FCC Exam Question: 3-52G5

The class AB amplifier output is present for what portion of the input cycle?

A. Exactly 180 degrees.
B. 360 degrees
C. More than 180 but less than 360 degrees.
D. Less than 180 degrees.
Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Class AB amplifiers are designed to operate as a compromise between Class A and Class B, aiming for better efficiency than Class A while minimizing the crossover distortion inherent in Class B. * **Class A** amplifiers conduct for the full 360 degrees of the input cycle. * **Class B** amplifiers are biased to conduct for exactly 180 degrees of the input cycle. This introduces "crossover distortion" because there's a brief period when neither transistor in a push-pull arrangement is fully on. * **Class AB** amplifiers overcome crossover distortion by biasing the transistors to conduct for *slightly more* than 180 degrees, ensuring a small overlap in conduction. However, they do not conduct for the full 360 degrees, which would make them Class A. Therefore, the output for a Class AB amplifier is present for more than 180 but less than 360 degrees of the input cycle (option C). Options A, B, and D describe Class B, Class A, and Class C operation, respectively.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.