What is a Signal Generator?
A signal generator, also called a test signal generator, is an electronic device designed to produce electrical impulses. These devices are most often used in troubleshooting, testing, and repairing other electronic or acoustic devices. They are also sometimes used for artistic applications. There are many types of signal generators, suited to a variety of uses. Because they have so many possible applications, no one signal generator is suited to every purpose. Signal generators generally fall into one of two categories: function generators and arbitrary waveform generators. Function generators are the simpler of the two types. They produce simple repetitive signals in a wave-like form. This signal is produced by a circuit which creates the repeating wave, usually a sine wave. A function generator would most often be used in the process of designing or repairing simple electronics. In these applications they are used to send a signal through the particular circuit that is being tested.
