what does this symbol mean?

[d. spree]

Reading The Valve Wizard on amplifier design and have a question on looking at the very first diagram. What does the S shaped line refer to? It is not in any of the lists of electronic symbols that I have ever seen. I presume the two S shapes refer to other parts of the overall amp circuit. I hope I am not violating some use of the valve Wizard's material (which I really appreciate having access to as it is so damn good!0 - just want clarity.

[jazbo8]

"s" is just a symbol for the input signal, the large mirror "S" is the output signal, here used to show that it is both larger and of the opposite phase with respect to the input signal.

[nashvillebill]

That's just a sine wave, showing a small sine wave at the input and a larger sine wave at the output.

[d. spree]

Thanks guys. Mystery (for me) solved.

[Enzo]

Not only does it represent a sine wave, it tells you more. The relative size indicated the stage amplifies - so the plate signal has a larger amplitude. Note also the phase relationship, as the input signal goes more negative, the output goes more positive, so the stage inverts. If the circuit had been something like a cathode follower, the output phase would be the same as the input.


Oh, jazbo just said exactly that... never mind.

[d. spree]

Not only does it represent a sine wave, it tells you more. The relative size indicated the stage amplifies - so the plate signal has a larger amplitude. Note also the phase relationship, as the input signal goes more negative, the output goes more positive, so the stage inverts. If the circuit had been something like a cathode follower, the output phase would be the same as the input.


Oh, jazbo just said exactly that... never mind.

Thanks Enzo - glad you are back


By the way this is really cool stuff!