a voltage controlled oscillator.
FEATURES AND CONTROLS
Most function generators allow the user to choose the shape of the output from a small
number of options.
-Square wave - The signal goes directly from high to low voltage.
-Sine wave - The signal curves like a sinusoid from high to low voltage.
-Triangle wave - The signal goes from high to low voltage at a fixed rate.
The amplitude control on a function generator varies the voltage difference between the high
and low voltage of the output signal.
The direct current (DC) offset control on a function generator varies the average voltage of a
signal relative to the ground.
The frequency control of a function generator controls the rate at which output signal
oscillates. On some function generators, the frequency control is a combination of different
controls.
One set of controls chooses the broad frequency range (order of magnitude) and the other
selects the precise frequency. This allows the function generator to handle the enormous
variation in frequency scale needed for signals.
WORKING PRINCIPLE :- The frequency control voltage regulates two current sources,
Upper constant current source and Lower constant current source.
The UPPER constant current source supplies a constant current to yield voltage increases
linearly with time. The output voltage is given by the expression Eout = - 1/C I dt
As the current supplied by the upper constant current source changes ,the slope of the output
wave form also changes .The voltage comparator multivibrator changes state at preset level on
the positive slope of the integrator output voltage. At this point the UCCS is cut off from the
integrator circuit and switches on the lower constant current source.

The lower constant current source supplies reverse current to the integrator this decreases the
output linearly with time. When the output voltage reaches at preset level on the negative slope

of the output waveform, the voltage comparator again switched off and cuts off the lower
constant current source, while at the same time switching on the upper constant current source
again. The preset level can be changed on the panel to effect the change in Duty cycle.
The output signal so obtained is a triangular wave whose frequency is determined by the
magnitude of the current supplied by the output of the integrator voltage at the same frequency.
The second output waveform is derived from the triangular waveform, which is synthesized
into the sine wave by a clipping circuit. In this circuit the slope of the triangular wave is altered
as its amplitude changes, resulting in a sine wave with less than 5% distortion.
The output circuitry of the Function Generator consists of two output amplifiers that provide
two simultaneous, individually selected outputs of any of the waveform functions.
ADVANTAGES AND DISVANTAGES:
The Function Generator is a versatile instrument which generates number of different
waveforms, such as sine, triangular, sawtooth and square wave.
The frequency of each kind of wave can be adjusted from a fraction of Hz to several
hundred of KHz.
The various outputs of generator can be used at the same time. By adjusting the phase
and amplitude of the harmonics.
The function generator also provides phase locked facility.

The function generator has a single disadvantage that it cant supply the output
waveforms at very high frequencies.

APPLICATIONS:
1 The function generator is useful for different lower frequencies ranges
2. It is also useful where phase locking facility is required
3 The square wave signal can be employed for testing electronic amplifiers and the transient
response of other circuits.

Self-Assessment 1:
Q1 What is the function of position control?
Q2 How the brightness of a picture is determined?
Q3 How focal length can be changed?
Q4.What is the function of tuner circuit?
SPECIFICATIONS:
OUTPUT WAVEFORMS:
1. Sine, Triangular, square and pulse, gated/non gated. AM, FM and sweep of sine and
triangular.
FREQUENCY CHARACTERISTICS:
1. RANGE: 0.01 Hz to 1 MHz in decade ranges
Pulse: 0.01 Hz to 100 KHz max.
2. DIAL ACCURACY: 5% of full scale, up to 100 KHz only
3 . SQUARE / PULSE RISE AND FALL TIME: 150 nsec at full rated output.
4. PULSE DUTY CYCLE VARIATION:

20% to 40% & 60% to 80%

with compliment.

