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Function generator
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Electrical_engineering/YYXW1KLW">electrical engineering</a>, a function generator is usually a piece of <a href="/facts/Electronic_test_equipment/0z8CCX04">electronic test equipment</a> or <a href="/facts/Software/RP79lVSW">software</a> used to generate different types of electrical <a href="/facts/Waveform/yAskMREw">waveforms</a> over a wide range of <a href="/facts/Frequencies/QUSbPaW8">frequencies</a>. Some of the most common waveforms produced by the function generator are the <a href="/facts/Sine_wave/mD1CB09M">sine wave</a>, <a href="/facts/Square_wave_(waveform)/h1cWR1KM">square wave</a>, <a href="/facts/Triangular_wave/72BUtbRl">triangular wave</a> and <a href="/facts/Sawtooth_wave/3QA8wW0h">sawtooth shapes</a>. These waveforms can be either repetitive or single-shot (which requires an internal or external trigger source). Another feature included on many function generators is the ability to add a <a href="/facts/DC_offset/crU5EHzl">DC offset</a>. <a href="/facts/Integrated_circuit/fjn6vg7C">Integrated circuits</a> used to generate waveforms may also be described as function generator ICs. </p><p>Although function generators cover both <a href="/facts/Audio_frequency/LzHtINcf">audio</a> and <a href="/facts/Radio_frequency/aWku7h4R">radio frequencies</a>, they are usually not suitable for applications that need low <a href="/facts/Distortion/z8RJcwNy">distortion</a> or stable frequency signals. When those traits are required, other <a href="/facts/Signal_generator/61VskyGA">signal generators</a> would be more appropriate. </p><p>Some function generators can be <a href="/facts/Phase-locked_loop/sgmca8aQ">phase-locked</a> to an external signal source (which may be a frequency reference) or another function generator. </p><p>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 <a href="/facts/Amplifier/pnRgxncC">amplifiers</a> or to introduce an error signal into a <a href="/facts/Control_loop/SNJf4KLB">control loop</a>. Function generators are primarily used for working with <a href="/facts/Analog_circuit/Bnlnfwwv">analog circuits</a>, related <a href="/facts/Pulse_generator/cjUXG8NV">pulse generators</a> are primarily used for working with <a href="/facts/Digital_circuit/vWgfC29C">digital circuits</a>. </p>