Need advice about function generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kgavionics
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2012, 09:55:04 pm
content: Hi guysI'm student in avionics and i need to buy a function generator.I have a budget of 100$ and i need a cheap but a pretty good F generator for my laboratory at home.i searched on ebay and i found to kind of generators:-the regular function generator like we found in laboratories like the victor vc2002http://www.ebay.com/itm/VICTOR-VC2002-Function-Signal-Generator-5-Digits-0-2-Hz-2-MHz-7-Frequency-/280913562578?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4167c0cbd2#ht_3806wt_1396-A different kind of DDS function generators, they are small but with higher frequency outpout up to 50 MHZ likehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/AD9851-DDS-Function-Signal-Generator-0-50MHz-DDS-signal-source-DDS-Module-/180866072675?pt=BI_Signal_Sources&hash=item2a1c754063its a dilemma and i'm really lost which kind of generator i will buy.can someone help me and give me his opinion which function generator will suite my use for general electronics engineeringthank you in advance

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 09, 2012, 10:59:11 pm
content: In my opinion the VC2002 is the more functional of the two, although I have no experience with this specific model or brand. This an old analog function generator with low stability and moderate distortion, but it has a full complement of functions and full output amplitude control from 20 mV to 20 V.The AD9851 board uses the much more modern DDS method and should deliver much better frequency stability and frequency range, but I wouldn't call it a function generator. Output amplitude is fixed to a not that useful 1 V. This won't be enough to drive a CMOS logic input, for example. No DC offset control either.Popular choices on this forum appear to be the GW-Instek SFG-1003/1013, which is has similar features to the VC2002, but uses the superior DDS method to generate functions, and the Hantek DDS-3x25. The latter is somewhat between the stand-alone function gens and the AD9851. Its amplitude is a fixed 3.5 Vp-p, but can be reduced (at the cost of spectral purity and output resolution) in software. Advantages are bandwidth and arbitrary waveforms, disadvantages are lack of front panel, limited amplitude control, no DC offset and requirement for PC control (throw it away when Hantek stops updating the drivers for the next Windows version). Both will probably exceed the $100 budget.

author: kgavionics
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2012, 11:35:52 pm
content: thank you alm for replyi've found the Hantek DDS-3x25 on ebay with a price 150$ and if you recommend me this one i can buy it.Is it the good choice?thank you

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2012, 06:38:10 am
content: People here say the Hantek DDS 3x25 is pretty good value for the money. So I'd say it's a recommended buy.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/general-chat/review-hantek-dds-3x25-anyone-own-one/Cheers,Florian

author: kgavionics
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2012, 03:10:37 pm
content: thank you guysafter a couple of hours searching on the net, my choice went to GW-Instek SFG-1003.The hantek USB function generator is good, but i look for something like a laboratory FG.i just buy it on ebay for 150$ and in few days i will let you know my opinion about this function generator.have a good day guys