Question
In a Class A amplifier, what percentage of the time does the amplifying device conduct?
Answer Options
- A) 100%
- B) More than 50% but less than 100%
- C) 50%
- D) Less than 50%
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
A Class A amplifier is biased so that the amplifying device (transistor or tube) is conducting current for the entire 360^\circ of the input signal cycle. This conduction over the full cycle is what defines its operating class.
Therefore, in a Class A amplifier, the amplifying device conducts 100\% of the time. This results in the highest linearity (lowest distortion) of any amplifier class, making it ideal for high-fidelity audio or critical instrumentation. However, this full-time conduction also leads to poor efficiency, as a large amount of DC power is constantly dissipated as heat.
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