Looking for a function generator application video

[rhinocat]

I'm for good videos on how to use a function generator on circuits.

[w2aew]

There are many, many, many ways a function generator can be use to help test a circuit.  A flexible function generator is a very valuable part of an electronics bench, next to a scope, power supply and DMM.  Here are just a few examples from my channel:

A pair of videos on the Gilbert Cell (all input signals are coming from my function generator):



A video discussing crossover distortion in a LM358 op amp, using a function generator as the input signal:


A video discussing the Miller Effect and Cascode amplifiers, using the function generator to sweep the input frequency:


Using a function generator to provide a pulse to test the reverse recovery time of a diode:


You get the idea - just about anytime I need a signal to inject into a circuit, I use the function generator...  Dozens more examples on my channel.

[rhinocat]

Thanks so much for the reply.  I've been subscribed to your channel for a little while now and I have to admit that most of it is over my head.  i will be buying my first oscilloscope, power supply, and function generator soon so I'll be back to learn.   

[Shock]

I suggest if you are an absolute beginner start with something like a simple audio circuit and a cheap signal generator, you can buy Chinese kitsets or prebuilt circuits online for only $10-20 each delivered. For a little more you can buy a kitset with good instructions and theory of operation which is good increasing your electronics IQ.

How to identify where and how to inject signals, how to do it safely and other best practices are important which is why making or buying a cheap 9V powered generator and amp to test it on is a good way to get started with low risk (compared to working on mains powered appliances).

A simple way to understand them is the user can manipulate the generators controls to provide a signal to use as an input to a component or device so you can see how the component affects it (the output) either with an oscilloscope, frequency counter or other test equipment. Different generators may have different frequency support and types of waveform to inject into different components or manipulate them differently in order to detect performance and perform troubleshooting.

Here is a video but I find there is no decent ultra beginners guide especially on hooking up test equipment to circuits discussing input and output and a definitive series on impedance when testing.

Other than that find books with specific chapters on signal, function, and waveform generators. Another good source is downloading different manuals and reading them front to back, along with service manuals in the past they used to include a huge amount of information on how they operate and if lucky how to connect them.

[ali6x944]

see this:

 and see this:

[rhinocat]

Thanks for the responses guys.  This is one I really like.

[Shock]

Thanks for the responses guys.  This is one I really like.

Did you learn anything from those two videos?

[rhinocat]

Absolutely, this shows how a function generator can be used that many people can begin to understand.  Everyone knows what a radio is, and its easy to understand if you hear a tone out of the speaker that part of the circuit is working and if you don't that's where the fault is.

This video makes me wont to buy this radio kit just to try this out.

[Shock]

Absolutely, this shows how a function generator can be used that many people can begin to understand.  Everyone knows what a radio is, and its easy to understand if you hear a tone out of the speaker that part of the circuit is working and if you don't that's where the fault is.
This video makes me wont to buy this radio kit just to try this out.

Would have been nicer if the videos went into more background as it was an expert troubleshooting video (after all), it looks cool for a beginner but he passes on very little info there. I mentioned this before you posted the video (along with getting a kitset because you will learn far more).

That kit does look nice and appears well documented. It mentions using both audio and RF signals after assembly (make sure the generator you buy is therefore suitable).

http://www.elenco.com/admin_data/pdffiles/AMFM-108CK_low-res.pdf

[SewingYard]

I'm not sure if I was being silly when I first used my function generator, perhaps a severe case of newb-itis but I first thought I would have to feed a voltage into the circuit with my power supply to get the function generator to work.

What I didn't realise that a function generator would also provide the voltage to the circuit.

Therefore, me applying a second voltage from the power supply really messed up anything I read on the scope.

It's only when I posted on here for the first time that I realised what I was doing wrong with the function generator.

Not sure if this helps other people but hopefully it does.