Manual pulse generators (handwheels) institute a command pulse when a handle is turned manually. They are sometimes used to position the axes of milling machines and other industrial equipment such as turns and lathes. A portable manual pulse generator or handwheel can be used to calibrate multiple machines or devices. A manual clock pulse generator circuit is often used to generate standard clock pulses. Continuous wave generators and signal and sweep generators are common alternatives to manual pulse generators and handwheels. Quasi-continuous generators can be used in both pulsed electron spin resonance (ESR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) applications. Performance specifications for all types of pulse generators include frequency range, pulse duration, and typical output power. Durability is an additional factor to consider when selecting manual pulse generators or handwheels.

Manual pulse generators or handwheels are sometimes used to test circuits with a single clock pulse, or with a specific number of clock pulses. One problem with manual pulse generators is that any electro-mechanical device may exhibit a phenomenon known as contact bounce. Contact bounce illustrates how the physical contacts in a real-world switch or pushbutton do not simply make or break contact when a switch is toggled or button pushed. Instead, because the contacts are flexible, they bounce apart slightly and then touch again. As a result, physical contacts may make and break contact several times during each actuation.

Manual pulse generators (handwheels) institute a command pulse when a handle is turned manually. They are sometimes used to position the axes of milling machines and other industrial equipment such as turns and lathes. A portable manual pulse generator or handwheel can be used to calibrate multiple machines or devices. A manual clock pulse generator circuit is often used to generate standard clock pulses. Continuous wave generators and signal and sweep generators are common alternatives to manual pulse generators and handwheels. Quasi-continuous generators can be used in both pulsed electron spin resonance (ESR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) applications. Performance specifications for all types of pulse generators include frequency range, pulse duration, and typical output power. Durability is an additional factor to consider when selecting manual pulse generators or handwheels.

Manual pulse generators or handwheels are sometimes used to test circuits with a single clock pulse, or with a specific number of clock pulses. One problem with manual pulse generators is that any electro-mechanical device may exhibit a phenomenon known as contact bounce. Contact bounce illustrates how the physical contacts in a real-world switch or pushbutton do not simply make or break contact when a switch is toggled or button pushed. Instead, because the contacts are flexible, they bounce apart slightly and then touch again. As a result, physical contacts may make and break contact several times during each actuation.

There are several major approvals and certifications for manual pulse generators or handwheels. In Europe, manual pulse generators and handwheels that are designed for consumer applications often bear the CE Mark. CE Marking indicates that a product complies with the essential requirements of relevant European Union (EU) directives that uphold national standards for health, safety and environmental protection. CE Marking is required in the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA), an organization that consists of the twenty five member states of the EU and the three members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).