[Boatanchors] AM linear question

[Rob Atkinson]

On Tue, Dec 8, 2015 at 5:25 AM, Bry Carling <bcarling at cfl.rr.com> wrote:
> Tell us then what is the maximum peak power excursion for a fully modulated
> AM plate signal with a resting carrier input of 150 watts DC?

It depends on a variety of things and where you make the power
measurement, but it isn't important as a practical matter.  For one
thing, an accurate measurement is almost impossible and anyway, PEP is
an almost theoretical power figure.  For AM it has no practical
meaning.  I can't think of any other FCC licensed radio service that
has to meet some power level in terms of PEP.


 With 100 %
> modulation, how many watts?


See above.  Your audio may have asymmetry for one thing.

Yes, forget p.e.p. But tell us what input power
> level that 1 kHz audio signal with steady 100% modulation will produce, if
> you know!
>

I don't know off hand -- the dead carrier input can be computed from
your plate v. and plate current.  PEP is a power concept that should
be of no concern to AM operators.  I see the "375 watt carrier"
statement being thrown about, as if the operator thinks with 100%
certainty that his transmitter is putting out 375.0000 watts into a 50
J0 load.  It's laughable.

73

Rob
K5UJ