this is probly a simple question.....

[el duderino]

what does it mean if someone says buffer the signal?

how is it done? :shock:

thanks
eamonn.

[al3151]

Read this http://www.muzique.com/lab/buffers.htm

Great info here http://www.muzique.com/lab/main.htm

[niftydog]

in simple terms;

a buffer presents a high impedance to a signal, meaning the input isn't being "loaded down".  A buffer requires very little current to operate, thus it doesn't "suck" the life out of your signal.

It then outputs the same size signal with a low output impedance.  This allows the buffer to deliver as much power as it can before the voltage starts to "sag".

It can also be used to split signals.  1 input divided by 3 outputs makes 3 lots of 1/3 of a signal, right?  Well, a buffer can even that out so that you get 3 exact duplicates of the input.

[freebird1127]

A popular and simple method of buffering these days is to simply use an op-amp... wire the input to the positive input terminal and tie the output to the negative input terminal and your load (for negative feedback).  Simple and hard to beat.