A Function Generator

Photo of function generator

This test instrument was created because market products of similar capabilities could not be found for a reasonable price. A function generator creates sinusoidal, triangular, or square wave electronic signals whose frequency, shape, and amplitude can be independently controlled. These signals are very useful in electronic troubleshooting. This instrument cost about $200 to make. Commercial versions with similar capabilities start at around $500.

Gory details: Frequency range is six decades (100 Hz to 10 MHz). Duty cycle ranges from 10% to 90%. Frequency control has both coarse and fine adjustment knobs. DC offset is also adjustable. Other features include a TTL-compatible SYNC output, a -20dB attenuator, and selectable output impedance (0 or 50 ohms). An eight-digit frequency counter is built-in.

This instrument is a "mid-range" level project.

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