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Set up and control the Signal Generator

Use the Signal Generator tool to control a signal generator on the 550 Universal Interface and the Wireless AC/DC Module.

Overview

  1. Waveform

    Select the type of waveform the signal generator outputs:

    • DC

      Outputs a constant voltage equal to the Voltage.

    • Sine

      Outputs a sinusoidal oscillation with positive and negative peaks equal to the Amplitude.

    • Square

      Outputs an oscillation that remains at a constant positive and negative voltage equal to the Amplitude. The voltage is positive for half of the oscillation and negative for the other half of the oscillation.

    • Triangle

      Outputs a linear oscillation with positive and negative peaks equal to the Amplitude.

  2. Power Control

    Control the signal generator power manually, automatically with data collection, or with a program in the Code tool:

    • Select the On and Off buttons to control the power manually.
    • Select the Auto checkbox to have the power automatically turn on when you select Start and automatically turn off when you select Stop .

  3. Waveform Parameters

    Set the waveform parameters manually by entering a number in the box, clicking arrows, or dragging the slider. You can also use sensors to control the parameters by creating a program using the Code tool. The following parameters are available:

    • Frequency

      Sets how often the waveform oscillates each second. Click the Range button to change the maximum frequency.

    • Amplitude

      Sets the positive and negative peak voltages.

Control and display the output waveform

Use the Signal Generator and a Quick Start Experiment to display an output waveform from a signal generator.

  1. On the Welcome Screen, select Sensor Data.
  2. Connect your device to SPARKvue.
  3. Select an appropriate Quick Start Experiment for your experimental setup:
    • Select Signal Generator and Graph for DC or low-frequency sampling.
    • Select Signal Generator and Scope for high-frequency sampling.
  4. In the control panel, select a waveform.
  5. Make sure that the box labeled Auto is checked in the power control so that the signal generator automatically turns on while recording data.
  6. Set the Frequency and Amplitude of the waveform.
  7. In the data display, click Select Measurement, then select Output Voltage.
  8. Select Start to display the waveform on the data display. Use the graph or scope display tools to adjust the display.

Enable the 550 Output Voltage sensor

The 550 Universal Interface is equipped with an Output Voltage sensor which can be activated to measure the voltage being produced by the signal generator. To enable this sensor:

  1. Select Signal Generator Properties in the lower left corner of the control panel.
  2. Toggle Record Output Voltage to On.
  3. Select OK to return to the Experiment Screen.