5 .TRIANGULAR LINEARITY ERROR: 2% from 0.1 Hz to 100 KHz

and 4% from 0.01 Hz to 0.1 Hz.
6. SINEWAVE DISTORTION: 1.5% FROM 10 Hz to 10KHz. 2.5% from
10 KHz to 100 KHz.
OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS:
1. IMPEDANCE: 50 ohms 5%
2. LEVEL:
20v (p-p) into open circuit and
10v (p-p) into 50 ohms
3. LEVEL FLATENESS: 3% from 0.01 Hz to 100KHz at full rated output.
4. ATTENUATOR: 1:1,10:1,100:1, with more than 10:1 continuous control.
5. DC OFFSET: 10V continuosly adjustable, attenuated by step attenuator; output
unterminated.
6. PROTECTION: The output is short circuit protected
7. SYNC OUTPUT: TTL compatible
MODULATION GENERATOR:

INTERNAL MODULATION GENERATOR:

1. WAVEFORMS:

Sine, triangular, square and pulse.

2. FREQUENCY RANGE:
3. OUTPUT LEVEL:

0.01Hz to 10KHz

1V (p-p) with 1k ohms output

impedance.

4. SINEWAVE DISTORTION:

1.5% FROM 10Hz to 10KHz.

AMPLITUDE MODULATION:
1. DEPTH:

0 to 100%

2. EXTERNAL MODULATION FREQUENCY RANGE: DC to 10KHz

3. EXTERNAL MODULATION SENSITIVITY:

2V (p-p) for 100% modulation.

FREQUENCY MODULATION:
1. DEVIATION: 0 to 5%
2. EXTERNAL MODULATION FREQUENCY RANGE: DC to 10KHz
3. EXTERNAL MODULATION SENSITIVITY: 2V (p-p) for 5% deviation
SWEEP CHARACTERISTICS:
1. SWEEP WIDTH: 10 to 1 at any frequency setting
2. SWEEP RATE:0.01 Hz to 100 Hz
3. EXTERNAL FREQUENCY RANGE: DC to 100 Hz
4. EXTERNAL SENSITIVITY:0 to -2V (peak) for 10 to 1 sweep
GATE CHARACTERISTICS:
1. FREQUENCY RANGE:

0.01 Hz to 10 KHz (single or multiple cycle)

2. START / STOP PHASE ANGLE: -60 to + 60 for sine wave and -50 to +50
for triangular wave
3. INTERNAL GATING FREQUENCY: 0.01 Hz to 10 KHz.
4. EXTERNAL GATING FREQUENCY: DC to 10 KHz, TTL compatible

GENERAL:
1. TEMPERATURE RANGE:
2. POWER:

10C to 45C, 27C std.

230 V 10%, 50-60Hz, 22VA

References:
1. A.K. Sawhney, instrumentation & measurment,1/e 2002,dhanpat rai & Co.
2. Stanley Wolf & Richard F.M. Smith, Student Reference Manual1/e
3. H.S.Kalsi Electronic Instrumentation 1/e, 1995, Tata Mc-graw Hill.

6. OBSERVATION TABLE:
S. No. Waveform
1
2
3

Freq. by % of
CRO
Error

Amp. by Amp. by % of
FG
CRO
Error

Freq. by FG

Freq. by % of
CRO
Error

Amp. by Amp. by % of
FG
CRO
Error

Freq. by FG

Freq. by % of
CRO
Error

Amp. by Amp. by % of
FG
CRO
Error

Sine wave

S. No. Waveform
1

Freq. by FG

Square
wave

2
3
S. No. Waveform
1

Triangular
wave

2
3

7. TABULATION OF RESULT :
S.N
7.1
7.2
7.3

Wave forms
Sine Wave
Square Wave
Triangular Wave

Frequency in Hz.

