Operating instructions
University of Saskatchewan
Electrical Engineering Laboratory Equipment Manual
Signal Generators
This document is a quick reference guide to the operation of the signal
generators available in the laboratories. Major functions will be covered, but some
features such as their sweep operation will not, as this type of function is not used in the
laboratories. Refer to the operations manual of the signal generator you are using for
detailed information. These manuals are available from the technicians in 2C94.
First, some general notes about signal generators (sig gens). All signal
generators have:
50 output impedance—you may think of this as the Thevenin equivalent
impedance of the signal generator
adjustable output frequency
adjustable output voltage; some have two ranges: high and low, usually
with 20 or 30 dB of separation between the two
adjustable dc offset; equivalent to adding a dc source in series with the
signal internal to the generator.
Remember that like the digitizing oscilloscopes, all signal generators available in
the lab are equipped with coaxial BNC connectors. As with the scopes, if you connect a
BNC-to-alligator clip cable to the signal generator, then the black lead is ground.
Remember this fact and you will avoid accidentally grounding your circuit at points that
aren’t supposed to be grounded. Always check the output of the generator with a scope
before connecting it to a circuit.
Krohn-Hite 1200 Sweep Generator
The Krohn-Hite 1200 is a straightforward signal generator with a frequency range
of 0.2 Hz – 3.5 MHz. The output is taken from either MAIN OUT coaxial connector.
The LO output voltage is 1/10 of the HI output (20 dB difference).
Operation is very straightforward. The type of output waveform is chosen via the
waveform pushbuttons. The output frequency is adjusted by the large dial and MULT
pushbuttons. The VERN knob acts as a fine frequency adjust. Please note that the
X1K button is only used in conjunction with the sweep mode. The amplitude of the
SWP X1K 1 10 10 K
DC
OFFSET
MULT
LO HI 1s 1ms MIN MAX - +
START FREQ DURATION AMPLITUDE 0
TTL
OUT
RAMP
OUT LO HI
MAIN OUT
50
FREQUENCY Hz
STOP FREQ
POWER
VERN
0
- +
VC IN
CV OUT
KROHN - HITE
1200 sweep generator
KH