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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 an 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:

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

Display the output waveform

Use the Signal Generator tool and Scope display to an output waveform from a signal generator.

  1. On the Welcome Screen, click Sensor Data.
  2. Connect your device to SPARKvue.
  3. Click Cancel to return to the Welcome Screen.
  4. Click Build New Experiment on the Welcome Screen.

  5. Select the 1/3-2/3 layout.

  6. For the 1/3 section, select Signal Generator Display.

  7. For the 2/3 section, select one of the following:
    • Select Graph Display for DC or low-frequency sampling.
    • Select Scope Display for high-frequency sampling.
  8. In the control panel, select a waveform.
  9. Select Auto in the power control so that the signal generator automatically turns on while recording data.
  10. Set the Frequency and Amplitude of the waveform.
  11. If using the 550 Universal Interface, enable the Output Voltage sensor:
    1. On the bottom of the signal generator, click Signal Generator Properties.
    2. Toggle Record Output Voltage to On.
    3. Click OK.
  12. In the data display, click Select Measurement then select Output Voltage.
  13. Click Start to display the waveform on the data display. Use the Graph or Scope display tools to adjust the display.