Output Load Termination
Applies to output amplitude and offset voltage only. Most function generators have a fixed series output impedance of 50Ω to the front-panel Output connector. If the actual load impedance is different than the value specified, the displayed amplitude and offset levels will be incorrect.
The number of outputs and the parameter choices vary by instrument. Some of the options described may not be available for a particular instrument. The Function Generator application will only list settings and values that are available for the selected instrument type.
- If you specify a 50Ω termination but are actually terminating into an open circuit, the actual output will be twice the value specified. For example, if you set the offset to 100 mVdc (and specify a 50Ω load) but are terminating the output into an open circuit, the actual offset will be 200 mVdc.
- If you change the output termination setting, the displayed output amplitude and offset levels are automatically adjusted (no error will be generated). For example, if you set the amplitude to 10 Vpp and then change the output termination from 50Ω to "high impedance", the amplitude displayed on the function generator’s front-panel will double to 20 Vpp. If you change from “high impedance” to 50Ω, the displayed amplitude will drop in half.