A signal generator for generating an output signal corresponding to pattern data includes (i) a plurality of timing generators that generate a plurality of periodic signals each having a different phase with respect to a reference clock, (ii) a shift register section including a plurality of flip-flops in a cascade arrangement through which each piece of pattern data is propagated sequentially in response to a first periodic signal output from a first timing generator, (iii) a plurality of registers that are provided in a cascade arrangement each of which sequentially propagates data output from a pre-selected one of the plurality of flip-flops in response to a periodic signal output from a corresponding one of the plurality of timing generators, and (iv) a waveform generating section that generates a waveform of the output signal based on data values output from the plurality of flip-flops and from the plurality of registers.
