A function generator is an essential electronic device used to generate a wide range of electrical waveforms over a spectrum of frequencies. Its primary function is to produce accurate electrical waveforms, which may include sine waves, square waves, triangular waves, sawtooth shapes, and others. These signals are used for stimulating and testing the response of electronic components, circuits, and systems. The main characteristics of a function generator include its ability to vary frequency, waveform type, amplitude, and other parameters, enabling it to simulate various operational conditions for the purposes of troubleshooting, design, or teaching in fields ranging from telecommunications to medical device manufacturing.
Function generators are widely utilized in electronics laboratories, engineering, and in industries that require precise electronic signal creation and analysis. They serve critical roles in the development, testing, and repair of electronic equipment by providing a controllable signal source that can be adjusted to meet specific requirements. Key features often include the ability to modulate signals, sweep frequencies, and provide complex and custom waveform outputs. Manufacturers producing high-quality function generators include Keysight Technologies, Tektronix, Fluke, Rigol, and Siglent Technologies, among others.