Higher Physics

Electricity and Electronics - Activity 9

Calibration of a signal generator

Aim - To measure the output frequency of a signal generator using an oscilloscope.     Instructions
Increase the output frequency of the signal generator by clicking on the right side of the frequency dial.  Decrease the frequency by clicking on the left.
  • Set the dial on the signal generator to show an output frequency of 10 Hz.
  • Observe the oscilloscope trace and count the number of divisions on the screen for one complete cycle.
  • Observe the oscilloscope time base setting and calculate the time for one cycle.
  • Calculate the frequency of the signal.  ( f = 1 / T )
  • Increase the output frequency on the signal generator dial to
    15 Hz,  20 Hz, 30 Hz, 40 Hz, 50 Hz, 60 Hz and 100 Hz.
  • In each case determine the frequency by observing the trace on the oscilloscope screen and repeating the above calculation.
  • Comment on the accuracy of the signal generator frequency dial at low and high frequencies
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