ELSFG501: REPAIRING FUNCTION GENERATOR

REQF Level: 5
Credits: 3=30 Hours (Learning hours)
Sector: Technical services
Sub-sector: Electronic services
Module contents
Learning unit 1: Prepare the Function generator work

1.1 Proper analysis of Function generator according to their technical specifications

1.2 Appropriate selection of the materials, tools and equipment according to their uses

1.3 Proper setup of the working environment according to the work to be done

Learning unit 2: Rectify Function generator faults

2.1 Correct checking of Function generator defective parts as per function

2.2 Suitable fixing of faulty components according to their types

2.3 Correct testing of the Function generator according to testing techniques

Learning unit 3: Document the work done

3.1 Accurate documentation process according to its steps

3.2 Effective reporting procedures according to the rules and regulations

3.3 Methodical writing of the technical recommendation

Learning unit 1: Prepare the Function generator work

1.3 Proper setup of the working environment according to the work to be done

Learning Outcome 1.2: Analyze Function generator

Description of 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

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most common waveforms produced by the function generator are the sine wave, square
wave, triangular wave and saw tooth shapes.

Function generator capabilities

Function generators are capable of producing a variety of repetitive waveforms, generally from the
list below:

 Sine wave: A function generator will normally have the capability to produce a standard sine
wave output. This is the standard waveform that oscillates between two levels with a standard
sinusoidal shape.

 Square wave: A square wave is normally relatively easy for a function generator to produce. It
consists of a signal moving directly between high and low levels.

 Pulse: A pulse waveform is another type that can be produced by a function generator. It is
effectively the same as a square wave, but with the mark space ratio very different to 1:1.

 Triangular wave: This form of signal produced by the function generator linearly moves
between a high and low point.

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 Sawtooth wave: Again, this is a triangular waveform, but with the rise edge of the waveform
faster or slower than the fall, making a form of shape similar to a sawtooth.

Function generator controls

In addition to a selection of the basic waveforms that are available, other controls on the function
generator may include:

 Frequency: As would be expected, this control alters the basic frequency at which the
waveform repeats. It is independent of the waveform type.
 Waveform type : This enables the different basic waveform types to be selected:

 Sine wave
 Square wave
 Triangular wave
DC offset: This alters the average voltage of a signal relative to 0V or ground.
Duty cycle: This control on the function generator changes the ratio of high voltage to low
voltage time in a square wave signal, i.e. changing the waveform from a square wave with a 1:1
duty cycle to a pulse waveform, or a triangular waveform with equal rise and fall times to a
sawtooth.
Function generators are normally very easy to operate. With modern processing technology often
included this gives the possibility of many additional features including ease of operation, and
remote control via one or more of the many standards available.

Identification of different Types of function generator:

Types of function generator

There are a number of ways of designing function generator circuits. However there are two main
approaches that may be used:

 Analogue function generator: This type of function generator was the first type to be
developed. First models appeared in the early 1950s when digital technology was not widely
used.

Despite the fact that they use analogue technology, these analogue function generators offer a
number of advantages:

 Cost effective: Analogue function generators are very cost effective, being at the lower end
of the function generator price range.

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  Simple to use: Analogue function generators provide an effective test instrument that is able
to meet most user needs, while remaining simple and easy to use.
 Maximum frequencies: The analogue function generators do not have the high frequency
limitations on non-sinusoidal waveforms such as triangles and ramps as do the digital function
generators.
Digital function generator: As the name indicates, digital function generators utilise digital
technology to generate the waveforms. There are a number of ways in which this can be done,
but the most versatile and most widely used technique for digital function generators is to use
direct digital synthesis, DDS.

DDS uses a phase accumulator, a look-up table containing a digital representation of the
waveform, and a DAC. The phase accumulator moves another position each time it receives a
clock pulse. The next position in the look-up table is then accessed giving the digital value for the
waveform at that point. This digital value is then converted into an analogue value using a digital
to analogue converter, DAC.

Digital function generators are able to offer high levels of accuracy and stability because the clock
for the system is crystal controlled. Also digital function generators provide a high spectral purity
and low phase noise. A DDS based digital function generator can also can be swept over a much
wider frequency range than an analogue function generator. It can also perform a number of
other functions such as phase continuous frequency hopping because of the action of the direct
digital synthesizer.

The disadvantage of the digital function generators is that they are more comprehensive than
their analogue cousins, they require a high performance DAC and other digital circuitry and this
means they are more costly and also more complicated to sue as a result of their additional
functionality
Sweep function generator: A sweep function generator is simply one that can sweep its
frequency. Typically the more versatile sweep function generators utilise digital technology, but it
is also possible to use analogue versions as well.

