EXPERIMENT NO.

1
Familiarization to the Operation of Function Generator, Digital
Storage Oscilloscope, DC Power Supply and Digital Multi-meter

PRE LAB TASK

Objectives
1. To get familiar to the functions of lab equipment.

2. To understand the proper working of each lab equipment.

3. To handle the lab equipment.

4. To understand the operations of DMM.

5. To get familiar to the use of DMM.

6. To measure resistance and capacitance using DMM.

Introduction
Function generator, digital storage oscilloscope and dc power supply are different laboratory
equipment used for signal generation, measurement and to supply power to loads. The detail
of these is given below.

Theory

Function Generator
A function generator is basically a piece of electronic test equipment which is used to
generate different signals. Function generator produces signal which ranges over a wide
range of frequencies. It generates different types of signals, e.g., sine, square, triangular and
saw-tooth shapes. These waveforms if repetitive, requires an internal trigger source and if
single-shot, requires an external trigger source. Function generator integrated circuits (ICs)
are the circuits used to generate waveforms.
The range of frequency over which function generator is operable covers both audio and RF
frequencies, however, they are usually not suitable for applications that need low distortion
or stable frequency signals. In those particular cases, in order to get the required features,
other signal generators would be more appropriate.

They are used extensively in the development, test and repair of electronic equipment. They
are used to test amplifiers and as a signal source to introduce error into a control loop.

Fig.1. Digital function generator.

Description
The front panels of the function generator consist of:

1. Power on/off switch

2. Digital displays (for frequency and voltage)

3. Adjustable frequency knob

4. Variable voltage control knob

5. BNC connectors (for external connections)

6. Duty cycle control knob

7. DC level control knob

8. Switch Panel (for different operations)

Function or signal generator is extensively used for practical and experimental purpose that’s
why is considered as one of the most important component used in designing electronics circuits.
A function generator is a signal source that has the capability of producing different types of
waveforms as its output signal. The most common out of them are

1. Sine wave

2. Square wave

3. Triangular wave

4. Growing exponential wave

5. Decaying exponential wave

6. Ramp wave

Function generator being capable of producing wide variety of signals with different frequencies
and ranges is the most versatile instrument. The range of frequencies of all these waveforms can
be adjusted from a fraction of a hertz to megahertz range. Each application requires different
waveform depending on its requirement. Function generator can produce two different
waveforms simultaneously from two different outputs. For instance, in an audio system a square
wave is used for linearity measurements, a simultaneous saw tooth output may be used to drive
the horizontal deflection amplifier of an oscilloscope to visually display the measured result.
Function generator can also be used for phase locking in the presence of an external trigger
source. Two function generators are used simultaneously to lock the phase, the two output
signals thus produced, differ only by an adjustable amount. In addition, one function generator
may be phase locked to a harmonic of the sine wave of another function generator. Function
generator can be used to produce any waveform by properly adjusting the phase and amplitude
of the harmonics. By taking the summation of the fundamental frequency generated by one
signal generator and the harmonic generated by the other, different waveforms can be generated.
An accurate frequency standard can also be phase locked with the help of a function generator.
The corresponding output waveforms will have the same frequency, stability, and accuracy as
the standard generated.
Basic Operation
1. Press the power switch of the generator. After a short boot-up sequence, the generator
will be in its default state — a sine wave with 1V peak-to-peak amplitude and frequency
of 1 kHz. There is no voltage being applied to the output at this point.

2. To change the parameters of the waveform, use the parameters buttons to select the
parameter that you intend to alter. Frequency and amplitude are the two things we will
change most frequently. Use the soft-key to choose which parameter you would like to
specify.

3. Parameter values can be changed by two methods. The first one is to simply punch in the
value using the numeric keypad. Use the number keys to change the frequency to 500Hz.
First, choose “Frequency” using the soft-key/numeric keypad, then enter 250 with
keypad, and then select the units — Hz — using the soft-keys. The change takes effect
when the unit key is pushed. The parameter values and waveform shown on the graph
will change accordingly. The second method for changing parameters is to use the rotary
knob. 


If we are using sinusoidal signal, we express the amplitude either in peak-to-peak volts or root
mean square (RMS). The default unit is peak-to-peak.


It is easy to convert between peak-to-peak and RMS – the relation is VPP = 2.828VRMS. When
writing about sinusoidal voltages or currents, it is important to be clear about which units we are
using. It would be a serious misunderstanding if you are describing peak-to-peak values but have
not been clear about units and your reader mistakenly assumes RMS values.

