AC1 Fundamentals Unit 1 – The AC Waveform Generator
Exercise 2 – Generator Impedance
EXERCISE OBJECTIVE
When you have completed this exercise, you will be able to determine the output impedance of
an ac waveform generator. You will verify your results with an oscilloscope.
DISCUSSION
- All generators have a characteristic output impedance. This impedance (RS), or source
impedance, can be represented as an internal series resistor. - The generator internal resistance and the circuit load (RL) form a voltage divider.
- A voltage divider circuit that consists of two equal resistances divides the source voltage in
half. This technique is used to determine the output impedance of a generator.