Overview

This is a sound card based dual channel Signal Generator (Sweep/Arbitrary/Function/Burst Generator), providing the following types of waveforms/tones for output:

• Sine
• Rectangle (with adjustable duty cycle)
• Triangle
• Saw Tooth
• White Noise
• Pink Noise
• Multi-tones
• Arbitrary via user-configurable waveform library (WFLibrary)
• Maximum Length Sequence (MLS), with adjustable length (127~16777215)
• Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF)
• Unit Impulse
• Unit Step
• Musical Scale

at either a fixed frequency, or a frequency that sweeps linearly or logarithmically within a specified frequency range and time duration. The output signal can be looped back partially (i.e. only one channel while the other channel can be used for field input) or fully (i.e. both channels), via the software itself, to the input of the Oscilloscope for display and analysis in real time. Synchronized operation between the Signal Generator and the Oscilloscope with timing accuracy in the same order of the sampling frequency is allowed. Amplitude sweeping and burst signal generation are also supported.

The accuracy of the output signal is dependent on the sound card. Almost all sound cards are "AC coupled" and thus will filter out DC and near-DC components. As a result, signal components below approximately 10 Hz may be distorted. The flatness of pulses and rectangle waves may be affected and ramp signals may become non-linear.

The Signal Generator Panel is intentionally made compact so that it can be displayed and operated simultaneously with other instruments within the confinement of the screen. You can un-tick the “Show Editor” check box to make the panel even smaller after you have set your desired parameters.

The toggle button in the Instrument Toolbar is used to open or close the Signal Generator. You can also close it by clicking the "Close" button at the upper right corner of the Signal Generator panel.