RF Generators also usually provide some sort of (reasonably accurate)
attenuator and have some way of setting the output to a known output
level e.g. 0dBm.

Function generators often only provide a gain control and cannot
reliably output a low level signal. External leakage/ radiation is
also likely to be higher (,although the cheaper RF sig-gens can be bad
here also).

RP

On 30/07/07, Jack Smith <Jack.Smith@cox.net> wrote:
>
>
>
> Herbert Graf wrote:
> > On Sun, 2007-07-29 at 01:47 -0400, Matthew Bajor wrote:
> >
> >> I was wondering, what is the difference between a function generator and an
> >> RF signal generator, besides the frequency . Does it have ONLY to do with
> >> the higher frequency or something else such as the lack of waveforms besides
> >> an ordinary sine? Basically, I am looking to buy a Wavetek 2407 and want to
> >> make sure I am getting a piece of equipment that can put out an RF carrier
> >> sine wave without an input and without modulation.
> >>
> >
> > I don't know if it's a strict definition, but in general:
> >
> > - function generator - usually generates more then just sine waves, at
> > least in addition to sine some square waves. Often others (ramps,
> > triangles), and also often modulation of those waves (i.e. FM, AM, PWM).
> > May generate into the RF region, may not.
> >
> > - RF generator - usually only generates sine waves, but perhaps offers
> > more modulation choices. At the most basic I'd expect at least AM and FM
> > modulation. Obviously generates in the RF region, and usually doesn't do
> > anything for lower frequencies (i.e. 20kHz).
> >
> > TTYL
> >
>
> It may also be worth adding that function generators tend to be dirtier
> in terms of broadband noise, phase noise, etc. than RF signal
> generators, at least in my experience.
>
> A lot depends on the specific models, of course, and not every function
> generator has worse phase noise than every RF signal generator, but for
> most receiver measurements I would not generally use a function generator.
>
>
> Jack
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