Function Generator for home lab - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: DrMon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 18, 2015, 05:55:19 am
content: Hi!I've recently picked up a Rigol DS1054Z and a bench power supply for my home lab. I'm working my way through the Art of Electronics and I'm starting to realize a function generator is going to be useful for getting some hands on experience/answer some questions as I go.I've looked at Ebay and there seems to be some cheap $50 DDS boards (eBay auction: #161401404288) and then the more expensive Siglent 800 series generators for about $300 AU.Is it worth springing for the Siglent? I'd like to be able to use it for some engineering applications beyond just learning. Is 5MHz going to be a serious limitation for a home lab?(Long time lurker, first time poster, by the way!)

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2015, 06:30:57 am
content: Welcome to the forum.So you have seen this thread?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/the-sdg1000-and-sdg800-thread/I think 5 MHz is the minimum you'd want, but you'll probably never upgrade it.Have a good study of the datasheet, comparing the 800 series specs between models.Got a good few 810's in the field with no problems.While a bench top unit is not always necessary for a hobbyist it is quick to drag out, setup and use.Get a good BNC cable too.

author: DrMon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 18, 2015, 06:43:41 am
content: Quote from: tautech on February 18, 2015, 06:30:57 amThanks for the reply. No I haven't! I searched and didn't find it - but it's a very good read. Looks like some very solid reviews on the 805 model. Is the main advantage over the cheap ebay DDS boards the signal stability? Or the programming flexibility? Trying to justify the extra $250 to myself.I'll spend some time tonight reading through all that information, thanks.

author: Obin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2015, 10:41:01 am
content: a cheap DDS will do perfect if you just want to build the circuits from the book.I use bothThe only thing that is not working on my DDS is the sweep function. The rest is okay as far as i can tellAnd if you're wondering whats inside those cheap DDS things, it's basicly a small box with 1 pcb inside.pictures:https://www.dropbox.com/s/j0yuepu384ek62p/IMG_20140711_215848.jpg?dl=0https://www.dropbox.com/s/wyge63b8thwtysa/IMG_20140711_221206.jpg?dl=0

author: DrMon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 18, 2015, 01:09:22 pm
content: Quote from: Obin on February 18, 2015, 10:41:01 amMaybe the smart play, then, is to pick up one of those cheap ones for the moment and upgrade if I need more grunt. If I end up with both, having two signal generators isn't the worst thing in the world.Looking at this one in particular:eBay auction: #261517827629

author: ion54
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2015, 02:23:09 pm
content: A while ago I bought this:http://www.ebay.ca/itm/10MHz-Dual-Channel-DDS-Function-Signal-Generator-Source-Frequency-Cymometer-/311104844252?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item486f4b31dc.I found it decent for home use. Frequency error is very low and it is very stable. Sine signal is not perfect, but depends on what you want to do with it.I even used it at my work place to provide signals simulating PWM sensors over 48 hours periods out in the field (closed equipment cabinet) and, for the price it is one of the best.Of course, as with any ebay purchase it is a matter of luck.

author: Obin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2015, 04:13:37 pm
content: Quote from: DrMon on February 18, 2015, 01:09:22 pmThat's a factJust see how much you use it, if you end up using it 24/7 and find it not being good enough, you can invest in good quality equipment.