SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hame-switching-amp-efficiency
Why are switching amplifiers more efficient than linear amplifiers?
The device sits saturated or cut off most of the time.
- They operate at higher voltages
- The device is saturated or cut off most of the time ✔
- They always use push-pull circuits
Why: A transistor wastes power when it has both voltage across it and current through it. A switch is almost always one or the other, so little power turns to heat.
Huh, didn't know that: Using a Class C amplifier on a single-sideband signal causes distortion and excessive bandwidth (E7B07).
You know you might be a ham when your electric bill exceeds your house payment.
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References
Answer: The device is saturated or cut off most of the time. A transistor wastes power when it has both voltage across it and current through it. A switch is almost always one or the other, so little power turns to heat.
- NCVEC 2024-2028 Amateur Extra Question Pool, E7B08 (4th errata, Feb. 4, 2026) www.ncvec.org/downloads/2024-2028%20Extra%20Class%20Question%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20with%204th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
B. The switching device is at saturation or cutoff most of the time
Checked 2026-10-11. - NCVEC 2024-2028 Amateur Extra Question Pool, E7B07 (4th errata, Feb. 4, 2026) www.ncvec.org/downloads/2024-2028%20Extra%20Class%20Question%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20with%204th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
D. Signal distortion and excessive bandwidth
Checked 2026-10-11.
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