An amplifier is an electronic device or circuit that is used to increase the voltage, current, or power of an input signal. The process of increasing these parameters in a signal is called amplification. Amplifiers are broadly categorized into three types based on their function: voltage amplifier, current amplifier, and power amplifier.
Amplifiers are most popular in audio systems, where a weak signal from a source is fit to the amplifier. This amplifier will boost the signal power high enough to drive the speakers to reach a large audience. It is also used widely in radio transceivers. In these devices, the incoming signal received from the antenna will be too weak to use directly by the user. Therefore, an amplifier is used to amplify the weak signal and then passed on to the user. Similarly, when the user needs to send a signal back, this signal will be amplified by the amplifier in the radio transceiver before modulating them and transmitting back through the antenna.
Let’s take a look at four important characteristics of an amplifier:
1. Linearity: The property where amplifier does not alter the shape of a signal and produces only the amplified version of the original signal. This majorly determines the quality of the output signal.
2. Gain: The ratio between the magnitude of key parameters of input and output signal. For example, voltage gain is given by the ratio between the voltage of the signal output to the voltage of the input signal.
3. Noise: A measure of an amplifier to amplify input signals without introducing undesired signals in it.
4. Bandwidth: The range of input signal frequencies within which an amplifier can effectively amplify. It can also be described as a range of input signal frequency within which an amplifier will operate.
Amplifiers are essential components in electronics, and they have a wide range of applications. From audio systems to radio transceivers, amplifiers are used to enhance the quality of the signal and make it more usable for the intended purpose.
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