The class A power amplifier as discussed in the previous chapter, is the circuit in which the output current flows for the entire cycle of the AC input supply. We also have learnt about the disadvantages it has such as low output power and efficiency. In order to minimize those effects, the transformer coupled class A power amplifier has been introduced.

The construction of class A power amplifier can be understood with the help of below figure. This is similar to the normal amplifier circuit but connected with a transformer in the collector load.

Here R₁ and R₂ provide potential divider arrangement. The resistor Re provides stabilization, C_e is the bypass capacitor and R_e to prevent a.c. voltage. The transformer used here is a step-down transformer.

The high impedance primary of the transformer is connected to the high impedance collector circuit. The low impedance secondary is connected to the load (generally loud speaker).

Transformer Action

The transformer used in the collector circuit is for impedance matching. R_L is the load connected in the secondary of a transformer. R_L’ is the reflected load in the primary of the transformer.

The number of turns in the primary are n₁ and the secondary are n₂. Let V₁ and V₂ be the primary and secondary voltages and I₁ and I₂ be the primary and secondary currents respectively. The below figure shows the transformer clearly.

We know that

$$frac{V_1}{V_2} = frac{n_1}{n_2}: and: frac{I_1}{I_2} = frac{n_1}{n_2}$$

Or

$$V_1 = frac{n_1}{n_2}V_2 : and: I_1 = frac{n_1}{n_2}I_2$$

Hence

$$frac{V_1}{I_1} = left ( frac{n_1}{n_2} right )^2 frac{V_2}{I_2}$$

But V₁/I₁ = R_L’ = effective input resistance

And V₂/I₂ = R_L = effective output resistance

Therefore,

$$R_L’ = left ( frac{n_1}{n_2}right )^2 R_L = n^2 R_L$$

Where

$$n = frac{number : of : turns : in : primary}{number: of: turns: in: secondary} = frac{n_1}{n_2}$$

A power amplifier may be matched by taking proper turn ratio in step down transformer.

Circuit Operation

If the peak value of the collector current due to signal is equal to zero signal collector current, then the maximum a.c. power output is obtained. So, in order to achieve complete amplification, the operating point should lie at the center of the load line.

The operating point obviously varies when the signal is applied. The collector voltage varies in opposite phase to the collector current. The variation of collector voltage appears across the primary of the transformer.

Circuit Analysis

The power loss in the primary is assumed to be negligible, as its resistance is very small.

The input power under dc condition will be

$$(P_{in})_{dc} = (P_{tr})_{dc} = V_{CC} times (I_C)_Q$$

Under maximum capacity of class A amplifier, voltage swings from (V_ce)_max to zero and current from (I_c)_max to zero.

Hence

$$V_{rms} = frac{1}{sqrt{2}} left [frac{(V_{ce})_{max} – (V_{ce})_{min}}{2} right ] = frac{1}{sqrt{2}} left[ frac{(V_{ce})_{max}}{2}right ] = frac{2V_{CC}}{2sqrt{2}} = frac{V_{CC}}{sqrt{2}}$$

$$I_{rms} = frac{1}{sqrt{2}} left [frac{(I_C)_{max} – (I_C)_{min}}{2} right ] = frac{1}{sqrt{2}} left[ frac{(I_C)_{max}}{2}right ] = frac{2(I_C)_Q}{2sqrt{2}} = frac{(I_C)_Q}{sqrt{2}}$$

Therefore,

$$(P_O)_{ac} = V_{rms} times I_{rms} = frac{V_{CC}}{sqrt{2}} times frac{(I_C)_Q}{sqrt{2}} = frac{V_{CC} times (I_C)_Q}{2}$$

Therefore,

Collector Efficiency = $frac{(P_O)_{ac}}{(P_{tr})_{dc}}$

Or,

$$(eta)_{collector} = frac{V_{CC} times (I_C)_Q}{2 times V_{CC} times (I_C)_Q} = frac{1}{2}$$

$$= frac{1}{2} times 100 = 50%$$

The efficiency of a class A power amplifier is nearly than 30% whereas it has got improved to 50% by using the transformer coupled class A power amplifier.

Advantages

The advantages of transformer coupled class A power amplifier are as follows.

• No loss of signal power in the base or collector resistors.
• Excellent impedance matching is achieved.
• Gain is high.
• DC isolation is provided.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of transformer coupled class A power amplifier are as follows.

• Low frequency signals are less amplified comparatively.
• Hum noise is introduced by transformers.
• Transformers are bulky and costly.
• Poor frequency response.

Applications

The applications of transformer coupled class A power amplifier are as follows.

• This circuit is where impedance matching is the main criterion.

• These are used as driver amplifiers and sometimes as output amplifiers.