A New Diode Function Generator

With the diode function generators that are currently in use, generation of functions is made by combining straight lines, The main drawback of these function generators is that the slope of the line segment cannot be changed independently. With the new function generator described in this paper, functions are generated by connecting independent line segments. Accordingly, the slope of each segment is given independently and also quantitatively. It is possible to approximate any desired function without recourse to an oscilloscope for inspection. These advantages are realized by using ganged potentiometers differentially. The operating principle and a practical generator experimentally built are described.