Amplitude in Volts

8. Quizzes and Viva questionnaire (To be

submitted by students)
1
The ideal standing wave ratio is
A) 1:1
B) 2:1
C) 3:1
D) 0

2
Which of the following equipment is not required to make receiver sensitivity and noise
measurements?
A) RF signal generator
B) frequency counter
C) spectrum analyzer
D) dummy load

3
To determine the noise level when the horizontal spacing on the oscilloscope and the
vertical sensitivity are known, multiply the horizontal spacing by the sensitivity and
A) multiply by 2
B) divide by 2
C) multiply by 3
D) divide by 3

4
What is the name of the test that determines whether a cell phone will filter out large
nearby signals that can be mistakenly interpreted as its receiving frequency?
A) SINAD
B) quieting
C) third-order intercept test
D) cell selectivity test

5
What is an excellent way to get a nonprecise, quick, qualitative check of a signal?
A) eye diagram
B) third-order intercept
C) SINAD
D) bit error rate test

6
A device that produces fixed binary bit patterns in serial form to use as test signals in data
communication systems is a
A) logic analyzer
B) function generator
C) pattern generator
D) signal generator

7
An essential oscilloscope like device with a CRT display and built-in microcomputer for
fiber-optic work is the
A) protocol analyzer
B) spectrum analyzer
C) logic analyzer
D) optical time-domain reflectometer

8
Which of the following is not a common problem in communication equipment?
A) power supply failures
B) amplifier failures
C) cable failures
D) antenna troubles

9
A troubleshooting technique where an oscilloscope or other signal detection device to
follow a signal through the various stages of the equipment is called
A) signal injection
B) signal tracing
C) signal analysis
D) signature analysis

10
What is the method used to provide a way to observe test points inside a chip that are not
normally accessible and to observe signals at IC pins inaccessible because of their surface
mounting?
A) integrated circuit analysis
B) signature analysis
C) boundary scan
D) IC scan test

Q1: What is a function generator?

Q2: How the frequency of a function generator is controlled?
Q3: What is a regulated power supply?
Q4: What are the basic components of a regulated power supply?
Q5: What is the need of voltage regulators?

STUDENT REPORT

Self-Assessment 1 Answer:
Q1 What is the function of position control?
A1 It is necessary to provide some means of positioning the trace on screen . This control can
be exercised by varying voltage with help of potentiometer.
Q2 How the brightness of a picture is determined?
A2 The luminance of phosphor is a mesure of brightness.It is determined by luminance
efficiency of phosphor and by beam energy.
Q3 How focal length can be changed?
A3 It is changed by changing potential of focusing anode.
Q4.What is the function of tuner circuit?
A4The purpose of tuner circuit is to amplify sound and picture signals picked up by antenna
and to convert the carrier frequency and their associated band into IF frequency.

OBSERVATION TABLE:
S. No. Waveform

Freq. by FG

Freq. by % of
CRO
Error

Amp. by Amp. by % of
FG
CRO
Error

1
2
3

Sine wave

S. No. Waveform
1

Freq. by FG

Freq. by % of
CRO
Error

Amp. by Amp. by % of
FG
CRO
Error

Freq. by FG

Freq. by % of
CRO
Error

Amp. by Amp. by % of
FG
CRO
Error

Square
wave

2
3
S. No. Waveform
1

Triangular
wave

2
3

TABULATION OF RESULT :
S.N
7.1
7.2
7.3

Wave forms
Sine Wave
Square Wave
Triangular Wave

Frequency in Hz.

Amplitude in Volts

Quiz and Viva Answer

Quiz Answer
1A
2C
3B
4C
5A
6C
7D
8B
9B
10 C

Viva Answer
Q1: What is a function generator?
A: It is a signal source that has capability of producing different types of
waveforms & frequencies
Q2: How the frequency of a function generator is controlled?

A: By varying the magnitude of current that drives the integrator

Q3: What is a regulated power supply?
A: An electronic ckt. Which provide constant DC voltage of predetermined
value across load
terminals, which is independent of variations in load current.
Q4: What are the basic components of a regulated power supply?
A: A transformer, rectifier ckt, filter, voltage regulator
Q5: What is the need of voltage regulators?
A: To keep output voltage constant against variations in load current & in
AC mains voltage .