Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad

EE332L Electronic Design and Practice (5Th Semester)

Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad

Electronics Lab

Electronic Design & Practice Lab

Experiment No.01: Function Generator and Digital Storage Oscilloscope

Name of Student: ……………………………………………………..

Roll No.: ……………………………………………………………….

Class Section: …………………………………………………………

Date of Experiment: ………………………………………………….

Report submitted on: …………………………………………………

Marks obtained: …………………………………

Instructor’s Signature: …………………………..

Experiment No.01: Introduction to DSO and Function Generator Page|1

 Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad
EE332L Electronic Design and Practice (5Th Semester)
Objective:
 To get familiar to the functions of lab equipment
 To understand the proper working of each lab equipment.
 To handle the lab equipment.

Function Generator
A function generator is usually a piece of electronic test equipment or software used to generate
different types of electrical waveforms over a wide range of frequencies. Some of the most
common waveforms produced by the function generator are the sine, square, triangular and
saw-tooth shapes. These waveforms can be either repetitive or single-shot (which requires an
internal or external trigger source). Integrated circuits used to generate waveforms may also be
described as function generator ICs.

Although function generators cover both audio and RF frequencies, they are usually not
suitable for applications that need low distortion or stable frequency signals. When those traits
are required, other signal generators would be more appropriate.

Function generators are used in the development, test and repair of electronic equipment. For
example, they may be used as a signal source to test amplifiers or to introduce an error signal
into a control loop.

Description
The front panel of the function generator consist of:

 Power on/off switch

 Digital displays(for frequency and voltage)
 Adjustable Frequency knob
 Variable voltage control knob
 BNC connectors(for external connections)
 Duty cycle control knob
 DC level control knob
 Switch Panel(for different operations)

Function or signal generator is one of the most important component used in designing
electronics circuits especially for practical or experimental applications. A function generator

Experiment No.01: Introduction to DSO and Function Generator Page|2

 Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad
EE332L Electronic Design and Practice (5Th Semester)
is a signal source that has the capability of producing different types of waveforms as its
output signal. The most common out of them are

 Sine wave
 Square wave
 Triangular wave
 Growing exponential wave
 Decaying exponential wave
 Ramp wave

The frequencies of all these waveforms can be adjusted from a fraction of a hertz to megahertz
range. Actually the function generators are very versatile instruments as they are capable of
producing a wide variety of waveforms and frequencies. In fact each of these waveforms are
suitable for specific applications. All the function generators are capable of producing two
different waveforms simultaneously from two different outputs. This may find helpful for
certain application which requires more than one output waveforms at a time.

BASIC OPERATION

1. Press the power switch of the generator. After a short boot-up sequence, the generator
will be in its default state — a sine wave with 1-V peak-to-peak amplitude and frequency of 1
KHz (103 Hz).
2. To change the parameters of the waveform, use the parameters buttons to select the
parameter that you intend to alter. Frequency and amplitude are the two things we will change
most frequently. Use the soft-key to choose which parameter you would like to specify.
3. Parameter values can be changed by two methods. The first is to simply punch in the
value using the numeric keypad. Use the number keys to change the frequency to 500Hz.
First, choose “Frequency” using the soft-key/numeric keypad, then enter 250 with keypad, and
then select the units — Hz — using the soft-keys. The change takes effect when the unit key
is pushed. The parameter values and waveform shown on the graph will change accordingly.
The second method for changing parameters is to use the rotary knob.

If we are using sinusoidal signal, we express the amplitude either in peak-to-peak volts. The
default unit is peak-to-peak. It is easy to convert between peak-to-peak and RMS – the
relation is

VP = 1.8*VRMS.
Vpp=2*Vp

When writing about sinusoidal voltages or currents, it is important to be clear about which units
we are using. It would be a serious misunderstanding if you are describing peak-to-peak values
but have not been clear about units and your reader mistakenly assumes RMS values.

4. To change the waveform type, use the waveform buttons. In addition to three basic
periodic waveforms, there are others geared towards specific applications in electronics and
communication systems. Change the waveform type to a square wave. Note the parameters for

Experiment No.01: Introduction to DSO and Function Generator Page|3

 Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad
EE332L Electronic Design and Practice (5Th Semester)
the square wave. Finally change the waveform to ramp and note the different parameters that
can be set for that.

5. The output button turns on the voltage waveform to the output terminal. Until this
button is pressed, the output voltage will be zero. To connect the output circuit, we will need to
use a BNC-to-banana plug adapter. For this we are already provided by coaxial cable that
have BNC connector at one end and banana plug at the other end.

Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO)

A digital storage oscilloscope, also known as a DSO, is an electronic device that is capable of
storing a digital copy of the measured waveform. Using analog-to-digital converters to
digitize and sample measured voltages, a digital storage oscilloscope stores the results in its
memory, which it process further using digital signal processing techniques.

BASIC INFORMATION
An oscilloscope is a device used for testing signal voltages in fields such as circuit debugging,
electronic measurement, testing in manufacturing, designing, general testing and researches.
Also known as a scope, an oscilloscope displays the changes in signal voltage over a certain
period of time. It usually comes with a rectangular screen, which allows users to view the
input voltage on a particular axis over a particular period of time on the other.

Just like other kinds of digital oscilloscopes, a DSO converts analogue input voltages into
digital data. Two factors determine the maximum frequency that the digital storage
oscilloscope can measure. One is the sampling rate of the oscilloscope, which is usually
measured in millions or billions of samples per second, and the other is the nature of the analog-
to-digital converter and the signal amplifier on each input.

