Software Function/Signal generator

February 14th, 2006

Since we all need sometimes a simple signal generator just to test an amplifier or some circuit we just made. If you did not know, you can use your computer for that. It is just required to have a sound card. We created a little software application for you to generate a signal of different frequency and amplitude.

was searching the web for something and I found this source by Jase. After playing a while with it and seeing that this can be used as a function generator I decided to make a little user friendly application out of it for our visitors.

The application is in its first beta version so it has still some things to work on but works fine and can be used so I decided to put it on E-DSP. If you are running Windows XP you will need just to download the Setup file and install it and it should work properly. In case you run another Windows operating system (98, ME, 2000) you will have to install the Visual Basic 6.0 Runtime files and DirectX 7 or above.

To test it, what you have to do is to plug out your speakers and plug in your cable with the same connector and that would be everything. The application includes a more detailed description and help file on how to use it.

I would like to thank my friends Murat, Mikael, Nedim and Zerin for testing this application.

Download and install this application on your own risks; we can not guarantee you anything. If you have any problems you can leave a comment and we will solve it together.

Function Generator Icon Download Function Generator - Beta 1 - 365 Kb

I included few shoots for you to see it how it works and looks like; I used my notebook as the signal generator.

Function generator, sine wave 1, some frequency.
Sine wave 1, some frequency.

e-dsp Function/Signal generator, sine wave 2, changed the frequency.
Sine wave 2, changed the frequency.

e-dsp Function/Signal generator, sine wave 3, changed the amplitude.
Sine wave 3, changed the amplitude.

e-dsp Function/Signal generator, square wave 4.
Square wave 4.

Entry Filed under: DSP, Electronics, Software

65 Comments Add your own

1. jd | | February 16th, 2006 at 3:11 pm

This is cool. Any chance that you could allow direct entry of frequency, instead of by the slider? As is, it doesn’t really function as a true slider, but toggles among several discrete preset frequencies.

Also, it would really be cool if you could plot the output, as if you had a software based oscilloscope.

jd
2. Refik | | February 16th, 2006 at 7:08 pm

Hey jd,
Thanks for the comments! I will try to improve it, thanks for the suggestions. I think it can be done.
3. Ben | | February 21st, 2006 at 4:45 am

Is it possible to get source, I would make some change and sent it to you.

Thanks
4. Refik | | February 21st, 2006 at 12:40 pm

Source Code. However, if you want my version let me know we can arrange that. Thanks for the comments Ben!
5. mARio | | March 5th, 2006 at 6:03 am

Dude, i just wanna say that your ROCK! ive been trying to find a software based oscilloscope for ever. this isnt an oscilloscope, but a function generator is pretty cool too. Keep posting your projects and I will keep reading them!
6. Refik | | March 6th, 2006 at 5:04 pm

Thank you Mario for the comment!
7. Lily | | March 7th, 2006 at 4:15 pm

cool. you are great
8. Phil | | March 9th, 2006 at 2:54 pm

This is really cool! Thanks for this amazing project. This is applicable to an audio-type range of frequencies. It would be interesting to find something that can handle frequencies in the 0-100 Megahertz range, but I’m pretty sure the sound card can’t be used for this
9. varun | | March 12th, 2006 at 8:21 pm

hi… nice func-gen
@mario et. al. : there are software ocsilloscopes available - search for baudline, xoscope.
10. Fanta | | March 18th, 2006 at 12:30 am

SOS!!!
Do u have the source code with C Program 4 the Function Generator.I just have to write a C program as my homework,but NOT in BASIC.Could u help me,Thax!!!
11. Jaap Verhoef | | March 18th, 2006 at 8:47 am

Awesome tool! I always used to have a simular tool in basic, but it only worked on the pc beeper, and, with a square as output; youd better not get any other program or whatsoever generating a beep pleep or what-so-ever. That meant end of pc beeper signal. Besides that, it is not funny if you have to open your systemcase about 6 times a day, 7 days per week, 365 per year… nah, I really think your tool rocks totally. Can you put me on a mailinglist or simular when u managed to do some updates? W2000server sp4 is still hard to keep stable when the tool is running. Just random apps locking.
12. mehdi_sanaee | | March 20th, 2006 at 12:35 pm

Hello
If possible for you please send me source code of function generator and sound commands and functions in c++
Best regard
13. kian k.kumar | | March 23rd, 2006 at 3:36 am

hi
icould n’tgo throuh ur project becoz the set up file got corrupyed
so plz send it my mail account.
ok………….
best regards
kiran.k
14. mehdi_sanaee | | March 25th, 2006 at 2:57 pm

Hello
I need Functions and commands of sound card for programming in c++. if possible for you please guide me.
Bestregards
15. Mubarok | | March 27th, 2006 at 9:09 am

gunanya function generator apa?
dan bagaimana cara menggunakannya?
16. Mubarok | | March 27th, 2006 at 9:09 am

gunanya function generator apa?
dan bagaimana cara menggunakannya?
17. matt | | March 30th, 2006 at 4:57 am

