amplifier Hear it!

amplifier Definition

am·pli·fier (am′plə fī′ər)

noun

  1. a person or thing that amplifies
  2. Electronics a device that increases the strength of a weak electrical signal without changing the other characteristics of the signal

amplifier Synonyms

amplifier

n.

speaker, loudspeaker, bullhorn, amplifying device, amplifying mechanism, microphone, high-fidelity speaker, stereo speaker, woofer, tweeter, hearing aid, echo chamber, megaphone, amp*.

Amplifier Hacker Definition
An amplifier is a type of system on the network used to increase the size of traffic directed at a specific target. For example, if a cracker uses a smurf amplifier to attack a target, he or she spoofs the address of the target and sends directed broadcasts to the smurf amplifier, which then sends hundreds or more replies to the target at the mere cost of a single packet.

See Also: Cracker; Network; Packet.

Graham, R. Hacking Lexicon. [Online, 2001.] Robert Graham Website. http://www.linuxsecurity.com/resource_files/documentation/hacking-dict.html.
amplifier Telecom Definition
A device that actively boosts, or amplifies, a signal so that the output signal is a function of, and is of greater strength than, the input signal. An amplifier is a relatively simple device that transfers energy, at a controlled level, from an independent power source to an incoming signal in order to increase the strength of an outgoing signal. The increase, or gain, in signal strength usually is measured in positive decibels (+dB). Amplifiers are extensively used in analog networks to overcome the effects of signal attenuation, much as an amplifier in a radio receiver or TV set serves to boost a weak incoming signal to a level acceptable to the receiver. Amplifiers are spaced every 18,000 feet or so in a typical analog voice grade, twisted-pair telco local loop, for example.The exact spacing is sensitive to factors such as the transmission medium and the carrier frequency employed. Amplifiers are used in systems employing all transmission media, including not only twisted pair, but also coaxial cable, microwave radio, and optics. An amplifier simply boosts the strength of a signal. So, whatever signal arrives at the amplifier leaves it with greater strength. In addition to attenuating, a signal accumulates noise as it transverses the network. The amplifier boosts the noise along with the signal. If there are multiple, cascading amplifiers in a long haul circuit, noise is compounded, thereby creating the potential for significant accumulated noise at the receiving end of the transmission.The resulting Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) can be unacceptable. Several types of optical amplifiers are employed in fiber optic systems. Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) amplify light signals falling in a narrow optical frequency range, performing much more costeffectively than optical repeaters. Raman amplification makes use of pump lasers that send a high-energy light signal in the reverse direction (i.e., the direction opposite the signal transmission). Digital transmission systems generally make use of regenerative repeaters, rather than amplifiers. A repeater not only amplifies, but also retimes and regenerates a signal. In combination, those processes serve to eliminate any accumulated noise, which improves signal quality considerably. See also attenuation, dB, distributed amplification, EDFA, gain, lumped amplification, Raman amplifier, repeater, and SNR.
amplifier Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • equalize: The HF lift controls in the equalizing amplifier should then be able to be set to a lower level.
  • connect: You can either connect the loop amplifier directly to your television or sound system, or you can put a microphone near the loudspeaker.
  • mount: Mount the amplifier as close as possible to the aerial while avoiding feedback problems.

Adjective modifier

  • 75w: Four 75W power amplifiers; one for each of the driver ranges.
  • servo: The fiber optic servo bus allows the system's " almost dumb " servo amplifiers to be up to 100m apart.
  • low-noise: The schematic of our preamplifier is very simple because it uses a very low-noise dual operational amplifier.
  • stereo: The stereo audio amplifier is now ready to use.
  • optical: Another key factor of modern fiber optic systems that we have not touched on is optical amplifiers.
  • operational: Operational Amplifier An amplifying circuit used in most audio devices.

Modifies a noun

  • topology: Featuring heavy-duty drive units coupled to the latest generation digital amplifier topology, the R-Series attains performance worth of the REL name.
  • circuit: Worst still, the amplifier circuit would not work on its own anymore.
  • valve: The IF amplifier valve will give some clues too.
  • module: The system uses a proprietary high efficiency, high current amplifier module designed to provide high current levels at all levels of operation.
  • output: If anything on the recording reaches the amplifier output you are very likely to hear it.

Noun used with modifier

  • masthead: Outlets shown in the wiring diagrams are shown here outlets Need a masthead amplifier?
  • headphone: By virtue of its high power bridged headphone amplifier, communication is further enhanced even in environments with high background noise levels.
  • watt: I also use a Warwick 150 watt amplifier driving a 12 " speaker.
  • transistor: In fact, in practice, the devices are made up using transistor amplifiers.
  • lock-in: The polarized signal is recovered from the first harmonic at 40 kHz using lock-in amplifiers.
  • transimpedance: Fields of Application These transimpedance amplifiers are particularly useful for the measurement of current from photodiodes.