Ham Radio General Class Practice Test

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What condition can lead to permanent damage when using a solid-state RF power amplifier?

Exceeding the Maximum Usable Frequency
Low input SWR
Shorting the input signal to ground
Excessive drive power

The correct answer is: Excessive drive power

Excessive drive power can lead to permanent damage in a solid-state RF power amplifier because it represents an overload situation for the amplifier’s components. When the drive power is too high, the amplifier can produce more output power than its design specifications allow. This can cause overheating, breakdown of internal junctions, or even catastrophic failure of the transistor or other active components within the amplifier. Solid-state devices have specific thresholds for voltage and current. When these thresholds are exceeded due to excessive drive power, it can lead to thermal runaway, where the increased temperature leads to higher resistance, which in turn leads to even higher temperatures until the component fails. Understanding this condition is crucial for anyone operating an RF power amplifier, as adhering to proper drive power levels is essential for maintaining equipment integrity and ensuring longevity.