Macintosh?
18. KC | | April 3rd, 2006 at 10:12 am

Refik - How about adding a sweep function and the ability to enter a specific frequecy and amplitude, instead of just the sliders? I would like to use this in conjuction with a pc-based audio spectrum analyzer to test my vacuum tube amplifier designs. Good hardware based sweep generators and spectrum analyzers can be expensive. It’s amazing the things you can do with a good PC soundcard … Thanks!
19. refikh | | April 4th, 2006 at 5:26 pm

Hey thank you guys for the comments, I will keep that in mind! Thanks KC, I will try to do it first time I get some free time. Matt, this is for windows, you might try to run it on macs win vitual machine (not sure how this is done however somebody told me about the virtual machine).
Oh yes, this code was written in VB so I don’t have the C++ code for generating sound, sorry guys.
20. Mark | | April 10th, 2006 at 5:07 am

Please show how to drive FG at your preset 100 frequencies with a high quality random number generator for analog crypto on telephone calls. Please show how to have 1000 frequencies or a 1 Hz by 1Hz step from DC to 22khz or 22,000 frequencies as driven by random number generator.
21. atommann | | April 19th, 2006 at 3:59 pm

Hi, Refik!
This program is very fun and I like the sound of the sine wave.
:)
Thank you.
22. Francisco | | May 8th, 2006 at 1:00 pm

Really nice work….would you mind sending me the vb. code for this f-generator? I’m learning vb.. and this would be very good
learning project for me…….. Thanks!
23. CustomTubeAmps | | May 10th, 2006 at 2:25 pm

Thanks a million for this utility. I searched for a week until I found this. Bless you.
RG
24. Reinhold Eicher | | May 11th, 2006 at 9:40 pm

Please send me the source code of the VB - Program.
25. Function Generator »&hellip | | May 14th, 2006 at 11:19 pm

[…] Software Function/Signal generator - e-dspDo u have the source code with C Program 4 the Function Generator.I just have to write a C program as my homework,but NOT in BASIC.Could u help me,Thax! […]
26. Architectures of Control &hellip | | May 25th, 2006 at 11:09 am

[…] The tones recorded to produce the above files were produced using the E-DSP Function Generator. Please share this!These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. […]
27. kean | | May 31st, 2006 at 12:11 pm

21KHertz max i heard
28. gunes | | May 31st, 2006 at 6:47 pm

nice work but i have a mac.. can you do one for macs???
thnx
29. Tuttosoftware » Blo&hellip | | June 21st, 2006 at 12:02 am

[…] Se volete mettere alla prova il vostro udito vi propongo questo generatore di onde sinusoidali (in giro per la rete se ne trovano tanti altri). Un suono infatti puo essere interpretato come “la vibrazione prodotta da un corpo in oscillazione che si propaghi nell’aria o in un altro mezzo elastico”. […]
30. Mamat | | June 26th, 2006 at 4:42 am

For Mubarok,

Function Generator utk membangkitkan sinyal sesuai dengan frekuensi yang kamu inginkan. (please use english next time)

:)
31. Chuck | | July 28th, 2006 at 1:26 pm

Congratulations, neat idea. Please consider taking it to the MAX with a Sweep Function and include triangular waves. I noticed comment #5 mARio is looking for a computer based oscilloscope. If you want to notify him Link Instruments makes a little gem of a product. Linksystems.com

Guys, Im not a programmer but if you will work on a sweep model I will be glad to test and provide you with a brochure and user manual for your effort. I create technical training materials, etc and would be glad to assist you in further expansion.

Chuck Creswell
cfcres@yahoo.com
32. kashogi | | August 7th, 2006 at 2:14 am

hey man. awesome job. Is it possible to get the source?
33. Mahesh Kaushik | | September 5th, 2006 at 5:22 pm

GREAT!!!!!!!! Nice One….! Could YOU Please send me the source Code of Your Project…… I AM WAITING TO SEE IT… THANK YOU..
34. ron | | October 10th, 2006 at 4:03 pm

Could I get a copy of the source code, too?Thanks for the cool program.
35. Mehran Moradi | | November 14th, 2006 at 11:43 pm

Hi
This software really sounds great and this will really help me in my project and is very cost effective!!!!!!!!
36. wangmiao | | November 29th, 2006 at 7:10 am

could i get the copy of the source code? i’am waiting to see it.
37. wangmiao | | November 29th, 2006 at 7:16 am

my e-mail:wangmiaostammiao@163.com
38. phitok | | December 4th, 2006 at 6:16 pm

Is it possible to get source, I would make some change and sent it to you.

