Amplifiers are commonly used in audio equipment.
A bilateral amplifier is a type of amplifier, which is an electronic device used to increase signal amplitude. While most amplifiers are only capable of transmitting signals, bilateral amplifiers are able to receive them as well. Traditional amplifiers are most commonly used for sound reproduction, whereas bilateral amplifiers are primarily used in transceivers.
Transceiver
Transceivers, also known as transmitter-receivers, are devices often used in LANs (local-area networks) to detect and relay signals on the network wire. Transceivers are capable of transmitting and receiving both digital and analog signals. Depending on the LAN, an external or internal transceiver may be used. Internal transceivers are generally built into the network's NIC, or network interface card. Transceivers are sometimes referred to as MAUs, or medium access units, when used in an Ethernet network.
Amplifier
Most amplifiers do not have the two-way function found in bilateral amplifiers. A basic amplifier is designed to increase - or amplify - a radio signal. Depending on the amplifier, it will amplify either the signal's current, power or voltage. Most amplifiers will work with both analog and digital signals. Amplifiers can be divided into one of two categories: weak-signal amplifiers and power amplifiers. Each type has its own unique uses and advantages.
Weak-Signal Amplifiers
Weak-signal amplifiers are only designed to handle very small input signals. Wireless receivers, acoustic pickups, compact disc players, and audio tape players all make use of this type of amplifier. Because of the settings in which they are used, weak-signal amplifiers must be able to significantly increase signal voltage without creating a large amount of internal noise. The sensitivity of a weak-signal amplifier is based on the ratio of signal output to noise output and is used to determine the amplifier's effectiveness.
Power Amplifiers
Power amplifiers are designed to handle much larger input signals than weak-signal amplifiers. Devices such as wireless and broadcast transmitters often make use of power amplifiers because of this feature, as do certain types of audio equipment. The effectiveness of a power amplifier is generally based on two factors: power output and efficiency. The ratio of total power output to total power input is what determines an amplifier's efficiency. Depending on the amplifier's application, efficiency can range from 30 to 70 percent.
Tags: bilateral amplifiers, amplifiers only, audio equipment, capable transmitting, commonly used
