The amount of power output is the maximum amount of peak to peak voltage
across the load without distortion. If your amplifier starts to clip, it
is because your supply voltage isn't high enough, or you have reached
the maximum design parameters. It was designed to clip in order to
prevent damage. Obviously you can increase the supply voltage to stop
clipping until you exceed the maximum amount of heat dissipation of the
output devices and destroy them.

Your output devices, whether it is a pair of complimentary transistors
or an integrated package has a maximum voltage and power dissipation
rating which you must adhere to in order to prevent damage. You must
design the circuit and provide a power supply that will not allow these
parameters to be exceeded. Study the data sheets of the devices and
follow their recommendations.

Many years ago I designed a theoretical 200 watt transistor amplifier
using two TO220 transistors and an LM741. As long as I could keep the
transistors cool, it would keep putting out.

Most commercial and professional power amplifiers have output impedances
of one ohm or less. This means you can parallel 8 ohm speakers down to
one ohm without power loss or damage to the amplifier.
Rick


Thomas wrote:

> Hi Everyone,
>
> I have been using many different kinds of low powered
> Audio Amplifiers (below 2W) before.  Some can deliver
> 200mW.  Some can deliver 2W.
>
> What makes a powerful amplifier... powerful?  Is it
> because its output impedance is low?
>
> If you try to force it to deliver more that what it is
> designed to do, the output signal clips or distorts.
> Why is that?  (Please try not to give me answer like
> "because you force it to deliver more that what it is
> designed to do..."
> Please help!
>

--
http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us!
email listserv@mitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body