Introduction to Signal Generators
The function of a signal generator is to produce time dependent signal with some special characteristics of frequency, amplitude and shape.
Sometimes these features are controlled externally throughout control signals, the voltage-controlled oscillator or VCO is a clear example.
To ensure that the signal generator acheives its function, some kind of feedback devices are used.
These devices have features that are time-dependent (usually capacitors).
There are two types of signal generators: tuned or sinusoidal oscillators and relaxation oscilators
- The tuned oscillators use a system that theorycally creates pairs of conjugated poles exactly in the imaginary axis in order to maintain a sustained sinusoidal oscillation.
- The relaxation oscillators use bistable devices such as switches, Schmitt triggers, logic gates, comparators and flip-flops that repeatedly charge and discharge capacitors.
Typical waveforms that are obtained with relaxation oscillators are triangular, square, exponential or pulse.
Basic principles of the sinusoidal oscillators >>
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