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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThis Make: project describes a portable analog function generator powered by one 9V battery, with sine, square, and triangle outputs. Its published specifications are approximately 20 Hz to 11 kHz and an adjustable output from 0 to about 3 V peak-to-peak. The guide below explains how the circuit works and what the published construction instructions cover; these specifications are not independent bench-test results.
What the 9V function generator can do
Gretchen Giles’s Make: project, published December 14, 2013, is intended as a small signal source for basic electronics troubleshooting and experimentation. The circuit offers three waveform outputs and a level control. Make: reports an overall frequency range of about 20 Hz to 11 kHz and an output level adjustable from zero to about 3 V peak-to-peak. These are approximate values reported in the article.
The article gives more specific approximate ranges for its two frequency settings: about 16–590 Hz on the lower range and about 400 Hz–10 kHz on the higher range. The overlap lets the controls cover frequencies near the transition; the project’s headline summary rounds the overall range to about 20 Hz–11 kHz. Do not treat these figures as calibrated limits.
The output is deliberately modest. This is a battery-powered, low-voltage source, not a substitute for a laboratory generator when precise amplitude, frequency accuracy, low distortion, or substantial load current is required. The Make: article does not specify a sine-wave distortion measurement or a battery-runtime estimate.
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- Can generate sine waves, triangular waves, and square waves
- The frequency can range from 1HZ-1MHz; Frequency and amplitude adjustable
- Five bit precision resolution; Frequency adjustment has coarse and fine tuning
- Wide power supply range, can use external power supply 9-12V or 9V batteries
- All direct insertion components have a small number of components and are easy to install and debug.
How the circuit makes its waveforms
Virtual supply from one battery
The circuit uses two 4.7 kΩ resistors to create a midpoint reference from the 9V battery. Two 220 µF electrolytic capacitors serve as charge reservoirs. Make: describes the resulting arrangement as approximately +4.5V and −4.5V around virtual ground. This is a split reference made from a single battery, not two separate 4.5V batteries.
That limited supply explains the circuit’s constrained signal swing. It is designed around the available battery voltage rather than to provide a large output amplitude.
Rank #2
- Good Precision: the XR2206 function signal generator is precise, with a transparent case box shell for good assemble; Amplitude: 0-3V at 9V DC input; Distortion: less than 1% (at 1KHz); Flatness: +0.05dB 1Hz - 100kHz; Note:this set requires soldering tools; Please consult customer service for a detailed installation video
- Parameters: Voltage Supply: 9-12V DC Input; Waveforms: Square, Sine, Triangle; Impedance: 600 Ohm + 10%; Frequency: 1Hz-1MHz; Amplitude: 0-3V at 9V DC; InputDistortion: less than 1% (at 1KHz); Flatness: +0.05dB 1Hz - 100kaHz
- Sine wave parameters:Amplitude: 0-3V at 9V DC input; Distortion: less than 1% (at 1KHz); Flatness: +0.05dB 1Hz - 100kHz
- Square wave parameters: Amplitude: 8V (no load) at 9V DC Input; Rise Time: less than 50ns (at 1KHz); Fall Time: less than 30ns (at 1KHz); Symmetry: less than 5% (at 1KHz)
- Triangle wave: Amplitude: 0-3V at 9V DC input; Linearity: less than 1% (up to 100 KHz) 10 mA
Triangle and square waves
Two sections of a TL074 quad operational amplifier form the oscillator core. One section integrates a changing voltage to produce the triangle wave; another acts as a comparator and switches state to produce the square wave. A pair of diodes helps balance the feedback level in both directions, supporting a more symmetrical triangle.
The range switch changes the integrator timing by placing a larger capacitor in parallel with the integrator capacitor. This changes the frequency band available from the tuning control.
