Pulse Generator

Pulse Generator

Programmable Pulse Generators, also called Pulse Pattern Generators, output square waves for use in research and testing of digital systems and circuits.

Some DDS Function Generators supply pulses as a standard feature. These generators often let you control the pulse width, pulse repetition rate, and rise and fall times. Arbitrary Waveform Generators (Arbs) can have pulses programmed with the desired pulse shape. While this is more work than the other methods presented here, it gives you flexibility to get (nearly) exactly the pulse shape you want. For Function Generators and Arbitrary Waveform Generators visit Generators /Counters > Function generators on the TEquipment website.

Dedicated Pulse Generators offer simplicity of use versus function generator or arb with more menus. BK has two very high performance pulse generator models to consider.

If you need lower duty cycle pulses, the following approach might work. You can set the pulse width by setting up a square wave with a frequency of 1/(2τ), where τ is the pulse width in seconds, and the appropriate DC offset to make it a pulse with the desired polarity. Then change to external triggering and trigger the generator with another generator at the desired pulse repetition rate. A handy, low-cost secondary generator for triggering the pulses is the B&K 3003 hand-held generator, which can generate sine and square waves from 0.1 Hz to 10 MHz. You may need to operate the function generator in burst mode for this to work.