Amplitude modulation and amplifier efficiency

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the DC input power required for a modulator operating at 100% modulation with an 80% efficient amplifier and a 12kW carrier signal. The correct calculation shows that the output power of the modulating signal (6kW) divided by the amplifier's efficiency (0.8) results in a DC input power of 7.5kW. Participants also reference problems from Blake's "Electronic Communications" to clarify concepts related to modulation and amplifier efficiency. The confusion regarding the definitions of carrier output power (Po) and carrier power (Pc) is highlighted, indicating a need for clearer terminology in the context of modulation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of amplitude modulation principles
  • Knowledge of amplifier efficiency calculations
  • Familiarity with power relationships in electronic circuits
  • Basic concepts from Blake's "Electronic Communications"
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the efficiency calculations for amplifiers in detail
  • Learn about the relationship between carrier power and modulating signal power
  • Explore advanced topics in amplitude modulation techniques
  • Review additional resources on electronic communications, particularly newer editions of Blake's book
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Electrical engineers, communications technicians, and students studying electronic communications who seek to deepen their understanding of amplifier efficiency and modulation techniques.

iampaul
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" 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
 
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iampaul said:
" 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

`
 
iampaul said:
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=64WFrom 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!
 

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