![]() ![]() ![]() As shown in the graph above, it is the average continuous power. Although the power calculation uses RMS voltage (and/or RMS current if you use other formulas) the result is simply “power”, not RMS power. This is not a correct term (because technically there is no such thing). In many specifications for amplifier power you will see this referred to as the RMS power. Both terms refer to the (average) continuous power, or sustainable power, which an amplifier can produce with the specified load. “Continuous power” is a shortened term of “average continuous power”. Specifications should use the average continuous power to state the amplifier power. Hence it is known as the average continuous power. The average power is the power level the amplifier should be able to produce continuously. In fact it is the average of the power sine wave. That’s right, the effective working power is half the peak power. The output would also be a sine wave, like this: Let’s start with the simple input of a sine wave. The major complication is the output is not a constant level because the input is not a constant level. In reality it is not that simple for a number of reasons. Since you know the resistance (5 ohms) and the voltage (10 volts), you can calculate the power: With a constant sine wave input, you measure 10 volts AC on the speaker output of the amplifier. Let’s say you have an amplifier connected to a 5 ohm load (I’ve used 5 ohms to keep the calculations simple – normally it would be 4 ohms or 8 ohms for a speaker). Let’s use this formula with a simple example. Power = Voltage squared divided by Resistance. I’ll try to keep it simple and only use one formula. If you like formulas and want to understand how power, voltage, current and resistance inter-relate, you can read my articles on Electrical Power and Ohms law. Unfortunately this means using some math and some formulas. Any two of these measurements will allow calculation of amplifier power (in watts). An Ammeter measures current in amps (amperes). Amplifier Power is Calculated, not MeasuredĪ Voltmeter measures voltage in volts. Before all that we need to understand amplifier power. Further articles will explain how amplifier manufacturers measure power, what speaker power is and how to match your amplifiers and speakers. This article will explain what amplifier power is, and what is it is not. ![]() Understanding amplifier power will help in understanding the terms often used (and abused) to describe amplifier power. Marketing managers add to the confusion by using terms like RMS power, continuous average power, music power, peak power, dynamic power, maximum power etc. Yet, it is often the first (and possibly only) parameter people look at when buying an amplifier or speakers. Amplifier power is probably the most misunderstood and abused parameter of amplifiers and speakers. ![]()
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