So you are looking for the best function generator for hobbyists, beginners, or professionals? This means that either you are testing, repairing, or designing some electronics systems or circuits.
In this article, I will be talking about what matters the most when buying a function generator. What is arbitrary, DDS, or analog waveform/function/signal generator?
After that, I will give a recommended list of all the best function generators out there on the market. The list will start with very beginner function generators including some best DIY function generators.
Then we will include some mid-range function generators that you can buy easily online. After that, we will include some professional-level function generators that you can easily source from your local distributor.
Now before starting anything, I want you to know that function generators are available on market for decades because it is a very basic devices for any electronics lab.
The industry has matured a lot but still, a professional-level function generator will cost you a lot. And I think that is ok because of the quality you will get. The famous brands include Gwinstek, Tektronix, Keysight, Rigol, Siglent Technologies, Aim-TTi, etc.
I hope this article will help you.
Buying the best function generator – what matters the most
Before getting into too many technical things first let’s understand the basic types of function generators first. First, let me tell you that a function generator and signal generator both represent the same device. So don’t get confused with it.
There is a slight difference there but at the beginner or hobbyist level, it doesn’t matter that much.
A signal generator is a device that generates electronic signals while a function generator has a preset list of waveforms or patterns that it can play.
So you can say that with the signal generator you can make any signal while with a function generator you have limited options to work with but they are enough for a large scope of projects.
- Arbitrary waveform/signal generators (AWGs): As the name suggests arbitrary, this can generate any arbitrary signal for you. This can be used for a variety of electronics projects.
- Direct Digital Synthesis function generators (DDS): To save energy and power these types of generators use DDS techniques to generate waveforms. You know, DDS is a method of producing an analog waveform—usually a sine wave—by generating a time-varying signal in digital form and then performing a digital-to-analog conversion
- Analog signal generator: We know that there are two famous types of electronics, analog and digital. Of course their many other types as well but these two are very dominant. And the generator specific to analog circuitry is called the analog signal generator. Pulse generators are preferable for working with digital circuits. Why specific analog generator? The simple answer is to make it cost-effective if you are just working with only analog circuits and don’t need any digital signals for testing or designing.
The technical thing to look for in a signal generator
So now let’s look at some technical things that one should keep in mind while going for a professional level function generator. Hobbyists or DIYs people can totally skip this part.
But I encourage you to read it and try to digest it for a while. And keep in mind that I am by default talking about the best function generator with the output impedance of industry-standard 50Ohm.
So you should match this to have your reflection coefficient of 0 if you are working with RF frequency ranges.
a. Sample rate
This affects the frequency and fidelity of the main output signal. The sampling frequency must be more than twice that of the highest spectral frequency component of the generated signal to ensure accurate signal reproduction.
b. Bandwidth
The analog bandwidth of a signal generator’s output circuitry must be sufficient to handle the maximum frequency that its sample rate will support.
In other words, there must be enough bandwidth to pass the highest frequencies and transition times that can be clocked out of the memory without degrading the signal characteristics.
c. Record length
This determines the maximum number of samples that can be stored and plays an important role in signal fidelity because it determines how many points of data can be stored to define a waveform.
Particularly in the case of complex waveforms, memory depth is critical to reproducing signal details accurately.
d. Output frequency range
Perhaps one of the most important considerations—and often the biggest driver of price—is the frequency range. It’s essential to choose a function generator that can operate in a frequency range that supports your tests.
e. Noise and jitter
These two characteristics are very closely related and are essentially undesired distortions of the signal, which you want to keep as low as possible.
f. Number of channels
Depending on the application’s needs, a single output may be sufficient. But for IQ modulation, for instance, two outputs are mandatory.
g. User interface
A large, modern touch screen with responsive feedback has become a key factor in labs where test time is essential.
List of amazing best function generators
Oh boy! there are so many options out there. But I have concluded the following list keeping the above selection parameters in mind.
I think I have shared all the information that I have about the topic. Now let have look at some best function generators. I will start with very basic function generators then I will talk about the intermediate models and then will end with some professional function generators. So please keep on reading.
