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Application & Articles

Measurement Technology for Process Automation.

Signals – whether analog, digital, or complexly modulated – serve as the central link between sensors, control systems, and actuators. In our article, you will learn how process signals are characterized, the role arbitrary function generators play in signal generation, and which solutions leading manufacturers offer for this purpose. Immerse yourself in the world of industrial signal technology and discover how to make your applications reliable and future-proof – read on now.

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Signals in Process Engineering.

Industrial processes are based on the input and output of process signals. These are defined by corresponding input and output parameters, such as flow, pressure, or temperature values. A signal or signal waveform (e.g. sine, pulse) is derived from a physical quantity. In process engineering, such signals are used in the form of voltage levels or power variations.
The electrical parameter of a signal represents the information parameter, specified in units such as volts or amperes. The physical quantity converted into the electrical parameter is the signal carrier, e.g. electrical voltage/current, temperature, or fill level.
In automation and process engineering, process control typically focuses not only on the operation of the process itself but also on specific safety aspects. The control of process equipment, such as actuators, therefore requires a combination of process data and safety data — or a combination of the corresponding signals.

(Chart only in German)

Diagramm: Prinzip der Prozesssteuerung mit Ein-/Ausgabe von Prozesssignalen.

Application Examples for Arbitrary Function Generators:

  • Simulation of real sensor signals or bus data
  • Generation of communication signals for fieldbuses such as M-Bus, HART, EtherCAT, PROFIBUS, ARINC, etc.
  • Measurement of signal error rates
  • Verification of system and clock synchronization
  • Characterization and validation of components and circuits

Types of Electrical
Process Signals:

Analog signals
Defined by amplitude, frequency, and phase

Digital signals
Control signals for switches, etc.

Pulse signals
Speed sensors (e.g. rotary encoders)

Edge-triggered signals
State transition of a process parameter

Arbitrary Function Generators:
Signal Generation for Industrial Control Systems.

Key configuration parameters for signal generation with a function generator:

  • Output frequency and output amplitude (output voltage)
  • Waveform types: e.g. sine, square, triangle/ramp, pulse, noise, DC, Gaussian, exponential, arbitrary
  • Pulse width, rise and fall time
  • Modulation types: e.g. AM, FM, PM, FSK, BPSK, PWM, SUM (carrier + modulation)
  • Signal output modes: continuous, modulated, sweep, burst, output gate, wobble
  • Programming of complex waveform sequences (sequence option)

Product Recommendations.


AFG31102 | 2 channels, 1 µHz to 100 MHz, 1 mVpp to 10 Vpp
Wide range of built-in waveforms, sequence option, and extended mode for complex signals; features InstaView™ technology for direct signal visualization on the display.

KICKSTARTFL-AFG | KickStart AFG-App
Enables remote control of Tektronix AFG31000 Series function generators, independent channel operation, access to standard waveforms, and capture, storage, and export of configuration settings.


AFG-3081 | 1 channel, 1 µHz to 80 MHz, 10 mVpp to 10 Vpp
High amplitude resolution (16-bit), 1 M-point memory, DWR (Direct Waveform Reconstruction) function for transferring waveforms from an oscilloscope (GDS-2000 Series) to the arbitrary generator via USB.

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AFG-3081
Series
GW Instek
AFG-3081
Function generator, 1-channel 80 MHz, 10Vpp, arbitrary, USB, RS232, GPIB
-15 % €2,295.00 €2,700.00
Delivery time upon request

33522B | 2 channels, 1 µHz to 30 MHz, 1 mVpp to 10 Vpp
Trueform technology for high signal fidelity and accuracy. Includes license for PathWave BenchVue Software BV0002B for function generators.

BV0002B | BenchVue Function Generator App
For controlling and programming Keysight function generators, loading data or value tables (e.g. from oscilloscopes), and creating arbitrary waveforms with ease.

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33522B
Series
Keysight
33522B
Function generator, 2-channel 30MHz, 10Vss, arbitrary, Trueform, USB, LAN, GPIB
€4,508.00
2 in stock. Ready to ship in 1 business day
BV0002B
Keysight
BV0002B
BenchVue function generator app PC measurement and evaluation software
On Request
Ready to ship in 5 to 10 business days

HMF2550 | 1 channel, 10 µHz to 50 MHz, 5 mVpp to 10 Vpp
Function and pulse generator for universal applications and semiconductor characterization.

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