Equipment to measure amplifiers design

[samsagaz]

Hi guys, can someone please point me what i need to purchase/build to measure amplifiers? i want to exctract the specs of some amplifiers-

Thanks in advance.

[TheMG]

Dummy loads, voltmeter, ammeter, oscilloscope, signal generator.

If you want to do distortion measurements you'll need either a distortion analyzer or a DSO (digital storage oscilloscope) with FFT/DFT capability.

That should be about all you need for basic measurements.


The only things you can really DIY here would be the signal generator and dummy loads. For a signal generator you can either build a circuit, or simply use your computer's sound card. As for the dummy loads, essentially you just need to rig up some resistors together to achieve the correct impedance and power handling capability. Someone mentioned using kettle heating elements, that's the cheapest solution for high-power dummy loads. Just refrain from winding a bunch of wire into a coil and using that as a load, since that will have high inductance and might skew the results, or even cause instability.

[samsagaz]

Can you give me more specs? for example i have a few Digital OSC TDS220, and TDS460A, Multimeter.

i dont have signal generator (just the PC but i want to purchase a good signal generator)