🔍 Key Concepts
• Relationship between amplifier classes (A, B, AB, C) and conduction angle
• Definition of conduction angle in degrees of the input signal cycle
• How efficiency vs. linearity changes from Class A to Class C
💭 Think About
• Think about how much of the input waveform a Class A amplifier conducts, then how Class B changes that to improve efficiency
• Compare the typical conduction angles for Class A, Class B, and Class C and place Class B in the correct range
• Ask yourself: for Class B, does the active device conduct for more than, less than, or exactly half of the input cycle?
✅ Before You Answer
• Be clear on what 360°, 180°, and <180° mean in terms of portions of the sine wave cycle (full cycle, half cycle, less than half)
• Recall that Class A is associated with full-cycle conduction (maximum linearity, low efficiency) and Class C with small conduction angle (high efficiency, more distortion); Class B fits between these extremes
• Verify whether Class B is defined by a specific conduction angle or just a range before choosing your answer