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Class E AM Transmitter Descriptions, Circuits, Etc. [Updated 10-Mar-2021]

Class E Parts Available: PC Board Kits, MOSFETs, etc. Click Here for more info!

Class E transmitters are high efficiency, reliable, solid-state transmitters. They are simpler to build than similar transmitters using vacuum tubes, and are significantly less expensive to both build and to operate. Class E is a switching mode of operation, and exhibits extremely linear modulation characteristics, making these amplifiers well suited for high quality, amplitude modulation. They are also very well suited for amplification of frequency modulation or other modes where linear amplification is not a requirement.

Class E transmitters are considered to be in the family of " Green " (environmentally friendly) technologies, since the standby power consumption is extremely low, and the operational efficiency of the system is very high when transmitting.

One of the major goals of the class E project is to facilitate the construction, by Amateurs with only a modest background in construction, of a high power, good sounding AM transmitter using modern, readily available components and at a reasonable cost. 

The main purpose of this site is to present a working, practical tutorial on class E transmitters (a complete explanation of class E is included), and to provide sufficient information to allow someone with reasonable radio experience, technical skills and knowledge to construct a working class E transmitter or design a transmitter using similar RF and modulation methods. The designs presented here have been reproduced many times and are proven and reliable.

Complete schematics [unless otherwise noted] of real, working transmitters (along with pictures and technical explanations) that I have personally built and are using on the air daily are included. They are accurate representations of what is (or was) in use on the air at that time. The photos show various components and construction methods

The 80/160 meter RF amplifier consists of 4 6-MOSFET RF amplifiers, and the 40 meter amplifier uses 4 4-MOSFET modules. One set of meters is used for all RF amplifiers, and the output of the modulator is switched between the different RF amplifiers when changing bands.

Because class E RF amplifiers are relatively inexpensive to construct, switching between RF amplifiers to change bands, rather than constructing a single, bandswitched RF amplifier is very practical, and offers several operational and technical advantages. The main disadvantage to such an arrangement is the extra space required, although one could consider this an advantage, as the larger transmitter tends to look more "impressive".

Employing so-called "boatanchor" - "vintage" or "classic" - construction practices (large meters, black wrinkle finishes, etc.; big relays that make a good, loud "clunk" when operated) gives the transmitter a particular look and feel.

Please let me know if there are errors or if there is missing information :-) Suggestions are always welcome.