Test & Measurement
Signal generators: Does analogue or digital make a difference?
By Andrew Herrera, product manager, Keysight Technologies F
undamentally, a signal generator acts as the conductor of electronic testing, orchestrating a variety of signals to breathe life into circuits and systems for analysis. It produces controlled, precise waveforms— whether sine waves, square waves, or complex modulations—to test, verify, and troubleshoot electrical setups. Without signal generators, you’d lack a reliable means to simulate circuit responses to various inputs.
Imagine fine-tuning a high-fidelity audio system, debugging a digital communication channel, or developing advanced radar technology; in each case, a signal generator is your ally. It replicates real-world conditions, from audio frequencies to digital patterns and radio waves. From basic component testing to cutting-edge research and innovation, a signal generator is essential for problem-solving and forward- thinking development.
Grasping a signal generator’s key characteristics and specifications is like understanding the ingredients in a recipe; attaining the desired outcome is only possible with the correct components. With so many options, it’s important to understand which signal generator is best to achieve a project’s goal.
Signal generator important features
Top-tier, carefully calibrated signal generators provide reliability and precision that can significantly impact engineering work. The instruments undergo extensive testing and fine-tuning to ensure their signals remain accurate and stable. It’s critical that engineers have confidence in the accuracy to avoid incurring delays and escalating costs.
Understanding a signal generator’s key characteristics and features is essential. An analogue signal generator produces continuous waveforms, while a digital option creates waveforms using discrete
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values. To select the right solution, you must understand the different features and applications. Frequency range: This is essential for determining the scope of tasks your signal generator can handle, encompassing both low- and high-frequency applications. A wider frequency range allows the instrument generator to be used in various applications, making it more versatile.
Amplitude range: A broader amplitude range enhances versatility and precision, enabling the generator to meet specific requirements of different applications and ensure accurate and reliable test results.
Modulation capabilities: To accurately simulate real-world scenarios, signal generators must accommodate various modulation techniques, from AM and FM to more sophisticated digital modulations.
Output power: Sufficient and adjustable output power allows you to operate the system or circuit at different levels,
Components in Electronics
which is crucial for stress tests and other assessments.
Resolution: Greater resolution leads to more precise test outcomes, enabling you to analyse and comprehend the system or circuit in detail.
Waveform format: Different applications require specifi c waveform types, such as sine, square, and triangle waves, so it’s vital to ensure the generator can create the signal formats for accurate testing.
Analogue signal generators Analogue signal generators provide sinusoidal continuous wave (CW) signals with optional capabilities for AM, FM, phase modulation (M), and pulse modulation. The frequency range extends from RF to mmWave. Most generators include step/list sweep modes for characterising or calibrating passive devices. These generators deliver metrology-grade frequency and level accuracy, making them essential for high-precision tasks.
Analogue signal generators are crucial in Doppler radar testing under real- world conditions. The low phase noise characteristics make them ideal for high signal purity and stability applications, such as radar systems for weather forecasting and air traffic control. In these environments, any deviation or noise can lead to inaccurate data.
Digital signal generators
Unlike waveform, digital signal generators produce sequences of logic levels or digital patterns. These patterns are essential for evaluating the logic and timing of digital circuits and their performance under various conditions.
Typical applications:
System-level testing: Ensures that complex digital systems function as intended, verifying inter-component compatibility.
IC testing: Assesses individual integrated
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