Signal Generator

What is a signal generator?

Tektronix signal generators cover a wide range of applications from replicating sensor signals to creating high-speed serial data or RF signals with digital modulation applied. Each versatile signal generator can create a virtually unlimited number of signals—analog or digital, ideal or distorted, standard or custom. From the world's only direct synthesis of high-speed serial data waveforms for simplified receiver testing to the world's most versatile arbitrary function generator for common stimulus signals to flexible RF signal generators for analog and digital applications, Tektronix has a signal generator to meet any debugging challenge.

Types of Signal Generators

Tektronix AFG31000 arbitrary function generator

Arbitrary Function Generators

Tektronix arbitrary function generators offer accurate reproduction of standard waveforms, arbitrary waveform capability, and signal impairments.

Arbitrary Waveform Generators

Generate complex waveforms with the best overall signal fidelity, memory depth, and sample rate.

Compare Specifications for RF Signal Generators, Function Generators and Arbitrary Waveform Generators

Model	Channels	Vertical resolution	Bandwidth	Frequency	Sample rate	Record length	List Price
AFG31000 series arbitrary function generator	1-2	14 bits	25 MHz to 250 MHz	25 MHz to 250 MHz	250 MS/s - 2 GS/s	16 MSa/ch	US $2,870 Configure & Quote
AFG1022 arbitrary function generator	2	14 bits	25 MHz	1 uHz to 25 MHz	125 MS/s	8k points	US $1,160 Configure & Quote
AFG1062 arbitrary function generator	2	14 bits	60 MHz	1 uHz to 60 MHz	300 MS/s	1M points	US $1,590 Configure & Quote
AFG2000 arbitrary function generator	1	14 bits	20 MHz	20 MHz	250 MS/s	128k points	US $2,660 Configure & Quote

AWG5202 arbitrary waveform generator	2	16 bits	2 GHz (at -3 dB x)	Direct DC Out: 1.5Vp-p Diff Direct AC Out: -17 to -5 dBm single-ended, BW 10MHz to 2GHz (standard) Amp AC Out: -85 to +10 dBm single-ended, BW 10MHz to 2GHz (option)	1.5 KS/s – 10 GS/s (4 GHz)	-	Configure & Quote
AWG5204 arbitrary waveform generator	4	16 bits	2 GHz (at -3 dB x)	Direct DC Out: 1.5Vp-p Diff Direct AC Out: -17 to -5 dBm single-ended, BW 10MHz to 2GHz (standard) Amp AC Out: -85 to +10 dBm single-ended, BW 10MHz to 2GHz (option)	-	-	Configure & Quote
AWG5208 arbitrary waveform generator	8	16 bits	2 GHz (at -3 dB x)	Direct DC Out: 1.5Vp-p Diff Direct AC Out: -17 to -5 dBm single-ended, BW 10MHz to 2GHz (standard) Amp AC Out: -85 to +10 dBm single-ended, BW 10MHz to 2GHz (option)	-	-	Configure & Quote
AWG70002B arbitrary waveform generator	2	8, 9, or 10 bits	Up to 13.5 GHz	10 GHz	25 GS/s	2 GS, 16 GS (Optional)	Configure & Quote
AWG70001B arbitrary waveform generator	1	8, 9, or 10 bits	Up to 15 GHz	20 GHz	50 GS/s	2 GS, 32 GS (Optional)	Configure & Quote

Signal generator FAQs

What is a signal generator used for?

A signal generator is an analog or digital device that engineers use to create electronic signals and send them to a device under test (DUT) when testing circuit designs. There are a number of different types of signal generators, including RF signal generators, function generators, arbitrary waveform generators, and vector signal generators.

How does a signal generator work?

A signal generator creates voltage waveforms at a desired frequency and applies them to a device under test (DUT). Using the instrument’s front panel, the operator can easily set and adjust the most important parameters of a waveform, such as how fast it’s played, the amplitude and offset, or add basic distortion or modulation.

What’s the difference between signal generators and function generators?

A signal generator is any device that creates electronic signals. A vector signal generator specializes in creating RF signals with analog and digital modulation schemes in formats such as QAM, QPSK, FSK, BPSK, and OFDM. Vector signal generators are commonly used for receiver sensitivity testing.

A function generator generally has a preset list of waveforms or patterns that it can play. The operator can change the parameters of a waveform, such as how fast it’s played, the amplitude and offset, or add basic distortion or modulation.

What are the types of signal generators?

There are many types of signal generators. View the chart below to see the differences between each.

Signal Generator	Generic category name for analog and digital electronic signal sources.
Function Generator	Signal generators are typically used when common waveforms like sine, wave, triangular, etc. are needed.
Arbitrary Function Generator	Function generators are capable of arbitrary compiled waveforms.
Arbitrary Waveform Generator	Arbitrary waveform generators are mostly used when custom compiled waveforms (rather than preset common waveforms) are needed.
RF Signal Generator	RF signal generators are used for wireless applications and typically provide normal analog modulation such as AM, FM, and PM as well.
(RF) Vector Signal Generator	RF vector signal generators support both analog and vector modulation on RF carriers for digital communication applications.