Editing Signal generator (section)

{{Short description|Electronic devices that generate electronic signals}}
{{redirect|Tone generator|an electronic musical instrument|Sound module}}
A '''signal generator''' is one of a class of [[Electronics|electronic]] devices that generates electrical signals with set properties of amplitude, frequency, and wave shape.  These generated signals are used as a stimulus for electronic measurements, typically used in designing, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing electronic or electroacoustic devices, though it often has artistic uses as well. <ref>{{cite web |title=What is a Signal Generator? |url=https://www.tek.com/learning/signal-generator-tutorial |website=Tektronix}}</ref>

There are many different types of signal generators with different purposes and applications and at varying levels of expense. These types include [[function generator]]s, RF and microwave signal generators, pitch generators, [[arbitrary waveform generator]]s, [[digital pattern generator]]s, and frequency generators. In general, no device is suitable for all possible applications.

A signal generator may be as simple as an oscillator with calibrated  frequency and amplitude. More general-purpose signal generators allow control of all the characteristics of a signal.  Modern general-purpose signal generators will have a microprocessor control and may also permit control from a personal computer. Signal generators may be free-standing self-contained instruments, or may be incorporated into more complex automatic test systems.