Amplifier Classes

Amplifiers can be of different classes depending on their design.

A class A amplifier has a single output transistor which conducts for a full 360^o of the cycle of the input waveform.

Class B and AB both have two output transistors.

1. For class B, the output transistors only conduct for one-half, that is, 180^o of the input waveform.
   

1. Class AB amplifier's output transistors conduct somewhere between 180^o and 360^o of the input waveform. The class AB amplifier operates as a combination of classes A and B.

For small power outputs the AB amplifier operates as a class A amplifier but changes to a class B amplifier for larger current outputs.

Class AB is more linear than Class B but less efficient, but also more efficient than class A.

An example of class AB amplifier is the 12-212  2.4 GHz Indoor Amplifier. The power requirement for a 12-212 Indoor amplifier is 9V, 1.5A.

Another class AB amplifier is the Teletronics 900MHz 12-105 BDA with power requirements of 12V, 4A.

Other classes of amplifiers include Class C, D, E, F, G, and H. For other amplifiers and repeaters, check out this page.

For more on amplifiers and repeaters, feel free to contact our wireless specialists for assistance with your project.

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