4. To change the waveform type, use the waveform buttons. In addition to three basic
periodic waveforms, there are others geared towards specific applications in electronics
and communication systems. Change the waveform type to a square wave. Note the
parameters for the square wave. Finally change the waveform to ramp and note the
different parameters that can be set for that.
5. The output button turns on the voltage waveform to the output terminal. Until this button
is pressed, the output voltage will be zero. To connect the output circuit, we will need to
use a BNC-to-banana plug adapter. For this we are already provided by coaxial cables
that have BNC connector at one end and banana plug at the other end.

Digital Storage Oscilloscope

An electronic device, capable of storing a digital copy of the measured waveform is known as
digital storage oscilloscope or DSO. DSO uses analog-to-digital (ADC) converters to digitize
and sample measured voltages, thus it can store the results in its memory, which it process
further using digital signal processing techniques.

Basic Information
A device extensively used for testing signal voltages, in fields like electronic measurements,
circuit designing, general testing, circuit debugging and researches is an oscilloscope. An
oscilloscope has the ability to displays the changes in signal voltage over a certain period of
time. It has a rectangular screen through which one can view the input voltage on a particular
axis over a particular period of time. The oscilloscope can also display a second voltage signal
by changing the intensity of the screen image. The oscilloscope can display a three dimensional
figure by using a third waveform. The oscilloscope is also known as scope. Some oscilloscopes
can even display multiple waveforms by superimposing signals simultaneously, or can display
signals separately for comparison purposes.
A DSO converts analog input voltages into digital data and it can measure the frequency of the
signal with the help of a time period. The factors that determine the frequency is the sampling
rate of the oscilloscope, which is usually measured in millions or billions of samples per second,
and the nature of the analog-to-digital converter and the signal amplifier on each input. To
represent a waveform a scope captures many signals and stores them in memory.
A DSO offers the advantage of capturing and logging electronic events and is used in testing
signal voltages in electronic devices. These devices include radio broadcasting equipment,
televisions and audio recording equipment. DSO can also displays graphical representations of
signal. The difference between an oscilloscope and a voltmeter is that a voltmeter records only
the presence of unexpected voltage it requires further troubleshooting and diagnostics. A DSO,
on the other hand, can measure the same voltage and show oscillation in the affected circuit.
DSO also offers visual display of the precise timing or shape of the pulse.
By acting as a simple signal tracer, a DSO can determine the malfunctioning components. It
enables technicians to probe electronic device’s individual connections and components, which
help them in determining the defected parts. The DSO locates where an expected signal is
incorrect or absent by measuring the functions of the individual component of the device. It can
also measure the variations in operation which could alert the technician of the need for fine
tuning or replacement. It also helps technicians to identify the parts that are still working, which
prevent erroneous replacement of parts. An oscilloscope usually has two or four channels and
one can see one to four signals simultaneously on its screen.

Fig.2. Digital storage oscilloscope.

Description
The front panel of DSO has:

1. Power on/off knob

2. X-position
3. Y-position
4. Volt/div
5. Tim/div
6. Channel selector
7. Trigger
8. Cursor manual switches
9. DC/AC/GND selector switch
10. Input and output knobs
11. Probes/ BNC connector

Power on/off knob is used to supply electrical power to the oscilloscope. Do not consider the
wall plug as an on/off switch. Each oscilloscope has a power button through which one can turn
it on and off. It helps to control electrical transients which can be harmful to sensitive circuits.

X-position basically indicates the horizontal axis. The grid normally contains 10 divisions along
X axis and each division is divided with 5 tics giving a resolution of 0.2 div. The horizontal axis
(X) is time t on the oscilloscope display.

Y-position basically indicates the vertical axis. The grid normally contains 10 divisions along Y
axis and each division is divided with 5 tics giving a resolution of 0.2 div. The vertical axis (Y)
represents amplitude on oscilloscope. Usually the signal is applied to the vertical deflection
plates that deflect the electron beam along Y axis and simultaneously the beam is moved along X
axis at a constant speed, facilitating display of signal amplitude versus time.

Volt/div controls the gain of the vertical amplifier and changes the scale along Y axis. Normally
one can set the vertical sensitivity from 1 mV/div to 5 V/div and sensitivity of the time axis from
0.5 µs/div to 0.2 s/div.

Tim/div controls the gain of horizontal amplifier and does changes along the X axis. Each
division across the screen can be varied from 0.1 microsecond to 0.5 sec with the time base
control.
Channel selector Most oscilloscopes are dual trace. This means that they can display two
signals at once, which is why there are two signal ports and two sensitivity controls.

Trigger controls the start event of the sweep. It is used to convert the incoming signal into
trigger pulses so that the input signal can be synchronized with the sweep generated in the time
base. The Level knob adjusts the instant of triggering on the input waveform.

Cursor manual switch are lines that can be moved about the screen to measure the time interval
between two points, or the difference between two voltages.

