Intermediate Power Amplifier
Encyclopedia
An Intermediate power amplifier (IPA) is one stage of the amplification
process in a radio transmitter
which usually occurs prior to the final high power amplification. The IPA provides lower power RF
energy necessary to drive the final. In very high power transmitters, such as 10 kilowatts and above, multiple IPAs are combined to provide enough drive for the final.
An exciter, an even lower power transmitter, provides a similar service to the IPA by driving it; although an exciter usually encompasses other important functions, such as choosing the frequency of the RF.
Amplifier
Generally, an amplifier or simply amp, is a device for increasing the power of a signal.In popular use, the term usually describes an electronic amplifier, in which the input "signal" is usually a voltage or a current. In audio applications, amplifiers drive the loudspeakers used in PA systems to...
process in a radio transmitter
Transmitter
In electronics and telecommunications a transmitter or radio transmitter is an electronic device which, with the aid of an antenna, produces radio waves. The transmitter itself generates a radio frequency alternating current, which is applied to the antenna. When excited by this alternating...
which usually occurs prior to the final high power amplification. The IPA provides lower power RF
Radio frequency
Radio frequency is a rate of oscillation in the range of about 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which corresponds to the frequency of radio waves, and the alternating currents which carry radio signals...
energy necessary to drive the final. In very high power transmitters, such as 10 kilowatts and above, multiple IPAs are combined to provide enough drive for the final.
An exciter, an even lower power transmitter, provides a similar service to the IPA by driving it; although an exciter usually encompasses other important functions, such as choosing the frequency of the RF.