Entry level function generator with modulation

[mart1n]

Hello All,

Does anyone know of a entry level function generator, similar to a FeelTech FY3224S, but that includes FM, AM, PWM, etc modulation? I'm tempted to just splurge on a Rigol DG1022Z, but I'd really like to keep to a $150 or less budget. It's my first function generator and I'm still learning electronics.

Thanks!

[tautech]

The cheapest in the Siglent range is the SDG800 series, they're only single channel and the 5 MHz version is $248.
http://www.siglentamerica.com/pdxx.aspx?id=71&T=2&tid=16
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/the-sdg1000-and-sdg800-thread/

The current forum favourite is a SDG2042X as they're apparently upgradeable  to 120 MHz.
Quite a bit dearer though. 
http://www.siglentamerica.com/pdxx.aspx?id=1364&T=2&tid=16
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/the-siglent-sdg2042x-thread/

In between is the new SDG1000X that unlike many offers a squarewave to the full frequency of the model which normally only the sinewave is.
http://www.siglentamerica.com/pdxx.aspx?id=4705&T=2&tid=16
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sdg1000x-waveform-generators/

[mart1n]

I see you're a Siglent reseller, does that make you biased at all? What is your personal opinion of the Rigol DG1022Z?

[tautech]

I see you're a Siglent reseller, does that make you biased at all? What is your personal opinion of the Rigol DG1022Z?

I have no opinion of the DG1022Z, I only offer the information for you to be aware of Siglent's offerings for you to make an informed choice.
Your money to spend how you are comfortable with after study of the info on the net and here in the forum.
Would it not be wise to do so ? 

[rstofer]

ETA:  None of the following applies to a $150 signal generator.  Not even a $500 unit!

There are other differences between the Siglent and Rigol.  In the comparison linked below, the Siglent holds its output level up at high frequencies whereas Rigol output level drops.  The Rigol sucks at rise time for square waves pulses.  This isn't a simple problem, it is linked to the way they do DDS
This review compares higher frequency models and they are closer to what I was looking at a couple of months ago.



The Rigol appears to have more internal waveforms but it looks like the Siglent outperforms.  I'm not entirely certain that I really need 160 MHz.  Heck, I'm not sure I really need any AWG beyond my Analog Discovery.  So, I haven't bought anything...

But I would sure look at the Siglent line.

The first step is to draw a line in the sand re: frequency.  Maybe a max price...  Look at how many waveforms reach what frequency.  Look at output voltage versus frequency.  Finally, look at the rise time for square waves and pulses.  If you can find a video of your candidates, perhaps there will be an FFT to show you the spurious output.  They all have this output, it just depends on where and how much.