Arbitrary Waveform Generators Bandwidth, Sampling Rate, and Maximum Output Frequency

The instrumentation needed to develop and test today’s technologies has grown into many signal generator types over the years. The most popular signal generators provided by test and measurement manufacturers are:

Function Generators

RF Generators

Pulse and Pattern Generators

Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWG)

Digital pulse generator and pattern generators have an advantage over function generators because the output repetition rate and pulse widths can be varied. Their internal circuits may be digital, analog, or a combination of both in order to create the desired outputs. The benefits of direct digital synthesis yield precise frequencies. Use them when working on digital circuits, whereas you should use a High quality Function Generator primarily for analog circuits.