A transistor regulates voltage, the flow of current in a device. It is also used as a switch to turn off other electronic components by starting and stopping the flow of electric current. It is famous for its use as a power, voltage, and current amplifier.
Certain transistors can easily amplify AC signals by increasing the strength of a weak signal, especially those soldered in an amplifier IC chip, a woofer amplifier, transmitters and radios, intercoms, etc. Transistors are universal components that can be used in DC devices and AC gadgets.
A Sophisticated & An Affordable Amplifier
Transistors are used in later devices mostly for signal amplification purposes. It is the cheapest amplifier of all time. Even the amplifier IC chips have transistor amplifiers designed inside them. Not only can hobbyists afford this outstanding electronic component easily, but also big industries.
As we speak in the mic, it generates an AC signal in the device. The amplitude of such a signal is too low to be heard through the speakers or transmitted. Transistors amplify that signal for a clear output and a powerful transmission. Other components are used for clarity and modulation purposes.
Basic Part Of Transmitters & Receivers
Similarly, when transistors are used to generate high-frequency modulated signals, they are also used to amplify those signals before signal propagation or transmission. More powerful amplifiers transmit signals to farther places like artificial satellites, the moon, mars, and other probes in space.
When a propagated signal is received, it loses its power because of attenuation, distortion, and noise. Put simply; this signal is not clear when it reaches its destination. Again, transistors are used to demodulate and amplify this signal so the same data can be received as before transmission.
A Crucial Part of Boosters
That is why boosters use transistors to amplify the high-frequency signals so they don’t lose their original characteristics during transmission. Hence, each transistor has a certain frequency limit. It can only amplify a signal within those limits. A signal with more frequency can easily burn it out.
AC Signal Generator
Transistors are used not only for amplifying AC signals but also for generating such signals from scratch. Along with the help of other components, you can achieve a pure sine wave. The AC signal is essential for powering most of our devices like water pumps, motors, washing machines, refrigerators, etc.
DC To AC Converter
Transistors are not limited to amplifying AC signals; they are also used for converting a DC signal into an AC signal, especially in UPS Inverters. Each UPS inverter has a DC battery connected to it. To do this, the transistors on its circuit are installed in a certain order along with other electronic components.
The other components and the transistor allow these amazing electronic components to generate pure sine waves. They are even used to amplify the AC signal to a certain level, as more powerful signals can burn out the device, and less powerful signals are not enough to run an electronic device properly.
How Is AC Signal Amplified?
AC signals can be amplified using a single transistor and other electronic components. The characteristics and power of these components depend on the frequency and intensity of the signal. We are providing you with a method of amplifying an audio signal. You must provide enough power to the circuit.
For this, connect the components in the same order as shown in the diagram. This circuit is famous because of its configuration, called a common emitter amplifier. After this, you need to provide the input signal at the base of the transistor. It will cause the current to flow inside the transistor’s collector and emitter.
Hence, it will allow you to get the amplified output AC signal with the same frequency but more intensity across the transistor’s collector and the resistor grounding the emitter. The intensity of the output voltage will depend on the power rating of your transistor and the VCC power provided to it for biasing.
How Do You Amplify AC Voltage?
The signal is provided at the base of the transistor installed in a common-emitter configuration for amplifying AC voltage using a transistor. This small intensity signal generates a big intensity signal depending on the power provided to the transistor. On the output of this AC amplifier, we have a resistor.
It is known as a collector resistor. The AC voltage across this resistor is more in intensity. Hence, they are that amplified form of the input AC signal. The output signal’s power depends on the transistor’s power and other components used to form the circuit. Transistors also have frequency limits.
We know that each AC voltage signal has its frequency and intensity. The electronic devices operating on such a signal also have operating frequency limits. More or less frequency can easily burn them out. Hence, when amplifying AC voltage, you must know whether it is 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
Similarly, each electronic device has an AC voltage intensity limit if you want to amplify the AC signals. A high-intensity signal can burn it out, and a low-intensity signal can make it unfunctional. Some devices use 230 volts, while others use only 115 volts. Maintaining the intensity of the AC signal is crucial.
On the other hand, if you want to amplify an AC signal for making an insect killer zapper circuit, you will have to make a voltage doubler instead of an AC amplifier. Such devices use such circuits to kill insects. But remember that a voltage doubler’s output is DC and does not need a transistor.
Conclusion
Transistors can easily amplify AC signals when used in a proper configuration. They have three famous configurations for this: power amplifier, voltage amplifier, and current amplifier. That is why transistors are used in amplifiers, transmitters, receivers, radios, intercoms, two-way radios, etc.
The transistor is used in common emitter configuration to amplify AC audio signal or AC voltage. This configuration is famous for amplifying such signals. The type of transistor changes according to the frequency of the input signal to amplify. It is because each transistor has its frequency limits.
Transistors used for amplifying audio frequencies differ from those used for high frequencies. Similarly, the transistors have power intensity limits as well. A small transistor cannot amplify a powerful signal as it burns out into ashes within seconds. Selecting the right transistor is up to you.
