Below are questions frequently asked by our customers and partners about GAO Tek’s function generators. They are further classified by their features benchtop, direct digital synthesis (DDS), saved settings, handheld, and rugged.

If you have any questions about our products or want to place an order, our technical experts can help you. Please fill out this inquiry form or email us. 

What is a function generator?

A function generator is an electronic device used to generate different types of electrical waveforms, such as sine waves, square waves, triangle waves, and more.

The main types of waveforms that our function generator can produce include sine waves, square waves, triangular waves, sawtooth waves, and pulse waves.

GAO Tek’s function generators are commonly used in electronic testing and experimentation, waveform synthesis, frequency modulation, audio testing, and various scientific and engineering applications.

The frequency range of GAO Tek’s function generator varies depending on the model and manufacturer. It can range from a few hertz to several megahertz.

Yes, we have some advanced function generators that can produce arbitrary waveforms, allowing users to create custom waveforms using mathematical equations or imported data.

Frequency modulation is a technique used to vary the frequency of the output waveform of a function generator. It is often used in applications such as frequency sweeps and frequency shift keying (FSK).

Yes, many of our function generators offer synchronization capabilities, allowing them to be synchronized with other instruments such as oscilloscopes, frequency counters, and signal analyzers.

While a function generator produces predefined waveforms such as sine, square, and triangle waves, an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) can produce user-defined waveforms with more flexibility.

We suggest considering important features including frequency range, waveform types, amplitude range, frequency resolution, modulation capabilities, signal purity, and user interface.

The accuracy of the waveforms produced by function generators depends on various factors including the quality of the instrument, calibration, and stability of the output signal.

The amplitude range of GAO Tek’s function generator typically varies from millivolts to volts, depending on the model and specifications.

The harmonic distortion of the signals generated by our function generators depends on the quality of the instrument. Higher-end models tend to produce signals with lower harmonic distortion.

Yes, many function generators are designed to be portable and can be powered by batteries or AC adapters, making them suitable for field applications.

Some function generators offer precise phase control capabilities, allowing users to adjust the phase relationship between multiple output waveforms.

Sweep functionality allows users to vary the frequency of the output waveform over a specified range, which is useful for frequency response testing and modulation studies.

Yes, like most electronic instruments, our function generators may require periodic calibration to ensure accurate and reliable operation over time.

Many function generators offer adjustable duty cycle settings for square waveforms, allowing users to control the ratio of time the waveform is high to the total period.

Yes, most of our function generators allow users to apply a DC offset to the output waveform, enabling them to shift the waveform up or down along the voltage axis.

Yes, we advise users to be considerate when using function generators, and users should be aware of the voltage levels and potential hazards associated, especially when working with high-frequency or high-voltage signals.

Yes, our function generators are often used in educational settings for teaching principles of waveform generation, modulation techniques, and electronic circuitry.

