Waveform Generator using an Arduino

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Waveform generators (also called function generators) are useful for testing and debugging circuits. I often use them to test the frequency response of electronics components like op amp and sensors. This waveform generator is powered by an Arduino. It outputs four waveshapes: sine, triangle, pulse, and saw, each waveshape ranges in frequency from 1Hz-50kHz. The frequency, pulse width, and overall amplitude (gain) of the waveforms is controlled by three potentiometers. I’ve also included (optional) indicator LEDs that let you know which type of wave is currently being sent to the output.

Parts List:

(4x) Mini SPST 1.5-Amp Momentary Pushbutton Switch (2 packages) Radioshack #275-1556
(8x) 10K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (2 packages) Radioshack #271-1335
(9x) 20K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (2 packages)
(1x) 50K-Ohm Linear-Taper Potentiometer Radioshack #271-1716
(1x) 10K-Omh Audio-Taper Potentiometer Radioshack #271-1721
(1x) 10K-Ohm Audio Control Potentiometer with SPST Switch Radioshack #271-215
(1x) 1/8″ Stereo In-Line Audio Jack Radioshack #274-274
(1x) 10.01µf 50V Ceramic Disc Capacitor Radioshack #55047551
(1x) 4.7K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor Radioshack #271-1330
(1x) 8 Pin Socket Radioshack #276-1995
(1x) LM386 Low Voltage Audio Power Amplifier Radioshack #276-1731
(2x) 220µF 35V 20% Radial-lead Electrolytic Capacitor (or anything between 200 and 300 uF) Radioshack #272-1029
(1x) Arduino Uno REV 3 Radioshack #276-128
(1x) Arduino Proto Shield Radioshack #276-140
(4x) White Super-bright LED Indicator Radioshack #55050633
(4x) 740 ohm 1/4W 5% Carbon Film Resistor (1 package) Radioshack 271-1317
(1x) 300Ohm resistor

Additional Materials:

Heat Shrink Radioshack #278-1611
22 Gauge Wire Radioshack #278-1224
Solder Radioshack #64-013
Drill
Hot Glue
Glue
Black diffusor material (tissue paper, plastic, etc)

Step 1: Prepare Arduino Proto Shield

The Arduino Proto Shields are a convenient way to attach circuits to an Arduino, but I like to trim them down a little bit first so they do not take up so much room in the project enclosure. Start by trimming the pins down with a pair of wire cutters. Next, cut off the six pin socket. Finally, cut the sockets from the top of the board.

Step 2: Enclosure

I decided to laser cut a custom enclosure for my project. I designed the enclosure using AutoCAD, Autodesk 123D Make, and Corel Draw, and I’ve included corel draw and adobe illustrator 2D files as well as the STL, and DWG files from this process below. If you do not have access to a laser cutter, you can use my 2D files a guide and drill the necessary holes in a project enclosure of some kind. Figure 4 shows the holes that should be drilled on the front panel:

(3x) 7mm holes for gain, freq, and PWM pots
(3x) 7mm holes for four push buttons- sin, saw, tri, and pulse
(1x) 10mm hole for audio out
I cut out shapes of all four waveforms in the front of the enclosure so that I could backlight them with indicator LEDs, you may choose to just drill four 5mm holes for these LEDs in the front panel of the enclosure, place one LED under each momentary switch.
Also include a rectangular (11mm tall, 12mm wide) cutout somewhere on the side of the enclosure for the arduino’s usb port.

I made my project enclosure out of wood, so I had to glue all the pieces (except the bottom) together with wood glue. I will attach the bottom panel on later in this instructable.

enclosure.stl1 KB

function generator enclosure.ai32 KB

function generator enclosure.cdr23 KB

enclosure.dwg228 KB

Step 3: Solder Button Leads

Solder a 10kOhm resistor to one lead of each of the four push buttons. As shown in the second image, solder a green wire to the junction between the button and the resistor and a red wire to the other end of the resistor. Solder a black wire the the second lead of the push button. It’s a good idea to cover these connections with a bit of heat shrink to prevent short circuits (fig 2).

Step 4: Install Audio Jack

Unscrew the plastic casing from the audio jack. Solder a red wire to the two stereo out pins and solder a black wire to the ground pin (fig 3). I used hot glue to prevent short circuiting the jack and to give the soldering joints some extra support. Finally, mount the audio jack in the enclosure with super glue.

Major Components in Project

For more detail: Waveform Generator using an Arduino

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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