DC/AC/GND selector switch are used to get the AC, DC values of a signal. Changes are passed
by a switch which is connected in series with a capacitor. If the change observed in the signal is
quite slow or the signal has a fixed offset of interest, the input is connected directly (DC switch
position). The DC input option is mostly offered by oscilloscopes. Many oscilloscopes have a
third switch position (GND) that disconnects the input and grounds it, to see where zero volts
input currently shows on the screen. The vertical position control is used often, in this case to
center the trace.

Input and output knobs are used to connect a signal.

Probes/ BNC connector are used to connect the signal so that you can observe it on
oscilloscope. The single-input devices that route a signal from your circuit to the scope are
usually known as probes. Probes have a sharp tip which can easily be connected to a point on
your circuit. The tip of the probe is usually made with hooks, tweezers or clips to make latching
onto a circuit easier. Every probe has a ground clip to connect a circuit under test to a common
ground point.

Working of DSO

For the most basic operation illustration of DSO the basic sine wave using function generator is
applied.
1. Remember, function generator is basically a frequency generator that helps in obtaining
sine wave, square wave or saw tooth waveform.

2. Power on DSO and check it’s the knobs and calibrations.

3. Now connect the probe of function generator with the BNC connector of the DSO.

4. Now do channel selection as per required whether CH-I or CH-II.

5. Adjust the volt/div and time/div calibrations as you desire,

If the signal or trace does not appear change through xy positions or through the knob of
time/div, also check for the intensity and focus of the trace.
Select any of the desired waves through the generator that you wish to see. It will appear on the
screen of the C.R.O.

Dc Power Supply

Introduction
A device used to supply electrical energy to one or more loads is power supply. Power supply
converts one form of electrical energy to another (e.g., mechanical, chemical, solar) to electrical
energy.

As power supply convert one form of energy into another so they are also known as electric
power converters. Its basically an electronic device that supplies electric energy to an electrical
load. There are different types of power supply like discrete, stand-alone devices etc. Some
power supplies are built into larger devices along with their loads. Desktop computers and
consumer electronics devices contains latter include power supplies.

To provide power to electrical loads and to get energy it consumes while performing the task,
each power supply requires an energy source. A power supply may obtain energy from various
types of energy sources e.g., electrical energy transmission systems, energy storage devices,
which include batteries and fuel cells. Some can get it from electromechanical systems such as
generators and alternators, solar power converters, or another power supply.
Power supplies have two parts. Power input and power output. Power input receives energy from
the energy source, while a power output delivers energy to the load. Mostly power supplies
power input and output consist of electrical connectors or hardwired circuit connections.
However, some power supplies employ wireless energy transfer for the power input or output.
The type of input and output may vary in some other power supplies. They are used for functions
such as external monitoring and control.

Fig.3. Dc power supply.

Description
The front panel of the supply is described here.

1. Power On/Off switch

2. Digital Display
3. Variable voltage knobs
4. Variable current knobs
5. Mode selector switch
6. Voltage/Current Mode selector switches
7. Output connectors
Digital Multimeter

Introduction
A multimeter or a multi-tester, also known as Volt/Ohm meter or VOM, is an electronic
measuring instrument that combines several measurements and functions in one unit. Its main
features are discussed below.

Theory

Multimeter is a device which can measure voltage, current and resistance. Multimeters are of
various types like they may use analog or digital circuits. Analog meters may be abbreviated as
AMM and digital meters are abbreviated as DMM.

Analog instruments usually made measurements on a galvanometer based analog meter. In

analog meter the pointer moves over a scale calibration for all the different measurements.
Digital instruments usually have digital displays which depicts digits whose value corresponds to
a bar of a length proportional to the quantity measured.

A multimeter is a hand-held device which is useful for basic fault detection and field service
work. It can measure to a very high degree of accuracy. They can be used to troubleshoot
electrical/electronic problems in many devices such as electronic equipment, motor
controls, domestic appliances, power supplies, and wiring systems.

In order to specify the "digits" of resolution, the number of digits displayed on a multimeter are
required. The digits basically refer to resolution of a digital multimeter. For e.g., the term 5½
digits refer to the number of digits displayed on the display of a multimeter.

Different digits can display different decimal numbers. For e.g., a half digit can display either a
zero or a one. A three-quarters digit can display a numeral higher than a one but not nine.
Commonly, a three-quarters digit refers to a maximum value of 3 or 5. The fractional digit is
always the most significant digit in the displayed value. A 5½ digit multimeter would have five
full digits that display values from 0 to 9 and one half digits that could only display 0 or 1. Such
a meter could show positive or negative values from 0 to 199,999. A 3¾ digit meter can display
a quantity from 0 to 3,999 or 5,999, depending on the manufacturer.
One has to be very careful in designing and calibrating the analog portion of the multimeter so
that the extra digits could be useful in getting more precise value. Otherwise they are of no value.
Instrument specifications, good control of the measurement conditions, and traceability of the
calibration of the instrument are required to get a meaningful high-resolution.

