How is the maximum current that a certain circuit can provide found experimentally? Say, that of a power supply circuit? Can it be done without destroying the circuit?
I'm looking at designing some circuits on my own and learning through experimentation. Current limits are clearly stated for ICs in their datasheet, but when it comes to discrete components, it's not so obvious. I can look at the maximum current provided by each component, but it would also help to have that confirmed through experimentation to make sure I actually understand what I'm doing.