Step Up Your Function Generator Experience and Knowledge

Complete common tasks faster and discover additional features

Modern function generators have really benefited from advances in software, microprocessors and display technology.  A new function generator can produce common waveforms, arbitrary waveforms as well as sophisticated modulated waveforms.  In order to complete tasks quickly frequently used functions should be accessible with a single button press.  The illustration below shows the 33220A and 33250A user interface, where common waveforms are clearly labeled and grouped together.

Parameters can be adjusted using the knob or the keypad. The keypad allows the generator to be set to a specific setting "1230 KHz". The knob is better suited for adjusting or tuning the frequency in real time. The arrows below the knob are used to highlight the digit (order of magnitude) to be adjusted.

Soft keys are a welcome addition to the front panel. Soft keys are defined to be relevant to the current task. e.g. While changing amplitude they may be defined as VRMS, VP-P, The same keys could be re-assigned for setting up a sine wave; Frequency, Amplitude, Duty Cycle.

Tip: Stay organized; always adjust parameters using the soft keys from left to right.

A second benefit of soft keys is allowing parameters to be set using different methods. e.g. a pulse can be adjusted by setting period and pulse width or by selecting a frequency and duty cycle. The later method is better suited for control applications. As a second example, sweep can be configured as a start and stop frequency or as a center and span frequency. When using a function generator with a spectrum analyzer it is more convenient to configure a sweep with a center and a span frequency.

Tip: Let the function generator perform the calculation; Enter parameters using the appropriate method for the application.

Often a graphical representation of a waveform is extremely useful. Improved function generator display technology allows a waveform to display and adjusted graphically. A graphical display can make quick work of setting up more complex signals, such as modulated waveforms or arbitrary waveforms. You can see a modulated signal change on a graphical display as the modulated depth is adjusted.

Tip: Although a waveform function may not be included, an existing waveform may be modified to create the desired waveform

Although the 33220A does not include a triangle waveform function, it can be easily generated. Select a ramp waveform and then adjust the symmetry to 50% and the ramp will become a triangle waveform. Hint 5: Describes how to change a square wave to pulse waveform.

Lastly, once you configure your function generator to output a desired signal take the time to store the state. Storing the function generators state allows the complete state to be recalled with a single button press. Your state can even be named e.g. "TRIANGLE", "BOBS", "ACME_LAB" for easier recall rather than having to remember which number it was.