🔍 Key Concepts

• 100% amplitude modulation (AM) and how carrier power and sideband power relate • How DC input power to the RF power amplifier compares to the audio (AC) modulating power at 100% modulation • Relationship between efficiency and power sharing between carrier and modulation

💭 Think About

• If you have a carrier of a certain power level, how much additional power do the sidebands require at 100% modulation? • How does the audio power from the modulator relate to the increase in RF output power of the amplifier when you go from no modulation to 100% modulation? • What ratio between DC input and AC modulating power would allow the RF amplifier to produce the correct increase in total RF power at 100% modulation without distortion?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear on the formula for total RF power at 100% AM modulation in terms of the unmodulated carrier power • Verify how much extra RF power the sidebands represent compared to the carrier at 100% modulation • Check whether any of the listed ratios (same, 1/2, 1/4) match the required relationship between DC input power to the RF amplifier and AC modulating power for proper 100% modulation