1. Output Transistors
Current gain / input impedance is a vital parameter of a power amplifier.
In the class A analysis, the load impedance is scaled by a factor of b.
High power transistors often have a value of b of the order of tens rather than hundreds.

2. Multiple Transistor Units
To realise a high current gain with low b transistors, use two cascaded emitter follower stages.

3. Darlington Pair
Darlington Pair configuration is available in a single integrated package.
VBE is double that of a normal transistor.
b is typically between 1000 &

4. Efficiency Power Dissipation
The efficiency of a power amplifier is the ratio between the power delivered to the load and the power drawn from the supplies.
Power supply requirements and transistor power dissipation ratings depend on the efficiency.
Power Dissipation
All power which is not delivered to the load must be dissipated by the output device(s) in the form of heat.
As a result, the temperature of the device rises.
Temperature rise changes the properties of a transistor and may, in extreme cases, destroy it.

5. Transistor Power Dissipation
Ambience / Air, TA
Case, TC
Power dissipation
Junction, TJ
Heat travels only from a hot to a cold body
Þ TJ > TC > TA

6. Thermal Resistance
Temperature difference between the junction and ambience depends on the power dissipation and the thermal resistance between them.
qJA is the thermal resistance between the junction and ambience measured in °C per Watt.

7. Power-Derating Curve PDmax PD0 TA0 TA TJmax TA = -1/Slope
Junction temperature must not exceed Tjmax. Also, power dissipation must not exceed PD0. Combining these limitations gives the power derating curve.
PDmax
PD0
TA0 TA
TJmax TA
= -1/Slope

8. Using the Power Derating Curve
Example : TIP 120
PDmax [W] 2
1.6 25 50
150
TA [°C]

9. Find:

10. Increasing Power Dissipation
The only fixed point on the power-derating curve is TJmax.
To increase power dissipation, slope of power-derating curve must be steeper.
Thermal resistance must be lowered.

11. Heat-Sinks
qJA can be broken down into a pair of series resistances.
qJC = thermal resistance between junction and case (fixed)
qCA = thermal resistance between case and ambience.
qCA can be lowered by increasing the surface area of the transistor case, i.e. by adding a heat-sink.

12. Power-Derating Curve with respect to Case Temp
Maximum allowable power dissipation
Versus transistor case temperature.
PDmax
Pdmax(TCO)
TC0 TC
TJmax TC

13. EXAMPLE 9.5
Solution:

14. With a heat sink max. allowable power dissipation increases
From 1.6W to 13.1W.