When it comes to electronic test equipment, Hewlett Packard (HP) is a name that stands out. One of their popular products is the Hewlett Packard Function Generator Vintage, a piece of equipment that has played a critical role in developing, testing, and repairing electronic devices for decades. In this article, we will explore the functionality and versatility of this vintage function generator.
What does a function generator do?
A function generator is a piece of electronic test equipment that is used to generate various kinds of electrical waveforms over a broad range of frequencies. Some of the most common waveforms created by a function generator are sawtooth shapes, triangular waves, square waves, and sine waves. These waveforms can be either single-shot, which require an external or internal trigger source, or repetitive.
Function generators are commonly used in the development, testing, and repair of electronic equipment. They can be used to introduce an error signal into a control loop or as a signal source to test amplifiers. They are especially useful for working with analog circuits and find applications in electronic hobbyists' projects, response and stimulus testing, in-circuit signal injection, frequency response characterization, electrical equipment and electronic repair, as well as in educational institutions and research and development.
How does a function generator work?
A simple function generator, like the Hewlett Packard Function Generator Vintage, typically creates a triangular waveform whose frequency can be smoothly controlled. This triangular wave serves as the basis for all other outputs. The generation of the triangular wave occurs by charging and discharging a capacitor from a continuous current source on a repetitive basis. This creates a voltage ramp that linearly ascends and descends.
A comparator is used to reverse the charging or discharging when the output voltage reaches the lower or upper limits, creating the linear triangle wave. By varying the capacitor size and the current, various frequencies can be achieved. Additionally, function generators can also produce sawtooth waves by slowly charging the capacitor with a low current and utilizing a diode for quick discharge. The resulting sawtooth waveform's polarity depends on the diode's polarity, allowing for quick rise and slow fall or quick fall and slow rise.
Hewlett & packard: pioneers in tech industryCan a function generator be used as a power supply?
While a function generator primarily generates various waveforms for testing purposes, it can also function as an AC power supply for AC circuits. A function generator provides a variable voltage source, like a standard DC power supply, but it can also vary the frequency, measured in Hertz (Hz), or the cycles per second. This allows for a wide range of applications that require an AC power source.
Many modern function generators offer the ability to alter the shape of the alternating voltage signal. The sine wave is the most common shape, but there are often buttons that can yield other waveforms as well.
Function generator vs. signal generator: What's the difference?
While function generators and signal generators are both used for electrical testing, they have distinct differences in terms of functionality. A signal generator primarily produces sinusoidal waveforms with settable amplitude and frequency. It can also have multiple channels with varying phases and the option for modulation with a second lower frequency. Signal generators are often used for examining circuits with different properties at different frequencies, such as tuned circuits and filters.
Analyzing hewlett-packard (hpe) stock price: trends, factors, and analyst targetsOn the other hand, function generators go beyond signal generators, enabling the generation of periodic standard functions like noise, DC, ramp up and down, triangle, square, and sine waves. Some function generators, known as arbitrary function generators (AFGs), can even create user-defined periodic waveforms. There are also arbitrary waveform generators (AWGs), which can generate user-defined waveforms of any size.
Setting up a function generator
Setting up a function generator for testing circuit behavior involves a few basic steps:
- Power on the generator and select the desired output signal, such as a triangle wave, sine wave, or square wave.
- Connect the output leads to an oscilloscope to visualize the output signal.
- Adjust the frequency and amplitude controls to set the desired parameters.
- Connect the function generator's output leads to the input of the circuit you want to test.
- Connect the output of your circuit to an oscilloscope or meter to visualize the resulting change in signal.
If the output voltage is not correct, it is important to ensure that the function generator's output impedance is properly matched with the load impedance. Most function generators have a 50 Ω output impedance, which is compatible with common RF connection cables. Adjusting the termination resistor or using an appropriate feed-through terminator can help achieve the desired output voltage.
The Hewlett Packard Function Generator Vintage is a versatile piece of electronic test equipment that has been widely used in the development, testing, and repair of electronic devices. It offers the ability to generate various waveforms over a broad range of frequencies, making it an essential tool for electronic hobbyists, response and stimulus testing, frequency response characterization, and more. By understanding its functionality and differences from other generators, users can make the most of this vintage function generator for their testing needs.
Hpe careers: professional growth opportunities at hewlett packard enterprise