Function Generator Tool

Contents

Description

NOTE: This manual applies to the Function Generator Tool Version 1.3+, available in LWDAQ 10.6.12+.

[26-JUL-24] The Function Generator tool controls our LWDAQ Function Generators (A3050) and is a component of our LWDAQ Software. The Function Generator tool allows the user to generate a sine, square, triangle, or arbitrary waveform by providing it with certain parameters as can be seen in the window below.

Figure: Stimulator Tool on Windows. We specify the desired waveform type, frequency, amplitude, and offset, as well as the IP address of the A3050 Function Generator being used. If the desired output is a sweep across a range of frequencies, we specify the start frequency, stop frequency, as well as the time taken to sweep across the range of frequencies.

We use the On button to generate a single-frequency waveform. We use the Off button to set the function generator's output to a constant 0V. The Help button can be pressed to be given a description of each parameter. The Configure button can be used to save parameters in the event the software is closed and reopened. Lastly, we use the Sweep button to generate a waveform with a frequency which increases with time. The Logarithmic checkbox can be ticked on or off to switch between a linearly increasing frequency and a logarithmically increasing one during the sweep.

Operation

[26-JUL-24] To generate a waveform the A3050 LWDAQ Function Generator must be plugged into power over ethernet on the same network as your computer. The last 3 digits of the serial number above the ethernet socket are its IP address (e.g. if the serial number is Y71082 its IP address would be 10.0.0.82). The RESET switch can be used to turn off the function generator, setting its output to a constant 0V. The CONFIG switch can be used to change the IP address of the device by resetting the LWDAQ's EEPROM configuration file, explained in more detail in the LWDAQ User Manual. Once the parameters have been set we can generate a waveform from the desired device by specifying its IP address. The A3050 LWDAQ Function Generator has 50 Ohms in series with its output. It includes two independent channel outputs each with their own BNC connector. We can toggle between which channel we want a signal from by utilizing the dropdown menu in the top-left corner of the tool.