Then by definition, they aren't linear. A graph of output power vs. input power should be a straight line. It it isn't then it's non-linear. The practical question is how much non-linearity is acceptable.
--- On Wed, 5/11/11, Julian, G4ILO <julian.g4...@gmail.com> wrote: > > If it does that then it will be the first linear amplifier > I have ever seen > that actually keeps that relationship across the whole of > its range. > > Most solid state amplifiers exhibit noticeable compression > as you increase > the input power, so you get a lot more than half the rated > power out for > half the specified drive power. > > Take a look at the figures for this Mirage amp (selected at > random as being > the first spec sheet I could find that proved the point.) > It is only truly > linear up to half its rated output. 10W in gives the rated > 160W output, but > 5W gives you 150W 2.5W would give you somewhere around > 120W. The VHF amp I > have here has a similar characteristic. Although it is > designed to be driven > with 5W input I am actually driving it with the K3/K144XV > with less than > half that power and still get virtually full output. > > So I think the OP actually asked a very reasonable > question. > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
