Maker Pro
Maker Pro

WHo will ace our viva?

N

nikhil

Jan 1, 1970
0
Some interesting debatable questions from our vivas:
1] Why is the o/p impedance of a frequency generator very low?
2] Why is the switch of a sig generator always on in upwards position?
 
B

Baphomet

Jan 1, 1970
0
nikhil said:
Some interesting debatable questions from our vivas:
1] Why is the o/p impedance of a frequency generator very low?
2] Why is the switch of a sig generator always on in upwards position?

#1 - So that the generator is minimally affected by the load, and that
standing waves are reduced when using properly terminated coax cable.

#2 - As well as most other electronic equipment using a power toggle
switch. Ergonomically, it is probably easier to turn off with a downward
motion than with an upward motion.
 
F

Fred Abse

Jan 1, 1970
0
nikhil said:
[quoted text muted]

#1 - So that the generator is minimally affected by the load, and that
standing waves are reduced when using properly terminated coax cable.

Nicely put, Baph.
#2 - As well as most other electronic equipment using a power toggle
switch. Ergonomically, it is probably easier to turn off with a downward
motion than with an upward motion.

"Up for on" is the rule for industrial switchgear, even where the local
rule for things like light switches is the other way. "Gravity failsafe" -
if some idiot hangs something on the switch, it can't start something
that'll take somebody's head off.

In the case of signal generators, I suspect that standardization for
military use might have something to do with it.
 
Top