Thanks
39. dmj oguns | | December 31st, 2006 at 3:31 pm

please can some send me the source codes for the signal generator.
40. jh | | January 16th, 2007 at 7:26 pm

great idea
41. wcc | | January 19th, 2007 at 1:05 am

This is cool… I was wondering if it is possible to get the source code. thnx
42. goog | | January 20th, 2007 at 9:06 pm

very thanks”
43. Rick | | January 22nd, 2007 at 5:44 pm

Is there a way to get the source?
44. Shahid | | January 27th, 2007 at 8:30 pm

can i get the circuit diagram of Software/Signal Generator?
45. wissam | | February 4th, 2007 at 5:40 pm

thank you for your free program
46. Dale Lumby | | March 22nd, 2007 at 3:34 pm

Great Idea, but I have a problem. When I download the program it says it says the file is corrupted.
Can you help?

Thanks!

Dale
47. Milo | | March 25th, 2007 at 9:21 pm

I know I’m going to be showing my ignorance here. I am familiar with the basic Audio and RF Signal Generators, but what exactly is a Function Generator? I’ve seen them advertised, but never understood exactly what the difference was, or their capabilities, other than having different waveform outputs, like ramp and triangle, etc. What is the Function Generator used for?

Thanks,
Milo
48. Mark Johnson | | April 7th, 2007 at 3:59 am

To test it, what you have to do is to plug out your speakers and plug in your cable with the same connector and that would be everything. The application includes a more detailed description and help file on how to use it.

you mean making a mini jack like the speaker one to plug into the scope?
Please email me with the answer
thanks,
Mark johnson
49. Bill James | | April 23rd, 2007 at 5:53 pm

I tried to dpwnload and run your progra (in XP) but I got “the file is corrupted.”error. I tried several times with the same results. Is there something I am doing wrong?
50. eslam | | April 26th, 2007 at 7:19 am

thank you very much for this software but the problem that i have also the software “Zelscope” to make my pc as a digital oscilloscope and i want to use it beside the fundtion generator software to test my circiuts and see the input and the output
note that ihave only a sound card

can you help me please to do that?
51. Rob | | May 2nd, 2007 at 5:53 pm

I see there is great interest in a PC based Function Generator. If you guys can get a hold of CoolEdit pro 2.0 then you will find it is a very good FG: you can produce sine, square, triangular, chirp signals, you name it. (use the generate menu)

You can create your own wave files and play them repeatedly. Also you use volume control of PC to vary amplitude.

For a very good and cheap system just add a dual opamp to sound card output for level shift and gain!!!!
52. giao nguyen | | May 14th, 2007 at 8:06 pm

yes, I would like your signal generator C++ source code.
Thanks
GN
53. raza | | June 17th, 2007 at 5:21 pm

cool dude very cool, i have been searching for such an application for years and now i have got what I wanted, keep up the good work Dude
54. mohsen | | June 18th, 2007 at 6:14 pm

Thant is nice and can solve a lot of my problem !
please send me a source code too That i can work on it and make upgrated one !
55. bob | | June 24th, 2007 at 9:36 am

if you can make that go to 30Mhz (obviously not thru sound card), so if you could do it through ethernet or usb, id pay money for it.
56. tovorinok | | July 5th, 2007 at 6:14 am

Hi

Great book. I just want to say what a fantastic thing you are doing! Good luck!

G’night
57. govokinolij | | July 13th, 2007 at 8:35 am

Hi all!

Looks good! Very useful, good stuff. Good resources here. Thanks much!

Bye
58. yang | | August 6th, 2007 at 7:48 am

could i get the copy of the source code? i’am waiting to see it.
59. Vladan | | August 12th, 2007 at 7:02 pm

Source, please
60. nripesh | | August 13th, 2007 at 11:17 am

can i get the circuit diagram of signal generaor
61. John Scchuster | | August 14th, 2007 at 12:16 am

Where can I send a donation to help future development of this very cool utility?
62. matt noell | | August 24th, 2007 at 1:46 am

This is a very handy program. I agree with the guy that I wish I could input the frequency. I also have a need to go up into the 40-45Khz range. How can I help?
63. RCL | | September 12th, 2007 at 10:33 am

hi ,

this application is really cool.. could you send the C++ (or/and VB) source code or an example of how to read the soundcard ADC and write to the DAC ??

I need a starting point for my application

many thanks , RCL
64. abhijeet | | September 28th, 2007 at 12:58 pm

hey dudes, i’m jus a bit stuck with generating a sweeping sine wave in java. i don get a complete line as required.
i suppose there’s sumthin wrong wid d repaint() fn.
help.
mail back.

thnx
abhi
65. Frank Bivings | | April 8th, 2008 at 6:40 am

While I like the idea of your Function Generator there is at least one problem I have encountered; when I start it the window does not behave properly. In order to turn it off I have to click on the area just to the right of the X. I can find no other way of terminating the program short of Task Manager.
If I click on the X it does nothing. If I click on the -,minimize, it opens a page to http://www.e-dsp.com/.
Please try to fix these problems so I may enjoy the use of your program.
Regards,