Editing Function generator (section)

{{Short description|Electronic test equipment used to generate electrical waveforms}}
[[Image:Kenwood FG273 Function Generator.jpg|thumb|250px|A simple analog function generator, circa 1990]]
[[Image:DDS function generator.jpg|thumb|250px|A [[Direct digital synthesis|DDS]] function generator]]
[[Image:Waveforms.svg|thumb|250px|[[sine wave|Sine]], [[Square wave (waveform)|square]], [[triangle wave|triangle]], and [[sawtooth wave|sawtooth]] waveforms]]

In [[electrical engineering]], a '''function generator''' is usually a piece of [[electronic test equipment]] or [[software]] used to generate different types of electrical [[waveform]]s over a wide range of [[frequencies]]. Some of the most common waveforms produced by the function generator are the [[sine wave]], [[Square wave (waveform)|square wave]], [[triangular wave]] and [[Sawtooth wave|sawtooth shapes]]. These waveforms can be either repetitive or single-shot (which requires an internal or external trigger source).<ref name="cnx.org">[http://cnx.org/content/m11895/latest/ cnx.org - Using a Basic Function Generator], 2005-08-21</ref> Another feature included on many function generators is the ability to add a [[DC offset]]. [[Integrated circuit]]s used to generate waveforms may also be described as function generator ICs.

Although function generators cover both [[Audio frequency|audio]] and [[Radio frequency|radio frequencies]], they are usually not suitable for applications that need low [[distortion]] or stable frequency signals. When those traits are required, other [[signal generator]]s would be more appropriate.

Some function generators can be [[Phase-locked loop|phase-locked]] to an external signal source (which may be a frequency reference) or another function generator.<ref name=bakshi>{{cite book |last1=Bakshi |first1=U. A. |last2=Bakshi |first2=A. V. |last3=Bakshi |first3=K. A. |title=Electronic Measurements and Instrumentation |year=2008 |publisher=Technical Publications |location=Pune, India |isbn=978-81-8431-435-9 |pages=3-26,3-27 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=utNfE7Rvpx4C&q=function+generator&pg=SA3-PA26}}</ref>

Function generators are used in the development, test and repair of electronic equipment. For example, they may be used as a signal source to test [[amplifier]]s or to introduce an error signal into a [[control loop]]. Function generators are primarily used for working with [[analog circuit]]s, related [[pulse generator]]s are primarily used for working with [[digital circuit]]s.