Function Generator: Build a Sine, Ramp & Rect Wave

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around building a function generator capable of producing sine, ramp, and rectified waveforms, with a focus on independently controlling the amplitude and frequency of the output signals. Participants explore circuit design considerations and techniques for waveform generation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in independently controlling the amplitude and frequency of the generated signals.
  • Another participant suggests the need for an automatic level control (ALC) circuit to maintain consistent amplitude across frequencies.
  • A question is raised about the source of the sine wave output in the circuit design.
  • Clarification is provided that the sine wave is produced from the output of an integrator circuit, while the rectified wave comes from a differentiator circuit.
  • There is a challenge to the assertion that the integral of a triangle wave results in a sine wave, with mention of alternative techniques for triangle-to-sine conversion.
  • A participant discusses a method involving diodes and resistors to create an amplitude-dependent impedance for shaping the triangle wave into a sine wave.
  • One participant expresses intent to investigate further into the triangle-to-sine conversion methods, noting a restriction to using only op-amps in their design.
  • A participant shares a resource found online related to triangle to sine conversion techniques.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the relationship between triangle waves and sine waves, particularly in the context of integrator outputs. There is no consensus on the best approach for achieving the desired waveform conversions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations in their circuit design, specifically the restriction to using only op-amps and the potential need for additional components to achieve desired waveform characteristics.

abdo375
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I'm trying to build a function generator that will output a sine, ramp and rect wave and I need to change the amplitude and the frequency of the signal, as far as the first part goes, I've succeeded, but I can't seem to control the frequency and the amplitude of the signal independently.
 
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And you can't. You need to design an addition variable gain amplifier that will automatically compensate for an amplitude drop or gain. It's sometimes referred to as ALC, Automatic Level Control. That will level your amlitude through out your frequency range.
 
I'm missing something. Where does the sine wave pop out?
 
Glad to see I'm not the only one who missed it Mike.
 
I'm sorry should have made it more clear, it pops from the integrator circuit (the output of the third Op-Amp) and the rect wave from the differentiator circuit(last one).
 
No, the integral of a triangle wave is not a sine wave. There is a different technique that is generally used for cheap tri --> sine conversion.
 
:confused: The output of the Integrator: http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/5135/labprojectschematic112ka0.jpg"
cheap trick ?
 
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Hmmm. Well I don't get that. Does it make that sine-wave-looking waveform at only one frequency? Certainly a damped integration of a triangle wave is not a sine wave in general.

The cheap trick that I referred to is to use diodes and resistors to make an amplitude-dependent impedance that shapes the triangle into a sine. There used to be an IC with that inside it, but I forget the number.
 
I see your point berkemen (I'm surprised I haven't before) , I'm going to look deeper into this.


too bad I can only use op-amps in the circuit, no IC's.
 
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  • #10
I googled "triangle to sine conversion" and got lots of hits. Here's the first one:

http://www-personal.engin.umd.umich.edu/~fmeral/ELECTRONICS%20II/04%25c3-Opamp/02-%25c3FuncGenProject/Nonlinear%20Function%20Fitting.pdf
 

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