frequency synthesizer

instrument

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

A frequency synthesizer is an electronic instrument that generates highly precise output frequencies over wide ranges. It is a type of signal generator, which is an electronic test instrument used in the development and testing of electronic hardware. Signal generators can be adjusted for frequency, output voltage, impedance, waveform, and modulation.1

While the term "synthesizer" can also refer to a music synthesizer, which is a machine that electronically generates and modifies sounds for composing electronic music or live performance, a frequency synthesizer specifically focuses on generating precise frequencies. Music synthesizers, on the other hand, are collections of components like oscillators, mixers, and filters that musicians configure to produce desired timbres and responses.213

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

spectroscopy
Microwave spectroscopy
…over specific regions, and (2) frequency synthesizers, whose output is produced by the successive multiplication and addition of highly monochromatic, low-frequency signals and consists of a series of discrete frequencies with small separations that effectively provide a continuous wave signal (e.g., 6 hertz separations at 25 gigahertz).
Read More
…over specific regions, and (2) frequency synthesizers, whose output is produced by the successive multiplication and addition of highly monochromatic, low-frequency signals and consists of a series of discrete frequencies with small separations that effectively provide a continuous wave signal (e.g., 6 hertz separations at 25 gigahertz).
Read More

signal generator
…gain, bandwidth, and signal-to-noise ratio; frequency synthesizers, which generate highly precise output frequencies over wide ranges; pulse generators, which produce pulsed signals at precise duration at precise frequencies; and random-noise generators, which produce a wideband noise for various types of electronic, mechanical, and psychological testing.
Read More
…gain, bandwidth, and signal-to-noise ratio; frequency synthesizers, which generate highly precise output frequencies over wide ranges; pulse generators, which produce pulsed signals at precise duration at precise frequencies; and random-noise generators, which produce a wideband noise for various types of electronic, mechanical, and psychological testing.
Read More