Programmable Signal Generator based on Advanced Tricore Microcontrollers

Any electronic measurements laboratory needs signal generators capable to generate several types of signals with different shapes, frequencies and amplitudes. Such a devices has many capabilities but, also, high price. The alternatives are virtual and/or PC based instrumentation. This paper describes a programmable signal generator implemented with the PWM method on the advanced 32 bit Tricore microcontroller family. Several types of signals can be generated: sinus, pulse, saw tooth and custom. The proposed configurable signal generator is targeted to low frequency applications (1 Hz - 600 Hz) useful in motor control, laboratory experiments etc. The system offers the flexibility and versatility of the PC based electronic instrumentation, the performance of a 32 bit microcontroller and low cost.