In the past, every electronics technician had a function generator with an XR2206 in his (hobby) lab, but those days are long gone. Nowadays such a generator works with a DDS chip that generates frequencies digitally. Unfortunately, a decent DDS function generator isn't really cheap -- or is it? The JOY-iT DDS function generator, which we will examine for you, promises a wide frequency range and a wide range of options at a low price. Is there a catch?

We'll start with the bad news right away. And that's the casing of the JOY-iT JDS6600. It looks rather cheap, and the manufacturer could have invested more in it. But the good news is that the thing for less than 140 euros a large frequency range, quite accurate and a whole zipper of settings offers. More on that in a moment.
All settings for the two output signals are shown on the display.

Function Generator Hardware

The JOY-iT generator is housed in a simple plastic box of modest dimensions. On the front there is a small but clear LCD that shows all settings, a number of operating buttons, a rotary knob and three BNC sockets, two outputs and an input for the frequency counter that is also installed. The device can therefore provide two output signals that can be set independently of each other or paired. The supply voltage is supplied by a mains adapter included in the package. The box also contains two BNC cables with crocodile clips, a BNC-BNC cable and a USB cable, which is not what you would expect from a device with such a price.

 
Setting is also possible via the PC.
The main features of the JDS6600: frequency range for sine wave up to 60 MHz, for block and triangle up to 15 MHz and for the other waveforms up to 6 MHz. The system allows you to select from approximately 15 pre-programmed and up to 60 self-programmed waveforms. The maximum output voltage is 20 Vpp below 10 MHz. 10 Vpp (up to 30 MHz) or 5 Vpp (up to 60 MHz) are also available. The adjustable offset voltage has similar values. Furthermore, the JDS6600 can generate signal bursts and frequency sweeps. The built-in frequency counter is suitable for signals up to 100 MHz and 2-20 Vpp.