[Amps] Amplifier classes in solid state

[Steve Thompson]

Will Matney wrote:
> Hey all,
>
> I gotta ask this question;
>
> Is the amplifier classes A, AB1, AB2, B, and C valid for solid state
> devices?
>
> Now my training says it is as the base of a semiconductor is the same
> as the grid on a triode. There's the part about grid current flowing,
> but of course we have base current flowing when running class AB1 or
> A as the base is biased on with a regulator. To me, I cant see any
> difference in the action of a triode or a transistor if the
> transistor is biased correctly.
>
> Now, most know I'm a tube head instead of solid state when it comes
> to RF amps. Am I missing the boat here and just dont see something?
The class labels are used just the same, and are applied in similar
situations. AB1 is usually used to describe class AB with low quiescent
bias, AB2 with higher quiescent bias - you don't have the equivalent of
'grid current' to measure.

The gate on a MOSFET is a closer equivalent to the control grid, being open
circuit, but still no equivalent to grid current flows.

Steve