I've read that a class AB stage can put out twice the bias current in class A before becoming class AB. So for example an amplifier with 1A bias current can put 2A out in class A so 32 watts output into 8 ohms. Is this correct? What is the mechanism behind this and what happens to the current flow as the amplifier transitions from class A to class B?
Class A to class AB transition power rating
- Thread starter maggiesnmacs
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Ok that makes sense. But that is peak current correct? So in this example of 1A bias then 32 watts peak output is the maximum, and therefore 16 watts RMS output with a sinewave?
I just find this interesting since Nelson Pass is usually fairly accurate with his measurements and in this page he notifies that his amplifier with 1A bias outputs 30 watts class A into an 8 ohm load. Would that be with a square wave?
https://passlabs.com/articles/leaving-class-a
I just find this interesting since Nelson Pass is usually fairly accurate with his measurements and in this page he notifies that his amplifier with 1A bias outputs 30 watts class A into an 8 ohm load. Would that be with a square wave?
https://passlabs.com/articles/leaving-class-a
Some circuits can stay in "class A" when peak output current is more than double the bias current. Class A just means that neither output transistor cuts off (goes to zero current conduction) completely, it doesn't really say anything about how linear the device is as it goes from bias level to cutoff. Most devices are disgustingly nonlinear down near cutoff, actually.
Have a read of Pass A-40 circuit https://www.passdiy.com/project/amplifiers/the-pass-a-40-power-amplifier where there are answers from the horses mouth.
For more on single ended design check out Pass's earlier article "Construct a Class A Amplifier".
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