Not to be confused with a voltmeter, a digital storage oscilloscope displays graphical

representations of signal, enabling a more intuitive visual diagnosis of the unexpected voltage’s
source. A voltmeter, on the other hand, records only the presence of unexpected voltage,
requiring further troubleshooting and diagnostics. A DSO can measure the same voltage and
show oscillation in the affected circuit. Digital storage oscilloscopes also offer visual display
of the precise timing or shape of the pulse.

Description
The front panel of DSO has:
 Power on/off knob
 X-position and Y-position
 Volt/div and Tim/div
 Channel selector, Trigger and Cursor manual switches
 DC/AC/GND selector switch
 Input,output knobs and Probes/ BNC connector

Experiment No.01: Introduction to DSO and Function Generator Page|4

 Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad
EE332L Electronic Design and Practice (5Th Semester)

Figure: Digital Storage Oscilloscope

Working of DSO
For the most basic operation illustration of DSO the basic sine wave using function generator
is applied.
1. REMEMBER, function generator is basically a frequency generator that helps in
obtaining sine wave, square wave or saw tooth waveform.

2. Power on DSO and check its the knobs and calibrations.

3. Now connect the probe of function generator with the BNC connector of the DSO.

4. Now do channel selection as per required whether CH-I or CH-II.

5. Adjust the volt/div and time/div calibrations as you desire,

6. Select any of the desired wave through the generator that you wish to see. It will appear
on the screen of the D.S.O

If the signal or trace does not appear change through xy positions or through the knob of
time/div, also check for the intensity and focus of the trace.
.

Perform following Lab Tasks properly and draw the results on the shown graph paper

Experiment No.01: Introduction to DSO and Function Generator Page|5

 Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad
EE332L Electronic Design and Practice (5Th Semester)
Lab Task-1:
Draw the Waveform of Calibration of DSO

Frequency=…………………. V (Peak)= …………………...

V(Peak-Peak)=………………. V(RMS)=…………………….

VS (Vertical Sensitivity)=………… HS( Horizontal Sensitivity)=…………

Offset=…………………… Time Period=……………………

Lab Task-2:

Generate the Sine wave with V (Peak)= 5volts and Frequency=1KHz from Function Generator
the show on the DSO on following figure

Note the following readings on DSO

Time Period=…………………. V (Peak)= …………………...

V(Peak-Peak)=………………. V(RMS)=…………………….

VS (Vertical Sensitivity)=………… HS( Horizontal Sensitivity)=…………

Offset=…………………… Duty Cycle=……………………

Experiment No.01: Introduction to DSO and Function Generator Page|6

 Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad
EE332L Electronic Design and Practice (5Th Semester)

Lab Task-3:

Draw the waveform of Lab task-2 with 2volts DC offset. Set DC offset from Function Generator

Experiment No.01: Introduction to DSO and Function Generator Page|7

 Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad
EE332L Electronic Design and Practice (5Th Semester)
Lab Task-4:

Generate the Triangular Wave with V (Peak)= 5volts, Frequency=1KHz and Offset=2Volts
from Function Generator then draw the waveform of the DSO on following figure

Time Period =…………………. V (Peak)= …………………...

V(Peak-Peak)=………………. V (RMS)=…………………….

VS (Vertical Sensitivity) =………… HS (Horizontal Sensitivity)=…………

Offset=…………………… Duty Cycle=……………………

Lab Task-5:

Generate the Square Wave with V (Peak)= 1volts, Frequency=1KHz and Duty cycle=70% from
Function Generator then draw the waveform of the DSO on following figure

Note the following readings on DSO and Draw the Waveform

Time Period =…………………. V (Peak)= …………………...

V(Peak-Peak)=………………. V (RMS)=…………………….

VS (Vertical Sensitivity) =………… HS ( Horizontal Sensitivity)=…………

Offset=…………………… Duty Cycle=……………………

Experiment No.01: Introduction to DSO and Function Generator Page|8

 Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad
EE332L Electronic Design and Practice (5Th Semester)

Lab Task-6:

Generate the Square Wave with V (Peak)= 1volts, Frequency=1KHz, Duty cycle=90% and DC
Offset=3Volts from Function Generator then draw the waveform of the DSO on following figure

Time Period =…………………. V (Peak)= …………………...

V(Peak-Peak)=………………. V (RMS)=…………………….

VS (Vertical Sensitivity) =………… HS ( Horizontal Sensitivity)=…………

Offset=…………………… Duty Cycle=……………………

Experiment No.01: Introduction to DSO and Function Generator Page|9

 Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad
EE332L Electronic Design and Practice (5Th Semester)
Questions:

What is the frequency of test signal in DSO with horizontal sensitivity 2ms?

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What is difference between DSO and Function Generator?

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Mention the important features of DSO properly?

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Assignment No: 01

1. Make your tasks and manual clean enough to get Bonus marks
2. Graphs without proper tagging and scaling would not be considered
3. Copied tasks or late submission would mark Zero
4. In next Lab, There may be a Quiz, so come with Preparation
5. Submit your manual in next Lab otherwise late submission will be considered

Experiment No.01: Introduction to DSO and Function Generator Page|10

 Sir Syed CASE Institute of Technology, Islamabad
EE332L Electronic Design and Practice (5Th Semester)
Lab #01 Marks distribution

ER1 ER9 RR2

Task 50 points 30 points 20 points

Lab #01 Marks obtained

ER1 ER9 RR2 Total

Task

Marks Details:

Marks obtained: …………………………………

Instructor’s Signature: …………………………..

Experiment No.01: Introduction to DSO and Function Generator Page|11