  • Electronic Testing and Troubleshooting: Function generators test and troubleshoot electronic circuits, components, and systems by applying known waveforms and analysing the responses.
  • Waveform Synthesis: They are utilized to generate standard waveforms such as sine waves, square waves, triangular waves, sawtooth waves, and pulse waves for a wide range of purposes.
  • Frequency Modulation (FM): Function generators can be used to modulate the frequency of a carrier signal for applications such as Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis, Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), and communications.
  • Audio Testing and Signal Processing: They are employed in audio testing and signal processing applications, including audio equipment testing, speaker testing, audio signal generation, and filter response analysis.
  • Laboratory Experiments and Education: Function generators are commonly used in laboratory experiments and educational settings to demonstrate principles of waveform generation, modulation techniques, frequency response, and electronic circuit behaviour.
  • Sensor Simulation: They can simulate sensor outputs and signal conditions for testing and calibration purposes in fields such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation.
  • Signal Conditioning and Amplification: Function generators can be used to condition signals by adjusting parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and waveform shape. They can also drive amplifiers and transducers in various applications.
  • Frequency Response Testing: Function generators are used to apply signals with varying frequencies to Devices Under Test (DUTs) to analyse their frequency response characteristics and identify resonant frequencies.
  • Phase-locked Loop (PLL) Testing: They are used in testing and verifying the performance of phase-locked loops, which are critical components in communication systems, frequency synthesizers, and clock recovery circuits.
  • Automatic Test Equipment (ATE): Function generators are integrated into automatic test equipment setups for automated testing and characterization of electronic components, assemblies, and systems.
  • Radar and RF Testing: They play a role in radar and Radio Frequency (RF) testing for generating test signals, simulating radar returns, and characterizing RF circuits and systems.
  • Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS): Function generators are used in EIS measurements to apply small amplitude AC signals to electrochemical cells and analyse their impedance properties across a range of frequencies.
  • Motor Control and Power Electronics: They are employed in testing and simulating motor control systems, power converters, inverters, and other power electronics applications.
  • Digital Communication Systems Testing: Function generators are used in testing and validating digital communication systems, including baseband and modulated signals, error correction techniques, and signal integrity.
  • Medical Device Testing: They play a role in testing and calibrating medical devices such as patient monitors, ECG machines, ultrasound equipment, and diagnostic instruments.
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Regulations: Function generators that emit electromagnetic radiation are subject to FCC regulations to prevent interference with other electronic devices and communication systems. Compliance involves meeting specific emission limits and obtaining FCC certification.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards: Function generators used in industrial settings must comply with OSHA standards to ensure the safety of workers. This may include compliance with electrical safety standards, proper labelling, and documentation of potential hazards.
  • Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Certification: Function generators may need to undergo testing and certification by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to ensure compliance with safety standards. UL certification typically involves testing for electrical safety and fire resistance.
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards: Function generators must comply with EMC standards to ensure that they do not interfere with other electronic devices and are not susceptible to external electromagnetic interference. Compliance with EMC standards involves testing for emissions and immunity to interference.
  • Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive: Function generators sold in the United States must comply with the RoHS directive, which restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Compliance involves ensuring that the product does not contain restricted substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and certain flame retardants.
  • Energy Efficiency Standards: Some function generators may need to comply with energy efficiency standards established by organizations such as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or the California Energy Commission (CEC). These standards set requirements for energy consumption and standby power modes.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations: Function generators may need to comply with EPA regulations related to the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) and the use of environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes.
  • Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Regulations: Function generators marketed to consumers must comply with CPSC regulations to ensure product safety and prevent hazards such as electrical shocks, fire, and mechanical injuries.
  • Safety Standards: Function generators must adhere to safety standards outlined by regulatory bodies such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or equivalent international standards like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. These standards ensure that the device does not pose electrical, mechanical, or thermal hazards to users or surrounding environments.
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Function generators must meet EMC requirements to ensure that they do not emit excessive Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and can operate safely in electromagnetic environments without causing interference to other devices. Compliance with EMC standards such as CISPR (International Special Committee on Radio Interference) and FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulations is essential.
  • Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure: Function generators with RF capabilities, such as those used for frequency modulation and RF testing, must comply with regulations regarding RF exposure limits to ensure the safety of users and operators. Health Canada sets guidelines for RF exposure in Canada based on recommendations from organizations like the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
  • Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE): Manufacturers and importers of function generators must comply with WEEE regulations, which require them to take responsibility for the proper disposal and recycling of electronic waste generated by their products. Compliance with WEEE regulations helps minimize the environmental impact of electronic devices.
  • RoHS Compliance: Function generators must also comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regulations, which restrict the use of certain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and certain flame retardants in electronic products. RoHS compliance is aimed at reducing the environmental and health risks associated with the use of hazardous materials in electronics.
  • Product Labelling and Marking: Function generators sold in Canada must comply with labelling and marking requirements outlined by regulatory authorities. This includes providing essential information such as product specifications, safety warnings, compliance marks (e.g., CSA certification mark), and manufacturer/importer details on the product and its packaging.
  • Energy Efficiency Standards: While not specific to function generators, electronic devices may need to comply with energy efficiency standards set by bodies like Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to minimize energy consumption and promote energy efficiency.
  • IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use): This standard outline general safety requirements for electrical equipment used in measurement, control, and laboratory applications. It covers aspects such as electrical insulation, protection against electric shock, and mechanical hazards.
  • IEC 61326 (Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – EMC Requirements): IEC 61326 specifies Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements for electrical equipment used in measurement, control, and laboratory applications. It sets limits for electromagnetic emissions and immunity to ensure that equipment operates reliably in electromagnetic environments without causing interference to other devices.
  • CISPR 11 (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Radio-Frequency Equipment – Electromagnetic Disturbance Characteristics): CISPR 11 is a standard that specifies limits and methods of measurement of radio-frequency emissions produced by Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) equipment, including function generators. Compliance with CISPR 11 helps ensure that function generators do not emit excessive Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) that could interfere with other electronic devices.
  • EN 61000 Series (Electromagnetic Compatibility – EMC): The EN 61000 series consists of European standards that address Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements for various electronic devices and systems. Function generators must comply with specific standards within this series, such as EN 61000-6-2 (Generic Standards – Immunity for Industrial Environments) and EN 61000-6-3 (Generic Standards – Emission Standard for Residential, Commercial, and Light-Industrial Environments).
  • ISO 14971 (Medical Devices – Application of Risk Management to Medical Devices): For function generators intended for medical applications, ISO 14971 provides guidelines for applying risk management principles to medical devices throughout their life cycle. Compliance with ISO 14971 helps ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices, including function generators used in medical settings.
  • RoHS Directive (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive): The RoHS Directive restricts the use of certain hazardous substances, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and certain flame retardants, in electrical and electronic equipment sold in the European Union and other regions. Compliance with the RoHS Directive is essential for function generators marketed in jurisdictions covered by the directive.
  • WEEE Directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive): The WEEE Directive aims to promote the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of electrical and electronic waste. Manufacturers and importers of function generators must comply with the requirements of the WEEE Directive, including providing mechanisms for the proper recycling and disposal of end-of-life equipment.

The alternative names of function generators include signal generators, waveform generators, frequency generators, arbitrary waveform generators, waveform synthesizers, function synthesizers, function waveform generators, electronic signal generators, oscillator generators, function testers, frequency synthesizers, waveform synthesis instruments, signal synthesizers, test signal generators, analog signal generators, digital function generators, pulse generators, precision signal generators, rf signal generators, and laboratory signal generators.

Here is the link for the entire function generators category https://gaotek.com/category/electrical-testers/function-generators/. Function generators are further organized by features: benchtop, direct digital synthesis (DDS), saved settings, handheld, and rugged.

GAO Tek ships overnight to anywhere on the continental U.S. from one of its North American facilities.

GAO Tek ships overnight to anywhere in continental Canada from one of its North American facilities.