Function Generator and Oscilloscope

Function generator and oscilloscope are the two most important electronic test equipment. The function generator can generate different waveforms based on the parameters inputted by the operator. And the oscilloscope can visualize, compare and measure different parameters of a signal.

To test an electronic circuit or during designing any prototype circuit, function generators and oscilloscopes are the most useful tools. Function generators are used to create the input signal and oscilloscopes are used to analyze the output signal.

The Major Distinction Between Function Generator and Oscilloscope

Function generators and oscilloscopes are the most important test equipment required to design, troubleshoot or analyze an electronic circuit. To further understand oscilloscopes and function generators, they must be discussed separately.

Function Generator

A function generator is a piece of electronic test equipment that can generate any type of waveform based on the input parameters. Modern function generators can produce sine, square, triangular, sawtooth, and even PWM waves. 

The different parameters of the wave, like the frequency, peak-to-peak voltage, and duty cycle can be set manually. A function generator may have multiple output channels that can simultaneously output different waveforms of different parameters.

Oscilloscope

An oscilloscope is a piece of electronic test equipment that graphically displays electronic signal waveforms in a 2D plot. Oscilloscopes can also measure the signal frequency, peak-to-peak voltage, and duty cycle of a signal.

An oscilloscope can have multiple input channels that can simultaneously display multiple waveforms at once. This helps to compare different waveforms and analyze the output and input parameters of a circuit.

What is the Function of Oscilloscope and Function Generator

Function generators and oscilloscopes are electronic test equipment. Function generators can create waveforms of specific parameters. And oscilloscopes can graphically display a waveform in a 2D plot, further, they can display various parameters of the waveform.

Is a Function Generator the Same as an Oscilloscope

No, the function generator and oscilloscope are completely different devices. Both are electronic test equipment but their functions are different. Function generators create waveforms and oscilloscopes are used to graphically visualize a signal in a 2D plot.

Do Oscilloscopes have Function Generators

Yes, most oscilloscopes have a built-in square wave generator that is used to calibrate the oscilloscope. An oscilloscope needs to be calibrated against a certain standard from time to time to maintain accuracy. For the convenience of calibration, a square wave function generator is built-in in most oscilloscopes.

How to measure the frequency of a waveform with an oscilloscope?

Count the number of horizontal divisions between one peak to the next peak of the waveform. Now multiply the set time/division with the number of horizontal divisions. This is the Time period of the signal. Now frequency = 1/Time period.

Conclusion 

An oscilloscope and function generator are two different test equipment. But they are complementary because they are generally used together to analyze the output and input characteristics of a circuit. They are most used for testing, designing, and troubleshooting an electronic circuit.