power amplifier
Quick Summary
A power amplifier is an electronic device that takes a small input signal (voltage, current, or power) and produces a larger output signal that retains the essential waveform of the input. Power amplifiers are specifically designed to deliver a relatively large power output, typically greater than one watt.12
These amplifiers are crucial components in various electronic systems, including radio and television receivers, and high-fidelity audio equipment. In communications, they are essential for boosting signals to ensure they can be transmitted over long distances or to overcome interference. While audio amplifiers are generally straightforward to design, radio-frequency amplifiers present challenges related to tuning, selectivity, and potential cross-modulation, where different information channels can mix.13
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