Also, keep in mind, I am not going to repeatedly talk about the above-explained features of function generators over again and again. They are applied to all the below mentioned models. Also, I am not going to add some fancy-looking models that you will see a bunch of them online. Look man, I am an engineer and technical terms are more romantic to me than the looks.
1. Drok SG-02
Starting our list with a very basic function generator i.e SG-02. This product is coming from a famous brand called the Drok.
The brand has a huge customer base and I personally like their products as well. SG-02 is voltage and the current signal generation that you can best for debugging purposes.
As I said this is a very basic device you can use for:
- PLC debugging
- Panel debugging
- LED testing
- Simulating the output of the transmitter
- Can easily generate a 0-10V voltage signal and 0/4-20mA current signal
To know more about this product. Here is the link, Droke SG-02 (Amazon Link), for your own further research.
2. UcTronics function generator
The best alternative to the above one is this best function generator from UcTronics.
Important features:
- Output voltage (0-10V) with a precision of 0.01V
- Output current signal (0-22mA) with a precision of 0.01mA
In summary, Uctronics Function Generator (Amazon Link) is an amazing starter functions (V/I) generator with a multiple display feature. You can best use of for circuit debugging.
3. Koolertron waveform generator
Koolertron is another fantastic electronics company with a proven track record. The function generator from this brand is not very basic but it can fit in entry-level waveform generators.
The best part of this best function generator is that it has two channels.
- It has a bandwidth of 60MHz which is amazing
- It has a sample rate of 266Msap/sec
- High signal stability
- Low signal distortion
If this generator has got your attention. Follow this link to know more about it, Koolertron waveform generator (Amazon link).
4. Koolertron CJMDS26-F
This is the same as the above. The only difference is the different positioning of channel connections.
It has the same bandwidth and same sample rate as the above one. Now, to further investigate this model here is the link to follow, Koolertron CJMDS26-F (Amazon link).
5. FG-100 DDS Signal Generator
Yaman Electronics (YE) is a well-known respected brand for all kinds of electronics products starting from DIYs to professional tools.
The FG-100 is a very starter-level function generator that you can experiment with. You can use it for a lot of purposes but be sure it is not intended for some serious professional work.
The frequency range for this amazing tool is 1-500kHz which is very decent. The design and operations are effortless. Turn on the tool select the signal by using the mode button, select the frequency, and that’s it. The cool thing is you can also add some DC offset to the signal.
If this best beginner function generator has got your attention, here is the link to FG-100 (Amazon link) for further investigation.
Until now we were looking at some basic best function generators. Now let’s move toward some high-quality and best professional function generators.
6. UNI-T UTG932/UTG962 Function Generator
UNI-T is a well-known brand in the electronics industry. They make a lot of amazing electronics measuring tools. I like the utg932. Because it is well suited for mid-level people.
People who are not beginners nor too professional. It is just the perfect balance between the two i.e. entry-level professionals.
UTG932 has a bandwidth of 30MHz and a sample rate of 200MSa/s which is completely fine for most electronics signals.
The input impedance is 50 Ohm which is the industry standard so that you can easily match the function generator with all kinds of commercial products (if you are designing any).
It comes with all popular types of testing leads with high accuracy.
But if you are looking for a higher bandwidth then UTG962 has 60MHz which is double the earlier mentioned model. Here is the link if you want to check out this amazing function generator, UIT-T Function Generator (Amazon link).
7. Koolertron GH-CJDS66
This is another entry-level model from Koolertron i.e. GH-CJDS66. It is using DDS technology and can be used as an arbitrary waveform generator (Signals frequencies can vary up to 15MHz).
Important feature:
- The bandwidth available: 15MHz, 30MHz, 60MHz
- Sample rate: 200MSa/s (Mega Sample per second)
- High-speed MCU microprocessor
- Dual-channel DDS signal and TTL electric level output to generate a precise, stable, low distortion output signal
- Can precisely generate Sine wave, Square wave, Triangle wave, Sawtooth wave, Pulse wave, white noise, user-defined waveform, etc.
- Each channel can be independently used with its own set of parameters
Here is the link, Koolertron GH-CJDS66 (Amazon link), for your further investigation.
