What is the input-output ratio of a linear amplifier?

The input-output ratio of a linear amplifier is defined as the relationship between the input signal power or voltage and the output signal power or voltage. In the case of a linear amplifier, the ideal ratio is 1:1. This indicates that for any change in the input, there is a corresponding and proportional change in the output.

In practical applications, this means that a linear amplifier is designed to amplify an input signal without altering the original signal waveform, maintaining a direct correlation between the input and output. Therefore, a 1:1 ratio signifies that if you input a certain voltage or power level into the amplifier, you would expect the output to increase by the same proportional amount, assuming the amplifier operates within its linearity range and does not drive distortion.

This understanding of the input-output relationship is critical in fields such as audio engineering, telecommunications, and signal processing, where preserving the integrity of the signal is essential. A linear amplifier is characterized by its ability to amplify signals while keeping the relationship intact, which is why a 1:1 ratio is recognized as the standard.