SPARKS Tutorial Logo print this

Using a Function Generator

dc-power-supply.png
a. DC power supply
ac-function-generator.png
b. AC power supply
Figure 1. Comparing DC and AC power supplies

You know how a typical DC power supply provides a variable voltage source for DC circuits. A simple turn of a knob adjusts the output voltage. See Figure 1a.

In a similar way, a function generator is an AC power supply for AC circuits. See Figure 1b. A function generator provides a variable voltage source (or amplitude), but it also can vary the frequency, measured in Hertz, or cycles per second.

Many function generators can also change the shape of the alternating voltage signal. The most common shape is the sine wave. But you may also find buttons that will yield other waveforms. Figure 2 shows some typical choices. You can see the shapes of these signals with an oscilloscope.

sine-wave.jpg
a. Sine wave
square-wave.jpg
b. Square wave
triangle-wave.jpg
c. Triangle wave
sawtooth-wave.jpg
d. Sawtooth wave
Figure 2. Different types of waves from a function generator
fg-slider-anim.gif
Figure 3. Change frequency with the SPARKS function generator

We made the function generator for SPARKS very simple.

You will measure the AC voltage amplitude, but the digital display shows the frequency.