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what is the maximum continuous output current of an amplifier

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Anyone heard of maximum continuous output current of an amplifier? I mean, I can understand the definition of peak output current, but what is the definition of maximum continuous output current of an amplifier?

and if possible, please explain how to simulate it in the cadence. Thanks in advance.
 

I believe the maximum continuous output current of an amplifier is the maximum current it can safely supply continuously into a load.
 

The maximum output current is has two limitations, first of all its the maximum current the amplifier can supply, then depending on the ambient temperature and cooling of the amplifier it could literally overheat and damage its self. This is normally the more critical parameter and I doubt is a simulator can handle it, because you can't put in the temperature handling parameters.
Frank
 

chuckey said:
The maximum output current is has two limitations, first of all its the maximum current the amplifier can supply, then depending on the ambient temperature and cooling of the amplifier it could literally overheat and damage its self. This is normally the more critical parameter and I doubt is a simulator can handle it, because you can't put in the temperature handling parameters.
Frank
Click to expand...

Thanks, Frank. Setting the temperature effects aside, is there an industrial standard for measuring the maximum continuous output current for an amplifier. What i mean is the test condition, say the load condition, and is there any other restriction like the load regulation in LDO? Thanks in advance for your reply.
 

For audio amplifiers, it is more often to quote the maximum power output, often at 1% THD, running into its proper load (8 ohms?). Each type of amplifier would be rated differently. A servo amplifier, might be rated at 10% THD, an linear RF amp at -60 db ip3 with a two tone test. The limitations of the ambient temperature might be noted, i.e. at 20 degrees C, or less then 35 deg C ambient.
I am sure that the DIN people will have a spec on this sort of thing - They have a spec. on just about everything else!
Frank
 

It could be a reliability based limit having nothing to do with
electrical performance in-the-moment. This would appear in
the abs max or rec max tables. It would depend on things
like case temperature and votage drop, and details of
construction which simulations rarely comprehend or express.

A data table line item is more likely showing a designed short
circuit current limit (or an intrinsic limitation such as series
resistance, bias*hFe, whatever). This, you might simulate
and find the worst case corners.
 

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