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Input Impedance




For example, an amplifier with 100,000 ohm input impedance looks equivalent to a 100,000 ohm resistor to the signal coming into it.


IN AUDIO SYSTEMS

Generally in Audio and Hi-fi , the input impedance of components is several times higher than the Output Impedance connected to them. This is called voltage bridging or Impedance Bridging . In this case,

Z


In general, this configuration will be more resistant to noise (particularly power line Hum ). The best circuits are created by using a Voltage Follower in the source with the pull-up (load) resistor at the signal receiver.


IN VIDEO AND HIGH FREQUENCY SIGNAL SYSTEMS

In video and other systems the impedance of inputs, Transmission Line s, and outputs are designed to be the same. This is known as ''reflectionless Impedance Matching '' or a ''matched connection''. In this case, the impedances must be matched in order to prevent reflected waves from the signal receiver. In video circuits these reflections can cause "ghosting", where the time-delayed echo of the principle image appears as a weak and displaced image (typically to the right of the principle image).

Z



IN RADIO FREQUENCY POWER SYSTEMS

In Circuits carrying high Power it is important that the impedances be matched for several reasons.

  • The Maximum Power at maximum efficiency will be transferred when the impedances are '' Complex Conjugate matched'' throughout the Power Chain , from the Transmitter output, through the Transmission Line (which may be a balanced pair, a coaxial cable, or a waveguide), to the Antenna ''system'', which consists of an impedance matching device and the radiating element(s). For maximum power, ''Z''load = ''Z''source--- (where --- indicates the complex conjugate)


  • Failure to match impedances will create Standing Waves on the transmission line due to reflections. These will be periodic regions of higher than normal voltage. If this voltage exceeds the Dielectric Breakdown strength of the insulating material of the line then an Arc will occur. This in turn can cause a reactive pulse of high voltage that can destroy the transmitter's final output stage. For reflectionless matching ''Z''load = ''Z''source (no complex conjugate).


In the case of purely resistive impedances (no reactive components), the two types of impedance matching are identical.


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