# Amplitude modulation and amplifier efficiency

" A intelligence signal is amplified by a 80% efficient amplifier before being combined with a 12kW carrier to generate the AM signal. if it is desired to operate at 100% modulation, what is the DC input power at the modulator" The choices are a: 12kW b. 7.14kW c.7.5kW d. 15kW

my solution:

For 100% modulation the modulating signal power must be one half of the carrier power.
Pm=0.5Pc=6kW
Pm is the output of the 80% efficient amplifier.
efficiency=Pout/Pin=Pm/Pin
Pin=Pm/efficiency=6kW/0.8=7.5kW
Is this right?

How do I solve problems like this? Sometimes i do the same procedure for a similar question but with different values, but I get a wrong answer. Can you suggest a good reference. I am currently using the electronics communications books by frenzel and blake

tech99
Gold Member
" A intelligence signal is amplified by a 80% efficient amplifier before being combined with a 12kW carrier to generate the AM signal. if it is desired to operate at 100% modulation, what is the DC input power at the modulator" The choices are a: 12kW b. 7.14kW c.7.5kW d. 15kW

my solution:

For 100% modulation the modulating signal power must be one half of the carrier power.
Pm=0.5Pc=6kW
Pm is the output of the 80% efficient amplifier.
efficiency=Pout/Pin=Pm/Pin
Pin=Pm/efficiency=6kW/0.8=7.5kW
Is this right?

How do I solve problems like this? Sometimes i do the same procedure for a similar question but with different values, but I get a wrong answer. Can you suggest a good reference. I am currently using the electronics communications books by frenzel and blake
This seems to be the correct answer for a sinusoidal modulating signal.

These are sample problems from Blake's electronic comms book:
1.) A transmitter has a carrier power output of 10W at an efficiency of 70%. How much power must be supplied by the modulating amplifier for 100% modulation
Book Solution: efficiency=Po/Ps (I don't know what Po is exactly, but Ps was defined as the DC input power to the final amplifier)
Ps=Po/efficiency =10W/0.7 = 14.3W
Pa=0.5Ps=7.125W (Pa is the power required from the modulating amplifier)

2.)A collector modulated class C amplifier has a carrier output power of 100W and an efficiency of 70%. Calculate the supply power and the transistor power dissipation of 100% modulation.
Book Solution: For 100% modulation.
Po=1.5Pc=1.5(100W)=150W
Ps=P0/efficiency=150W/0.7=214W
Pdissipated=Ps-Po=64W

From Problem 1 it seems that Po is the carrier output power. But in problem 2, Pc is the carrier output power? I really don't get. Can you recommend other references regarding this topic



tech99
Gold Member
These are sample problems from Blake's electronic comms book:
1.) A transmitter has a carrier power output of 10W at an efficiency of 70%. How much power must be supplied by the modulating amplifier for 100% modulation
Book Solution: efficiency=Po/Ps (I don't know what Po is exactly, but Ps was defined as the DC input power to the final amplifier)
Ps=Po/efficiency =10W/0.7 = 14.3W
Pa=0.5Ps=7.125W (Pa is the power required from the modulating amplifier)

2.)A collector modulated class C amplifier has a carrier output power of 100W and an efficiency of 70%. Calculate the supply power and the transistor power dissipation of 100% modulation.
Book Solution: For 100% modulation.
Po=1.5Pc=1.5(100W)=150W
Ps=P0/efficiency=150W/0.7=214W
Pdissipated=Ps-Po=64W

From Problem 1 it seems that Po is the carrier output power. But in problem 2, Pc is the carrier output power? I really don't get. Can you recommend other references regarding this topic

In problem 2, I think they are asking for the power supply requirements of just the PA. Its power supply furnishes 100W/0.7 = 143W under no modulation. With 100% modulation, the additional power of 71.5W required by the PA is supplied by the modulator rather than the PA DC supply.
I am sorry I cannot recommend books because my own are now 70 years old and not easily available!