Class A operation

of an amplifier means that the transistor operates in the active

region at all times. This implies that collector current flows for 360 of the ac
cycle, as shown in Fig. 12-1
a
. ith a class ! amplifier, the "esigner usually tries
to locate the
#
point somewhere near the mi""le of the loa" line. T
Class B operation
is "ifferent. $t means that collector current flows for
only half the cycle %1&0', as shown in Fig. 12-1
(
. To have this )in" of operation,
a "esigner locates the
#
point at cutoff. Then, only the positive half of ac (ase
voltage can pro"uce collector current. This re"uces the waste" heat in power
transistors.