Sweep function generators may be able to sweep over ranges of up to 100:1 or more, although
this is very dependent upon the actual generator type in question. Speed of the sweep may also
be important. Another feature that may be of importance is whether the sweep is linear or
logarithmic. Some function generators may have a switch for this.
Most current function generators adopt a digital approach to the waveform generation. Some older
function generators may use analogue techniques, but it is unlikely that any new ones will.

Main function generator specifications

Although there are many different function generator specifications, the main ones are summarised
below:

 Waveforms: Function generators generally produce sine wave, square wave, pulse, triangular
and sawtooth or ramp waveforms. It is worth checking the specifications of these individual
waveforms.

 Sine wave distortion: Analogue function generators create a sine wave from the triangular
waveform using a pair of back to back diodes to shape the waveform. Although this produces

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 a good representation of a sine wave, the distortion levels will be higher than sine waves
produced by other means. Accordingly the function generator specification for sine wave
distortion needs to be checked if this may be an issue. Typical levels may be < 2%
 Triangular wave linearity: There will be some departure from a straight line on the triangular
wave. Typically linearity is better than 99% between levels of 10 and 90% of the waveform
amplitude.
 Square wave rise & fall times: Another important function generator specification can be the
square wave edge rise and fall times. This can be an issue when driving some logic chips.
Chips that are synchronous and use a clock may require an edge of a certain speed. Typically
a function generator may provide a rise time of 100ns between 10 and 90% of the waveform.
The fall time may also be of the same order as well, although possibly different to the rise time
 Output symmetry: The function generator specification will give a range over which the
output symmetry can be changed. This might be 20% - 80% ± 10%.
Output level: The output level on most function generators will be continuously variable. Often
it will be able to easily adjust to so that it is TTL compatible. However maximum limits will vary
from generator to generator. Typical maximum levels may be 10 or 12 Volts peak to peak.
Output impedance: In many instances the load that can be driven by the function generator is
of importance. The figure is measured in ohms, Ω and is typically 50Ω. Any output level readings
will assume this, and at this impedance the output will drop by half from its no load value.
DC offset: One facility that some function generators provide is a DC offset. This enables the
base voltage level of the signal to be varied over a given range. It may be variable over a range
+5V to -5V for example.
Frequency range: Function generators have a limited frequency range. There are a number of
elements to the specification:

 Lower frequency limit: The lower frequency limits tend to be below 1 Hz, often 0.1 or 0.2 Hz.
Often the lower limits are able to go well below normal requirements.
 Upper frequency limit: The upper frequency limit tends to be a headline specification for the
function generator. Limits vary considerably from figures around 1 MHz up to 20 MHz or more.
 Ranges: There may be several switched ranges to the coverage. Often they tend to cover a
decade in frequency, i.e. 1 - 10. However this specification is dependent upon the particular
function generator.
Frequency stability: The stability of function generators can vary considerably. Analogue
versions tend to be much less stable, but digital ones will use a crystal for the clock in the
generator. Typical figures may be around 0.1% per hour for analogue function generators, and
500 parts per million for digitally based test instruments. The specification may be given in terms
of the time base stability
Phase lock capability: Some generators may be able to phase lock the signal generator to an
external clock signal. This would enable the function generator to provide a much more accurate,
or synchronised output.
Modulation: Some test instruments may have the capability for the output signal to be
modulated, typically either amplitude or frequency modulation, but this is not true of many test
instruments.
Power requirements: many items of test instrumentation can operate from a variety of power
line voltages, but it is still worth checking. DC is an unlikely option, but may be available in some
limited instances if needed.
Environmental: For some applications, issues like the environmental considerations may be
important. Storage and operating temperature, along with any humidity specifications will be
quoted. Typically specifications for these aspects will indicate the equipment is unlikely to operate
in a hostile environment - typically a laboratory room, although some ruggedized equipment may
be available for some specialist applications.

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 Mechanical: The size weight and general mechanical aspects may not be particularly important
for most applications, but it is worth checking that there are no major issues.

Description of main parts of Function generator:

Power system
Control part
Displayer

Learning Outcome 1.3: Setup the working environment

 Cleaning techniques
Blowing
Brushing
Toweling
 Apply safety rules and guidelines
Individual safety precautions
Electrical safety precautions
Operating safety precautions

 Techniques of arranging tools, materials and equipment

Arrangement by types
Arrangement by uses
Arrangement by size