Fig.4. Auto range DMM.

Description
DMMs are usually provided with

1. Front Digital Display

2. Power On/Off button

3. Hold button

4. Range/Function selector Dial

5. Connector for Probe connections

6. Set of Probes (a red and black probe)

7. Special set of probes (for inductance and transistor pin-configuration measurement)

8. Thermistor (for Temperature measurement: OPTIONAL)

Features
Following are the features/functions provided by DMM.

1. Voltage Measurement (AC as well as DC voltages)

2. Current Measurement (AC as well as DC current)

3. Resistance Measurement

4. Frequency Measurement

5. Capacitance Measurement

6. Diode Check

7. Transistor Pin configuration Check

8. Continuity Check

Working of DMM
Most important thing to remember before and while using DMM is the proper connections
of DMM Probes with the circuit/components.

 Connect the black probe to the COMM terminal (Black Probe should always remain
connected to “COMM” for all measurements).

For Voltage Measurement

Connect red probe to VOM connection for both AC and DC voltage measurements.
Select the voltage range according to the circuit. Now the two probes of DMM are
connected in parallel across any device/component for voltage measurement.

For Resistance/Capacitance/Frequency Measurement

For resistance, capacitance and frequency measurements, configuration of DMM is

same as described above for voltage measurement.

For Current Measurement

 For Ampere range measurement

 Either to measure AC or DC Ampere current, connect the red probe to
Ampere range Fuse connection e.g. to 20A/10A fuse connection for DMMs
in Lab.

 For Milli-ampere and Micro-ampere range measurement

To measure whatsoever (DC or AC) small range current, always connect red
probe to mA fuse connection.

Note: For all type of measurements (except for current measurement) usually VOM
connection for red probe is used unless otherwise specified/shown over the DMM connector
terminals.
 LAB SESSION

Lab Task
Generate different signals using function generator and apply them to DSO. Now try to read
their parameter using Oscilloscope parameter menu.

Measure the values of resistors given to you at the end of the lab using DMM and verify.

Measure the value of Capacitors given in lab using DMM and verify your results.

Equipment and Materials

 Power supply
 Function generator
 Digital Storage Oscilloscope
 Resistors of different value
 Capacitors
 Digital multimeter

Experimental Procedure

For Signal Generation

1. Follow the usage of each equipment as mentioned above to generate signals of different
frequency and observe them on oscilloscope.

For Resistance Measurement

1. Connect red probe to one end of the resistance for resistance measurement and the other
probe to the other end. Select the range of the resistance according to the circuit. Now the
two probes of DMM are connected in parallel, for resistance measurement.
2. The same procedure will be used for measurement of the capacitance. However, select
the range of capacitance accordingly.
Observations

Table 1 For observing output signals

Signals to be Frequency Peak to peak Observation on

Generated amplitude DSO

Sine wave 2MHz 12V

Saw tooth 500KHz 3mV

Triangular 1000Hz 5V

Table 2 Measurement through DMM

Value of resistance Actual measurement Difference

through color code through DMM
Questions
1. An oscilloscope is set to 4V / cm vertically and 1 s / cm horizontally. If the vertical
height occupies by the signal is 6cm. The amplitude of the signal is _______________

2. Each division/bar represents a voltage of _______________ in oscilloscope

3. The maximum number of signals that can be generated by function generator is

_______________
4. The maximum frequency and peak voltage of the signal that can be generated with
function generator is ______________

5. With the time base switched off an alternating voltage moves the spot on the screen up
and down once in 0.20 s. Its range of movement is 6.0 cm and the y-gain is set at 20 mV /
cm. The amplitude of the signal is ______________
6. The corresponding frequency is ______________

7. What is the difference in the Min/Max and Peak modes on multimeters?

8. The value of the resistor whose colour codes are black, red, red with a tolerance of 10%
is_______________

9. The schematic symbol of a resistor is shown here. Draw the schematic symbol for a
capacitor.
 LAB REPORT
Discussion of Results

Q1: What do you know about digital storage oscilloscope? Discuss its applications and their
advantages with respect to the analog one.

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Q2: How you can measure the voltage and current with the help of DMM? Discuss.

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Conclusion /Summary

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Realization Discipline
Conducting Data Writing
of Data and Team Work Obtained
Experiment Collection Style
Experiment Analysis (3) Precautions (2) Marks
(3) (3) (3)
(3) (3)