RF curiousity

[zachtheterrible]

Hello everyone, I've been pondering this question for quite a while and finally remembered to post it: In an RF circuit, I know that having higher voltage peaks means a stronger signal, so is there any way of putting a step up transformer somewhere in the circuit so as to get higher voltage peaks? Or am I missing something?

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Hello everyone, I've been pondering this question for quite a while and finally remembered to post it: In an RF circuit, I know that having higher voltage peaks means a stronger signal, so is there any way of putting a step up transformer somewhere in the circuit so as to get higher voltage peaks? Or am I missing something?

Yes, you're missing the fact that it's POWER, not voltage which is important, using a transformer to increase the voltage will increase the voltage, but DECREASE the current - and due to losses in the transformer you will actually get slightly less power. Transformers are used in these types of circuits for impedance matching, the voltage and current don't really matter very much - but the transformer connects between different stages, and often to feed the aerial as well - aerials are usually either 50 or 75 ohm coaxial, or 300 ohm balanced feeder - by matching the transmitter to the aerial you get maximum transmitted power.

 

[John Sorensen]

Nigel, I wish I could crack open your brain and scoop out all your knowledge. No, wait, that doesn't sound right. Maybe you should just write a book .

j.

 

[zachtheterrible]

Thanx Nigel!!