Looking for a Signal/Waveform Generator. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Andrew253
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 08, 2024, 01:11:21 am
content: I work as an aircraft mechanic to do some functional checks, I am in need of a sign wave generator that is capable of putting out at least 3VPP and a wide range from 0hz to 5000HZ. The last time we ended up borrowing an older box with just knobs and no display, and using a fluke 179 to watch the frequency and voltage to dial them in. I see some more expensive ones on amazon but any recommendation on a good unit under the 500$USD range that would get this done and be good quality? Something with a display that is capable of being sent in and Calibrated?Something like this is what I was hoping for.OWON Waveform Generator,30MHz Bandwidth, 125MSa/s Sampling Rate, 14 bits Vertical Resolution, 8K Waveform Length,5 Basic Waveforms, <Cheap but claims 4VPP but would rather not waste money.Siglent Technologies SDG1032X Arbitrary Waveform - Function Generator <Middle of the road price.More information on the test I am asking about.adjust the Sine-wave Generator (2V / 0-1000Hz) to give the frequencies at between 1.8 Vpp and 2.2 Vpp. Read the NR indications on the triple indicator.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Connect the sine-wave generator (2Vpp / 0-5000Hz) to the connector N1 of the N1 speed sensor as follows:NOTEA frequency of 4100 Hz simulates N1 > 50 %.A frequency of 3900 Hz simulates N1 < 50 %.Any Advise on something that would complete this and not be overly expensive but also be of a good quality would be awesome.Thanks,EDIT: Or if this is the wrong section to ask this question direct me there.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2024, 02:46:10 am
content: pretty much any modern function gen does what you are looking for.The least expensive thing (not from aliexpress) with decent capabilities looks like:https://www.tequipment.net/UNI-T/UTG932E/Function-Generator/$1482Channel30MHz10VppFull arbI have no experience with this specific thing, and I'm not sure I'd buy that for EE design bench work, but for some testing signal source it's probably overkill.The prices and features and accuracy go up from there:https://www.tequipment.net/generators-counters/function-generator/#/generators-counters/function-generator/?F_Sort=3

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2024, 02:54:31 am
content: Quote from: Andrew253 on August 08, 2024, 01:11:21 amJust be careful with what voltage means in the context of most electronics signal generators (and the calibration checks), the amplitude is measured into a specific ideal load (usually 50 ohms) and the voltages will not be exact otherwise.

author: EPAIII
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2024, 12:51:10 pm
content: Another point to be careful about is 0 Hz is DC. No function generator reliably goes that low. 0 Hz would be a battery or just a connection to ground. Consider what actual AC frequency your lowest need would be: 1 Hz, 0.1 Hz, 0.01 Hz, etc. And keep in mind that the lower you go, the more expensive it will be.On the other hand, almost any function generator will go up to the top end of the audio range or 20,000 Hz so you should have no problems there.A popular range for an inexpensive generator may be from 20 Hz to 100 KHz. I have an inexpensive one that has a range of 20 Hz to 150 KHz.But here's a thought for you. In today's world, many DSOs (Digital Storage Scopes) come with a waveform generator. I have a two channel, 150 MHz DSO that has such a generator. It has about 5 different programmed waveforms, DC, and four arbitrary, programmable ones. The frequency is adjustable from 0.01 Hz to 5 or 10 MHz with coarse and fine controls. Voltage level up to around 8 Volts, P-P. And it only cost around $250 US. The only down side is the waveforms are digitally generated, probably with an 8 bit D-A so if the accompanying digital noise is not something you can work with, then it isn't for you. Personally I find it very useful and it's great having both scope and waveform generator in one unit. At the $250 price level it is considered an entry level scope but it can do many things that the Tektronix and HP scopes I have worked with, that cost many thousands of dollars, simply could not do. Here's a link if you want to see it.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y6KVMSV?tag=bgus-267707-20&th=1Rigol and Siglent also have lines of low end scopes but I can not suggest any model numbers.I don't know about calibration, but I don't see why not.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2024, 07:03:34 pm
content: Pretty much every ARB I've used recently has a DC mode

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2024, 08:28:43 pm
content: Avaionics test requirements are specified in the applicable FAA regulations.For calibration/repair of flying avionics, I would not rely on a forum advise as liability, and legal isses can result if there is an incident.Jon

author: Postal2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2024, 11:25:18 pm
content: Quote from: Andrew253 on August 08, 2024, 01:11:21 amI haven't found a suitable generator specifically for sine, but you can do the following:1. Buy good square wave generators (to have preset frequencies):https://aliexpress.com/item/1005001794177171.html2. Apply a filter to them, similar to a guitar wah-wah effect, narrowly selecting the 4 kHz band.You can also record the desired tones on your phone and use its headphone output.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2024, 11:42:28 pm
content: For $500 you won't get a piece of equipment that can be calibrated by a certified lab. You'll need to spend more money. A Tektronix AFG31000 series generator would be an interesting option as this unit can measure & display the waveform as it is present at the load.

author: Postal2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2024, 11:51:15 pm
content: You can also use an mp3 player.Yes, a player with pre-recorded signals in good wav quality and a calibrated volume level will completely solve the problem, nothing else is needed.