/ˈæmplɪfaɪər/
noun … “Device that increases signal strength.”
Amplifier is an electronic circuit or device that increases the amplitude of a signal, making it stronger in voltage, current, or power without altering the underlying information it carries. Amplifiers are essential in both analog and digital systems, enabling weak signals from sensors, microphones, or antennas to be processed, transmitted, or reproduced effectively.
Key characteristics of Amplifier include:
- Gain: the ratio of output signal strength to input signal strength.
- Linearity: ability to amplify without introducing distortion.
- Bandwidth: range of frequencies the amplifier can handle effectively.
- Noise performance: amount of unwanted signal added during amplification.
- Efficiency: how effectively electrical power is converted into amplified output.
Workflow example: Audio signal amplification:
microphone_signal = mic.read()
amplified_signal = amplifier.gain(20).apply(microphone_signal)
speaker.play(amplified_signal)
Here, a weak microphone signal is amplified so it can drive a speaker, preserving the original sound while increasing its strength.
Conceptually, an Amplifier is like a megaphone: it takes a quiet voice and makes it louder without changing the words being spoken.
See Transistor, Semiconductor, Signal Processing, Gain, Analog.