The Importance Of Transistors in Amplifier Design

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Are you building an amplifier? The first stage of the process will be the designing phase. This is an important stage that is done when building all types of electric devices and appliances. It entails creating a representation of what the final amplifier should look like and how it should operate. The design is done by both designers and as well as electric and electronic engineers. One aspect of design entails determining the electronic components that will be used in the amplifier. For example, you will need to know the type of transistors that will be in the amps, their sizes, and even their number.

Transistors tend to get full attention when designing amplifiers. Why is it so? Keep reading as we discuss the importance of transistors in the amplifier design.

Factors to consider when designing amplifiers

When designing amplifiers, the designers will always keep the end goal in mind. Here are some of the most prominent factors that are considered when designing amplifiers.

One key aspect of the amplifier that you have to consider is the intended amplification. What results would you like to gain from the amplifier for every input signal that gets into the amp?  Once you know the requirements, you will be able to design the right circuit that will help you achieve the desired result. The basic requirement of the amplifier will also determine the types of electronic components (such as transistors) that you will integrate into an amplifier.

The design process will also help you decide on the type of amplifier that you should use. There are different types and classes of amplifiers. You will know whether you need a current amplifier, voltage amplifier, or power amplifier. Each of these amplifier types is designed to achieve a different goal. For example, the power amplifier is designed to boost the overall power output of the amplifier while the voltage amplifier raises the voltage gain of the amplifier. When it comes to classes of amplifiers, we have class A, B, C and D.

Amplifier design will define your selection of transistors. It will determine the type of transistor that you will use: whether it is bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or Field effect transistor (FET) types. These two types of transistors can differ n terms of performance and even suitability in the amplifier. On the other hand, the type of transistor available will also define the design of the amplifier that you should use,

You should consider the input and output impedance when designing an amplifier. We can define impedance as the measure of the electrical opposition to the electric current. The amplifier design should ensure that there is a perfect match between the input and output impedance. This is vital in ensuring that there is a smooth transfer of power from the amplifier.

Amplifier design should also cater to the power supply into the device circuits. The design should ensure that the amplifier gets the right current and voltage that will be needed to run the amplifier.

Why are transistors important in amplifier design?

As we have mentioned, one of the key factors that determine the design of the amplifier. One of them is the transistors that will be used. While there are other active electronic components in amplifiers, transistors seem to gain the most attention. Here are some of the essences of transistors in the amplifier design.

Transistors are amplifiers

In all the amplifiers, transistors are the main electronic components that play the amplification roles.

Transistors amplify the power, and frequency of the signals to higher levels that are required by user. This means that the design process should be cognizant of the amplification levels of the transistor. From there, you will be able to design an amplifier that will match the amplification of the transistor.

Failure to pay attention to the transistor as an amplifier will result in a mismatch between the design and the amplification. For example, the design may be low or compact to the extent that it will not have the capacity to handle the amplification of the transistor. The same problem will be experienced when you the design is larger yet the amplification level of a transistor is too small.

Transistors are signal controllers

This is another important reason why transistors deserve full attention when it comes to designing amplifiers. They control both the input and output signals in the circuits that make up an amplifier.

The signal control functionality of the transistors is due to the fact that they are used as switches. When connected to a circuit, a transistor will determine when the current flows and when it should not. In other words, it can turn a circuit on and off. Another control aspect of the transistor is in controlling the frequency and amplitude of amplifiers.

The design of the amplifier should cater to the signal control functionality of the transistor. It should be tweaked or adjusted to respond when the transistor changes the state of the amplifier.

 Size of the amplifier

Transistors also determine the physical properties of amplifiers. This is a major reason why they have to be considered in the design process of the amplifier. The good news is most transistors are small and compact and hence can be easily incorporated into amplifier design with minimal resistance.

The compact size of transistors has made it possible for manufacturers to come up with small amps that will fit into small devices.

Transistors will determine the reliability of the amplifier

Other than facilitating the technical operations of amplifiers, transistors also affect the overall reliability of the amplifier. This is a key reason why they have to be considered during the amplifier design process.

Amplification and switching functions   are quite involved and if not done correctly, they may affect the reliability of a transistor. By choosing a quality and compatible transistor, you will be able to improve the overall reliability rating of the amplifier. After all, amplifier manufacturers would like to be known for supplying reliable amps.

Going by the reasons that we have just discussed, it is clear why the amplifier design process should pay special attention to the transistors.

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