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| Function generator - need a jungle guide:-) |
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| FriedMule:
I have seen everything from a 2MHz to 2,000$ functions generator and 500MHz and 3GHZ, I have also seen 30$ 25MHz and then there is also types like the arbitrary Siglent's 499$ 40MHz (120MHz). I can imagine that a Agilent or Keysight 25MHZ has to be better then a 30$ or maybe even better then the Siglent? What I need right now is properly not an arbitrary and I can't imagine what I need 100MHz fore and I do also not need a NASA grade signal. But on the other hand, do I want a signal generator I can relay upon, one where if I say 5MHz square wave, then do I get a square wave and not something that may be called a square wave if you close one eye. :-) I do have a great 10MHZ frequency standard, so that part is also not important. In other word want to be sure, that I get out what I ask fore, no question asked! My problem is not to find models out there, my problem is to read / understand what one datapoint means for me contra an other from an other specsheet. Do any of you know of new / used models? |
| capt bullshot:
--- Quote from: FriedMule on October 27, 2019, 02:31:30 pm ---In other word want to be sure, that I get out what I ask fore, no question asked! --- End quote --- That would be the HP33120A model - the first function generator I've encountered in my life as an engineer that did put out what I dialed in. Never used the arbitrary part of it. IMO only topped off by the modern Keysight / Tektronix / Siglent models. Performance wise (just puts out what you dial in) most of the cheap $25 ones from ebay should achieve this today, though the overall quality (including and especially the user interface) of a brand name one will be better, but for example Keysight and Siglent will be quite equal quality wise. The cheap ones will have more or less serious restrictions, e.g. regarding the output voltage range, output noise level, nasty user interface, ... |
| RoGeorge:
Here's your requested jungle guide: Would help a lot if you would say why/what for do you need a generator. :) On short, many classifications were made: - analog or digital generators, by the way the signal is generated - audio or RF generators, by the range of the output frequency - arbitrary (AWG) or functions (usually only a few well known waveforms, like triangle, saw, sinus, square, PWM) generators, by the possible waveform shape - modulated/unmodulated/noise generators and so on, many other classifications can be done. |
| FriedMule:
--- Quote from: capt bullshot on October 27, 2019, 04:09:52 pm --- --- Quote from: FriedMule on October 27, 2019, 02:31:30 pm ---In other word want to be sure, that I get out what I ask fore, no question asked! --- End quote --- That would be the HP33120A model - the first function generator I've encountered in my life as an engineer that did put out what I dialed in. Never used the arbitrary part of it. IMO only topped off by the modern Keysight / Tektronix / Siglent models. Performance wise (just puts out what you dial in) most of the cheap $25 ones from ebay should achieve this today, though the overall quality (including and especially the user interface) of a brand name one will be better, but for example Keysight and Siglent will be quite equal quality wise. The cheap ones will have more or less serious restrictions, e.g. regarding the output voltage range, output noise level, nasty user interface, ... --- End quote --- Yes you may be right in that most generators can produce the diferent signals today:-) But I think they may also make a lot extra... a sinus wave with 10th harmonic or something:-) Ill look at yor sugestion. --- Quote from: RoGeorge on October 27, 2019, 04:14:59 pm ---Here's your requested jungle guide: VIDEO: Would help a lot if you would say why/what for do you need a generator. :) On short, many classifications were made: - analog or digital generators, by the way the signal is generated - audio or RF generators, by the range of the output frequency - arbitrary (AWG) or functions (usually only a few well known waveform's, like triangle, saw, sinus, square, PWM) generators, by the possible waveform shape - modulated/unmodulated/noise generators and so on, many other classifications can be done. --- End quote --- Oh what I want to use it for... I think non digital and non RF projects in the next 10-20 years:-) A good all-round unit, if I later need something special, I'd have to look again. Ofcause more funtions give more to work with, but I am mostly looking after a workhorse to most minor tasks where I know I get clean correct signals. Any idea on how many money to trow at the unit for DIY? |
| capt bullshot:
--- Quote from: FriedMule on October 27, 2019, 04:30:09 pm ---Oh what I want to use it for... I think non digital and non RF projects in the next 10-20 years:-) A good all-round unit, if I later need something special, I'd have to look again. Ofcause more funtions give more to work with, but I am mostly looking after a workhorse to most minor tasks where I know I get clean correct signals. Any idea on how many money to trow at the unit for DIY? --- End quote --- You might get lucky with an unit like this one (just an example): https://www.ebay.de/itm/254355461027 Which would be a decent analog general purpose function generator of a well known brand |
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