Question 6A137

A vacuum tube operating as a Class B amplifier is characterized by its conduction angle and efficiency. In Class B operation, the grid bias is set near plate current cutoff, meaning the tube conducts current for approximately 180 degrees (half) of the input signal cycle. To minimize crossover distortion, especially in push-pull configurations, the bias is often set to allow conduction slightly more than 180 degrees. This partial conduction results in a plate circuit efficiency typically in the range of 50-60%, which is significantly better than Class A (around 25-30%) but less than Class C (up to 80% or more). Class B amplifiers offer medium power output and are often used in push-pull configurations for linear amplification, suitable for modes like SSB and AM, where maintaining the signal's waveform fidelity is important. Option A describes Class A operation, with 360-degree conduction and low efficiency. Option C describes Class C operation, with high efficiency, short bursts of current, and high inherent distortion.