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Rank #3
- Good Quality: The hard shell battery button connector is made of solid plastic and metal. The solid plastic is solid and not easy to break. The metal contact performance is good. The cable tail is easy to solder by immersion tin
- Simple Operation: the 9v clip connector design is simple, and the battery connector on the damaged or old electronic device can be easily replaced
- Wide Range of ApplicationS: This 9 Volt battery clip is widely used to replace damaged battery connectors on electronic equipment, LED light bars or scientific experiments
- Quantity And Size: Comes with 10 9V battery connectors (not including 9 V battery); Cable length: about 15 cm/5.9 in, battery button length: 0.94 in Width: 0.47 in Thickness: 0.24 in
- Reminder:These 9v battery clip are only suitable for 9 V batteries, please make sure of this before purchasing, do not use it when your hands are wet
Sine approximation and output selection
An LM13700 transconductance amplifier shapes the triangle wave into an approximate sine wave by overdriving it so the triangle’s peaks curve inward. The project describes three sine adjustments: distortion amount, top-to-bottom symmetry, and amplitude. This is a shaping method, not evidence that the output meets a particular distortion specification.
A third TL074 section scales the square output, while the fourth provides the selected, level-adjusted output with low output impedance. The article reports about 3 V peak-to-peak maximum output, but does not establish drive performance for a particular load; avoid assuming it can directly drive low-impedance equipment.
Rank #4
- Replaces and eliminates a 9V battery in many types of electronic devices that use a single 9V battery
- Easy to use plug-and-play kit is perfect for electronic devices that are heavily used and left on for extended periods of time
- Kit includes 1 x 9V active dummy cell battery, and a 120VAC to 9VDC@2A wall power adapter
- Thin flat flexible cable (FFC cable) coming out of active dummy cell battery easily runs around battery compartment cover and under electronic device allowing it to sit flat without tilting or rocking
- Stop constantly changing out dead batteries and start saving money!
Parts and construction approach
The Make: bill of materials specifies TL074CN and LM13700N ICs, two 1N914 diodes, resistors, 100 kΩ controls and trimmers, ceramic and electrolytic capacitors, SPDT and SPST switches, banana jacks, hookup wire, a board, an enclosure, a 9V battery, and a 9V snap connector. The article says capacitors should be rated for 16V or higher. Check the original project’s component list and circuit drawing for exact quantities, values, and connections: Make a 9V Battery Powered Function Generator.
The project can be assembled on experimenter board or on an etched PCB. Ray Wilson’s 2014 construction companion adds guidance on PCB artwork orientation, component placement and designators, wire jumpers, and wiring the panel controls: Constructing the Battery Signal Generator. It recommends connecting a conductive faceplate to circuit ground with a wire to help reduce noise.
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- ✅ Safety Tips: These 9V battery clips are only suitable for 9V batteries, please make sure of this before purchasing; when using, please keep your hands clean and not wet.
- ✅ Premium Quality: The hard shell battery button connector is made of solid plastic and metal. The cable tail is easy to solder. The plastic is solid and not easy to break.
- ✅ Application: This 9V battery clip is widely used to replace damaged battery connectors on electronic equipment, LED light bars or DIY projects, STEM & Arduino projects, etc
- ✅ Universal design: the 9V clip connector design is simple, and the battery connector on the damaged or old electronic device can be easily replaced with a universal design.
- ✅ All Clips are packed & QC in the USA. Our business policy:100% satisfaction. Please contact us with any problems anytime through Amazon message. We provide 24/7 service
If you choose chemical PCB etching, the construction companion advises gloves, goggles, good ventilation, and proper chemical disposal. Follow the current safety instructions for the specific chemicals and products you use; those general precautions do not replace them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect from battery use and adjustment
Make: reports current draw of about 11 mA with the LED fitted and about 9 mA without it. These are article-reported figures, not independent measurements. Current draw alone is not enough to calculate dependable battery life: runtime depends on the battery, its condition, circuit behavior, and use, and the project does not publish a runtime figure.
The sine-shaping controls require adjustment for distortion, symmetry, and amplitude. If you need repeatable output specifications, verify the assembled unit with suitable test equipment; the project article does not publish measured distortion, frequency accuracy, or calibration results.
Keep other function-generator designs distinct
A separate XR2206 DIY kit manual specifies a regulated 12V supply and advises adding a buffer stage for low-impedance loads. Those are requirements and recommendations for that kit, not for the Make: 9V circuit: XR2206 DIY Kit manual.
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