In a rate generator, which device is mechanically connected to a load?

In a rate generator, the device that is mechanically connected to a load is the tachometer. A tachometer is designed to measure the rotational speed of an object, such as a motor shaft, by converting the mechanical motion into an electrical signal. This allows it to provide feedback on the speed at which the load is operating.

For instance, in a control system, the tachometer can inform the control unit of the current speed of the motor, enabling it to make real-time adjustments to maintain a desired performance level. This mechanistic connection is crucial for accurate measurement and feedback, integral to the functionality of rate generators in various applications.

While the other options like motors, amplifiers, and encoders play important roles in different contexts, they do not primarily function as devices that measure or indicate speed in a direct mechanical connection to a load within the context of a rate generator.