Whether you need to stimulate a filter with a clean sine wave or replay a real-world sensor signal captured in the field, the instrument you reach for is a function/arbitrary waveform generator (AWG/FGen). It's one of the most versatile — and most searched — pieces of basic test equipment.
What Is a Function/Waveform Generator?
A function generator produces standard waveforms — sine, square, triangle, pulse, ramp — at a programmable frequency and amplitude. An arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) goes further: it can output any waveform shape you define or capture, sample by sample, making it possible to recreate real-world signals, complex modulations, or custom test stimuli exactly.
Key Specifications to Consider
- Output frequency range — how high in frequency the generator can produce clean waveforms
- Sample rate and vertical resolution — how faithfully an arbitrary waveform is reconstructed
- Number of channels — single or dual channel for differential, modulated, or synchronized signal generation
- Built-in modulation — AM/FM/PM/PWM and sweep/burst modes without needing external hardware
Typical Applications
Function/arbitrary waveform generators are used to stimulate and characterize filters and amplifiers, simulate sensor and communication signals, drive automated test sequences, and validate control loops in power electronics.
Function Generators from ALLdata
RIGOL's DG900 Pro series offers dual-channel generation at multiple bandwidths: the RIGOL DG922 Pro (200 MHz), RIGOL DG912 Pro (150 MHz), RIGOL DG902 Pro (70 MHz), RIGOL DG852 Pro (50 MHz), and RIGOL DG822 Pro (25 MHz). Contact our team to size bandwidth and channel count to your test requirements.