AC1 Fundamentals Unit 1 – The AC Waveform Generator
In dc circuits, opposition to current flow is resistance. In ac circuits, opposition to current flow is
referred to as impedance (Z). For ac circuits, Ohm's law is written:
Voltage = Current x ImpedanceorE = I x ZAn ac waveform generator produces an ac waveform. There are many types of ac waveform
generators for many types of applications. Each waveform generator is unique, but all have
similarities in operation and control.
NEW TERMS AND WORDS
Alternating current (ac) - a flow of electricity that first increases to maximum, then decreases to
zero, reverses polarity, and reaches maximum in the opposite direction.
waveform - the shape of an electric wave as the amplitude is graphed over time.
amplitude - the level, or magnitude, of an alternating voltage or current.
cycle - one complete alternation of an ac current or voltage.
frequency (f) - the number of complete cycles in one second of alternating voltage or current;
measured in hertz (Hz).
impedance (Z) - the total opposition a circuit offers to the flow of alternating current at a given
frequency.
ac waveform generator - an electronic device that produces ac voltage of a desired frequency,
wave shape, and amplitude.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
F.A.C.E.T. base unit
AC 1 FUNDAMENTALS circuit board
Multimeter
Oscilloscope, dual trace
Generator, sine wave