In audio electronics, power amplifier classifications are usually alphabetical symbols applied to various power amplifier types. The first class gives an overall look of the performance and features of an amplifier. This is followed by the second class, which gives details of the power amplifier components. Subsequent levels have names such as DIM, IC, or CPU. At the bottom of the alphabetical characters are the amplifiers' names like HP/PI, PA, UT, etc. Power amplifier classes can also be broken down into sub-classes. Among them are thermal, bipolar, and linear. Based on their designs, each sub-class has its own unique design and specifications. The first sub-class is Thermal with its single-ended designs. These are called 'crossovers' for their ability to handle high power levels and to have low distortion at the output. They are characterized by their efficiency, which is always around 10%. The thermal speakers tend to have a 'fat' appearance and sound. The second sub-class is bipolar. These are known for their high efficiency and for the smoothness in their operation. The preferred types of amps under this category include the units with balanced or linear control. The units with single ended designs are known as AB/BK amps; others are AB/ck amps. The third amplifier class is the most popular one. The most widely used in home theater systems are the THD or total harmonic distortion ones. The distortion levels of these units are usually measured in the complete range of frequencies. THD stands for total harmonic distortion which includes distortion to the end of the audio band. The fourth sub-class is the Class G unit, which has high efficiency designs. They are popular for their simplicity, their efficiency, and their smoothness. The preferred designs under this class are the amp models with very low crossover distortion and fast attack speeds. Other designs under this category are the amp models having a little bit of distortion or phase distortion. A few amp designs that fall under this category are the amp models with very low input impedance and a fast attack speed. The next best amplifer sub-class is the pure class of designs. The pure class of designs use a bi-conductor circuit design. This design saves power, reduces heat dissipation, and it also has high efficiency. The distortion that they produce is very low. The distortion that they produce is actually imperceptible to the listener. In fact, some pure class of amplifiers have been designed with such a flat frequency response that it is called "analog mono." The next sub-class is the Multi-Zone Amplifiers. These amps have an ability to handle more than one source through separate output devices. Most of these Multi-Zone Amplifiers have a switching capability between the front and rear speakers. There is some Multi-Zone Amplifiers that can also handle an input source through the head unit. The final sub-class that we will discuss is the Class AB design. This amp utilizes one or more power transistors in their power section. These amp models are the most popular amongst portable audio players and are capable of putting out very high volumes without any difficulty. Class A, B, and C amplifiers are the most popular class of amp. Class D (DC) amplifiers utilize a single power transistor in their input section and a pair of power transistors in the output section. The output from the Class D amplifier is measured in volts. To get more enlightened on the topic, check out this related post: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valve_amplifier.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
|