Hi
I feel a bit silly asking this.
I have a signal generator that puts out a min of 3V PP, I want to connect a smd inductor directly to the output of the sig gen, then I want to put a sign wave and then a square wave through it and measure with a scope, will the inductive spike (if any) harm the signal generator?
The inductors are around 100uH to 400uH.
What I am looking at is seeing how the waveform changes when metal and electric fields are passed over the top of the inductor

 

Hello,

It depends on the specification of the signal generator.
A RF generator has most times an output impedance of 50 Ohms.
Also the minimum load should be given in the manual of the generator.

Bertus

 

This is a old sig gen, I got it cheap for doing dodgy experiments so I wouldnt destroy dads expensive one! I cant get any info on it, except it does have 50Ohm termination, although in some ways its expendable, it has become a bit of a old friend and I would hate to destroy it now.
Oh well nothing ventured........
Keep an eye out for my how do I fix my signal generator thread

 

Hello,

You can always put a 50 Ohms resistor in series with the generator output for safety.

Bertus

 

Hello,

You can always put a 50 Ohms resistor in series with the generator output for safety.

Bertus

Thank you!! I totally missed that one! Your either a genius or I am a idiot!
No need too discuss which it is

 

The same solution works with op-amps that don't like capacitive loads. Just stick a resistor in series to protect the op-amp.

Of course, the fact that you already knew this is probably why you're kicking yourself.

 

I was focusing too much on the wrong thing!! I Didnt know about the Op Amps so thats a handy tip!