These function/arbitrary waveform generators play a variety of waveforms or patterns to illustrate, test, and monitor the fluctuating behaviors of AC voltage levels. Arbitrary waveform generators allow preset waveforms to be customized by the user. The user can adjust characteristics of these preset waveforms like speed, offset, and amplitude. They can also apply distortion to the waveform. Applications include optical modulation and stress testing wireless networks.

Sweep function generators connect to an oscilloscope to test the frequency of electrical equipment like electronic filter circuits and amplifiers. These function generators introduce a varying frequency and a steady amplitude in one cycle, or sweep, and measure the response of the equipment under test.