I’ve been checking my function generator and how well it keeps the two outputs synced. I have a cheaper one out in the workshop (sorry I can’t remember the name as it is more like random letters) that does quite well, but it starts distorting the output waveforms around 30MHz. During the time I was recuperating from cancer surgery, I purchased a Rigol scope and function generator that were supposed to be excellent quality. I’m impressed with the function generator, but not convinced about the scope. I have a nice Siglent portable scope that gives this Rigol DHO1204 more than a run for its money. Maybe I’ll do a post on it later.
Here’s a picture of the Rigol DG2052 function generator before I go into what it can do.
Sorry for the dust!
The function generator does the normal waveforms, plus it has an arbitrary waveform function as well. The one I mentioned earlier that this one replaces indoors has that, but it isn’t nearly as comprehensive. This generator can output waveforms used in different industries. It can output simple data, waveforms used in manufacturing, or HVAC and other control systems. It also has a few medical waveforms. I honestly don’t know how accurate or reliable the arbitrary waveforms are, or if they are approved as waveform sources in each area.
This sets via either a touchscreen or via its front panel. It sure sets easier via the knob than the other one I mentioned, that one would often change whatever you were setting in the opposite direction. This Rigol doesn’t.
Back to what I was talking about, this one has a button labeled “Align”. This puts the outputs in phase with each other. They seem to stay in phase when so desired. The other one seemed to drift a little over time. Both have 10MHZ clock inputs and outputs so I thought the other one would maintain phase – as I said, it seemed to like to drift a bit between the outputs.
Now, for those who know what a real EKG (that’s what I’m used to calling them from my EMS days starting in the ’70s, now ECG seems popular) looks like, here’s another picture with the scope timebase set a bit slower.
Still, it is just an arbitrary waveform…..not from an actual human. Plus, the counter on the right of the screen would have a person in serious tachycardia with 1000 beats per minute! This scope doesn’t want to trigger correctly at 1Hz, so I’m using 1KHz.I really think the Siglent triggers better than this one. Both the Rigol and the Siglent have a bandwidth to 200MHz. That’ll be something I’ll test if I find anything noteworthy to post about the Siglent.
