RF Signal Generator TSG4100A

RF Signal Generator FAQs

What is an RF signal generator used for?

A radio frequency (RF) signal generator is used to create continuous radio frequency signals with known characteristics to test the design of circuits, primarily those in communication equipment. An RF signal generator doesn’t make any measurements itself, it simply sets up the right conditions for other instruments to measure the device under test.

How does an RF generator work?

An RF signal generator is typically a signal source used to test circuits being developed for RF communications such as wireless and cellular communications, radar, electronic warfare etc. Engineers can set amplitude, frequency and apply modulations to the signal using system controls.

How do you generate RF frequency?

The easiest way to generate RF frequency is to use the front panel of the TSG4100A RF Signal Generator. You can easily set the frequency, amplitude, modulation, and a number of other signal characteristics right before connecting your RF signal generator to the device under test (DUT).

What’s the difference between signal generators and function generators?

A signal generator is any device that creates electronic signals. A vector signal generator specializes in creating RF signals with analog and digital modulation schemes in formats such as QAM, QPSK, FSK, BPSK, and OFDM. Vector signal generators are commonly used for receiver sensitivity testing.

A function generator has a preset list of waveforms or patterns that it can play. The operator can change the parameters of a waveform, such as how fast it’s played, the amplitude and offset, or add basic distortion or modulation.

What are the types of signal generators?

There are many types of signal generators, including function generators, arbitrary waveform generators, and vector signal generators.

View the chart below to see the differences between each.

Signal Generator	Generic category name for analog and digital electronic signal sources.
Function Generator	Signal generators are typically used when common waveforms like sine, wave, triangular, etc. are needed.
Arbitrary Function Generator	Function generators are capable of arbitrary compiled waveforms.
Arbitrary Waveform Generator	Arbitrary waveform generators are mostly used when custom compiled waveforms (rather than preset common waveforms) are needed.
RF Signal Generator	RF signal generators are used for wireless applications and typically provide normal analog modulation such as AM, FM, and PM as well.
(RF) Vector Signal Generator	RF vector signal generators support both analog and vector modulation on RF carriers for digital communication applications.