25 Common Things You Can Do with an Arbitrary Function Generator

Introduction

An acquisition instrument - usually an oscilloscope or logic analyzer - is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about making electronic measurements. But these tools can only make a measurement when they are able to acquire a signal of some kind. And, there are many instances in which no such signal is available unless it is externally provided.

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A strain gauge amplifier, for example, does not produce signals; it merely increases the power of the signals it receives from a sensor. Inevitably, it becomes necessary to test the amplifier before it is connected to the circuit that feeds it. In order to use an acquisition instrument to measure the behavior of such devices, you must provide a stimulus signal at the input.

To cite another example, engineers must characterize their emerging designs to ensure that the new hardware meets design specifications across the full range of operating conditions and beyond. This is known as margin or limit testing. It is a measurement task that requires a complete solution - one that can generate signals as well as make measurements.

The signal generator pairs with an acquisition instrument such as an oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer to create a complete measurement solution. In its various configurations, the signal generator can provide stimulus signals in the form of analog waveforms, pulse patterns, modulation, intentional distortion, noise, and more. To make effective design, characterization, or troubleshooting measurements, it is important to consider both elements of the solution.

The arbitrary function generator (AFG) serves a wide range of stimulus needs; in fact, it is the prevailing signal generator architecture in the industry today. If the DUT requires the classic sine and square waveforms (to name a few) and the ability to switch almost instantly between two frequencies, the AFG is the right tool. An additional virtue is the AFG’s low cost, which makes it very attractive for applications that do not require the versatility of an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG).

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The AFG offers unique strengths: it produces stable waveforms in standard shapes such as sine, square, pulse, triangle, and others. In addition, it allows users to generate so called arbitrary waveforms with a shape defined by the user. Moreover, AFGs offer a way to modulate the signal from internal or external sources, generate frequency sweeps or output signal bursts.

Waveforms can be created in a variety ways, the choice of which depends upon the information available about the DUT and its input requirements, whether there is a need to add distortion or error signals, and other variables.

An AFG provides users a means to:

• Create: Customer-defined signals for circuit stimulus and testing.
• Replicate: Synthesize a real-world signal unavailable in the electronics lab (previously captured from an oscilloscope).
• Generate: Ideal or stressed reference signals for industry standards with specific tolerances.

Embedded and Semiconductor Test Applications

Clock Source

TYPICAL APPLICATION

Frequency margining: Test clock frequency operating range of digital circuits. Substitute unavailable clock source for functional test of device.

USERS

Electronic test and design engineers who develop embedded and digital communication circuitry.

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BENEFITS OF USING AN ARBITRARY FUNCTION GENERATOR

• Cost savings over dedicated pulse generators.
• Dual channels and floating outputs to generate differential signals.
• Pulse and square frequency range up to 160 MHz.

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