Principles of Operation
LV 3620
4–1
Section 4: Principles of operation
4.1 Overview
The AE Techron LV 3620 is a two channel, linear power amplifier that
incorporates technological advancements such as circuitry that reduces stress
on the output stages and performs real-time analog computer simulation of
output-transistor conditions. Other features of this amplifier include an
advanced heat sink design, and AE Techron's patented Bi-Level power supply.
Custom protection circuitry limits temperature and current to safe levels
while making the amplifier highly reliable and tolerant of faults. The LV 3620
can operate at its voltage and current limits without damage from shorted,
open, or mismatched loads; overloaded power supplies; excessive temperature;
chain-destruction phenomena; input
overload damage; and high frequency
failures. In addition, the amplifier protects loads from turn-on and turn-off
transients. The LV 3620 is also protected from internal faults.
Real-time computer simulation is used to create an analogue of the junction
temperature of the output transistors. Current is limited only when the device
temperature becomes excessive—and just by the minimum amount necessary
to keep the amplifier within a safe operating area. This patented Output
Device Emulation Protection (ODEP) maximizes the available output power
and reduces overheating, the major cause of output transistor failure.
AE Techron heat sinks are fabricated from custom convoluted fin stock that
provides a high ratio of area to volume, or area to weight. All power
transistors are mounted directly to copper heat spreaders that are electrically
alive. This design improves the thermal performance by eliminating insulating
hardware normally found underneath the power devices. To further improve
cooling efficiency, the chassis is also used as part of the thermal circuit.