Now best alternatives or you can say most similar to Koolertron GH-CJDS66 are the following:
- 8. Seesii 0818-DDS (Amazon link)
- 9. ICQUANZX Upgraded 60MHz DDS Signal Generator (Amazon link)
- 10. DOMINTY FY6900 (Amazon link)
11. GW Instek SFG-1013
GW Instek is a very famous electronics devices manufacturer for like decades. To buy all of its professional-level devices you have to find its local distributor in your area. So if you want really professional work or results go for this brand.
The SFG-1013 is a very entry-level function generator that you can have for testing and debugging various electronics circuits and systems. It is based on the DDS methodology and has very neat precision.
If this best function generator has got your attention. Then here is its product link, GW Instek SFG-1013 (Amazon link), to look for more details.
12. GW Instek AFG-2105
Now if you want higher bandwidths with GW Instek function generators. Then you can go for AFG-2105 (5MHz), AFG-2112 (12MHz), or AFG-2125 (25MHz).
Here is the link to follow, GW Instek function generators (Amazon link). On the product page please select the appropriate bandwidth which is according to your requirements.
13. Siglent Technologies SDG1032X
Let kick start with some professional generators by introducing you to Siglent SDG1032X. You know, Siglent is a new player in the electronics testing equipment industry but it has proved itself among the top respected manufacturers across the globe. I personally like what they do.
If I talk about the SDG1032X, I would definitely tell you that this tool is really amazing. It is an arbitrary function generator.
It has 30Mhz bandwidth with two separate measuring channels and a sample rate of 150MSa/sec. This means you can compare two signals i.e. input and output very easily.
Also, you add and subtract the incoming signals to get some useful information at the same time.
Important features:
- Bandwith as I told you 30Mhz
- The 14-bit vertical resolution, and 16 kpts waveform length
- Special circuit for Square wave function can generate Square waves up to 60 MHz with jitter less than 300 ps+0.05 ppm of period
- Innovative EasyPulse technology, capable of generating lower-jitter Pulse waveforms, brings a wide range and extremely high precision in pulse width and rise/fall times adjustment
- NEW: Innovative TrueArb technology supports user-defined waveforms from 2 to 16 kpts and user-defined sample rate from 1 μSa/s to 30 MSa/s
- Plenty of analog and digital modulation types: AM, DSB-AM, FM, PM, FSK, ASK, PSK, and PWM
- Standard interfaces: USB Host, USB Device (USBTMC), LAN (VXI-11)
To get to know more about this function generator here is the link to Siglent Technologies SDG1032X (Amazon link) for further research and investigations.
14. Siglent Technologies SDG2042X
The above model has a bandwidth of 30MHz. But if you want higher bandwidth with the same specifications then Siglent has another model called the SDG2042X which has 40MHz bandwidth.
Besides the bandwidth, almost all other features are the same as the above one. It has two channels which are always good to work with two projects or separate parts of a single project.
To know more about this amazing function generator. This is the link for your own further investigations, Siglent Technologies SDG2042X (Amazon link).
15. Siglent Technologies SDG810
The above two from Siglent have high bandwidth due to which they have a high price tag. What if you want the best function generator from Siglent but with low bandwidth and hence with a low price tag.
Then SDG810 might be the right best arbitrary waveform/function generator for you.
It has a bandwidth of 10MHz and a sample rate of 125MSa/sec. Which I think will cover most of your electronics devices spectrum. Here is the link, SDG810 (Amazon link), for your further investigation.
16. RIGOL DG812
Rigol is another big name in electrical and electronics measuring types of equipment. If you are an engineering student I am sure you have seen the devices from this brand.
The waveform generator from this brand i.e. DG812 is the best function generator for hobbyists and professionals.
Important features:
- Bandwidth: 10MHz
- No of channels 2 which is very amazing
- 16 Bit Resolution
- It is a touch screen
- USB and Ethernet Connectivity
This is the first of our Rigol series. If this is what got your attention. Then this is a link, RIGOL DG812 (Amazon link), to follow for further research.
