Signal Generator

A signal generator is one of a class of electronic devices that generates electrical signals with set properties of amplitude, frequency and wave shape. The signals serve as a stimulus for electronic measurements, typically in designing, testing, troubleshooting and repairing electronic or electroacoustic devices, and they often have artistic uses as well. There are many types with different purposes and prices, including function generators, RF and microwave signal generators, pitch generators, arbitrary waveform generators, digital pattern generators and frequency generators. A signal generator may be as simple as an oscillator with calibrated frequency and amplitude, while modern general-purpose instruments have microprocessor control and may be controlled from a personal computer. In June 1928 the General Radio 403, which supported a frequency range of 500 Hz to 1.5 MHz, was the first commercial signal generator ever marketed.