Arbitrary Waveform

An arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) is a type of electronic test equipment people use to generate repetitive or single-shot electrical waveforms. Single-shot waveforms require a triggering source, either internal or external, while repetitive waveforms do not. Inject the signal the waveform generator creates into a device for analysis during testing, finding problems with the device, or confirming proper operation. AWGs have maximum frequencies of around a few gigahertzes due to the digital signal processing techniques they use to generate waveforms. Unlike function generators, arbitrary waveform signal generators create any defined waveshape as their signal output. Some AWGs, such as a sine wave generator, also work as conventional function generators.