17. RIGOL DG822
The issue with the above one is that it has low bandwidth. If you want to go for higher bandwidth then Rigol DG822 is the right choice for you. Rigol DG822 is the upgraded version of the above DG812.
Rigol DG822 has the same features as the above one. The only difference is it has a bandwidth of 25MHz which is more than twice the above one. To know more about this upgraded version. Here is the link to follow, Rigol DG822 (Amazon link).
18. Rigol DG1022Z
This is another best function generator from the Rigol brand. It is more professional and precise than the above too. And of course, it is expensive too.
Important features:
- Bandwidth: 25 MHz
- Number of channels: 2 (full functional independent channel)
- Sample rate: 200MS/s
- Deep memory arbitrary waveform capability and SiFi signal fidelity technology
- SiFi (Signal Fidelity) for 100% waveform replication
- 2Mpts or 8Mpts/CH(std.), 16Mpts/CH (opt.) arbitrary waveform length
To know more about this amazing function generator. Here is the link to follow, Rigol DG1022Z (Amazon link).
19. RIGOL DG2052
The best alternative to the above is the Rigol DG2052. This guy has got everything for you and you can best use it for any research-related work.
The only difference between this one and the above one is that it has twice that bandwidth as the above one. It has 50MHz bandwidth with 2 channels. Higher bandwidth means a high price tag. So this one has high bandwidth but a high price as well as the above one.
Here is the link to follow, Rigol DG2052 (Amazon link), for your own further research and investigation.
20. Hantek DSO2D15
Let me introduce you to another famous brand i.e. the Hantek. It is a Chinese brand and are manufacturing electronics testing and measuring types of equipment for decades.
The model DSO2D15 which I have selected for this amazing list of best function generators is not just a function generator but it is an oscilloscope as well.
Important features:
- 150 MHz bandwidth, 1GSa/S sampling rate, 8M memory depth, and built-in arbitrary waveform generator
- 14 kinds of trigger modes, kinds of serial protocol and decodes, and 32 kinds of auto measurements
- Comes with 1 PP150B 150MHz probe
- Bonus kits include: 1 PP150 100MHz probe, 1 wire stripper, and 16-in-1 test lead sets
Here is the link, Hantek DSO2D15 (Amazon link), to know more about this amazing device.
21. Goupchn PSG-9080
This is our last function generator. It is last but not least. This best signal generator has the highest bandwidth of 80MHz with a 300MSa/sec sample rate.
Important feature:
- Modulation type: AM, FM, PM, ASK, FSK, PSK, PWM
- Makes the carrier wave change with the signal
- The type of waveform output such as sine wave, square wave, triangle wave, arbitrary wave, output time, and output sequence can be freely formulated to realize automatic work.
- The frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle of the output can be controlled by an external analog voltage signal to achieve voltage-controlled sweeping frequency, sweeping amplitude, and sweeping duty cycle, which are widely used in industrial debugging.
To know more about this amazing signal generator here is the link, Goupchn PSG-9080 (Amazon link), to follow for your own further research.
Conclusion
This has been a very technical article. I hope that you somehow enjoy it and my little effort has actually helped you.
In conclusion on the best function generator for hobbyists to professionals, I would say that if you are into circuit design or circuit testing you really need a decent function generator. A generator that will be reliable for many years to come.
As hobbyists, you should not spend too much on professional ones because it is not worth the money.
Do you know why?
Because if you go for high bandwidth and you really don’t know what you are doing. The results would be terrible instead of accurate results because of excessive bandwidth you will be adding a lot of noise to your channel.
I would say try to keep it decent and once you have enough exposure and experience then go for a professional one and buy it from GwInstek or Tektronix.
For those of you who read the summary first and then go read the entire article.
A short summary would be, A function generator is a device that we use to generate a lot of arbitrary functions so that we can test or design our circuits. There are a lot of good brands out there that are doing a tremendous job.
For starters and hobbyists, I would recommend Rigol and Siglent, for DIY lovers I would say go with Yaman Electronics, for professionals I would really recommend GWInstek or Aim-TTi.
I really hope you have enjoyed this article. And I see you in the next one or maybe see you around.
Thank you and have a really healthy life.
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