Definition
An electronic circuit that increases the voltage of an input signal while drawing very little current, producing a larger output voltage that mirrors the shape of the original signal.
Plain English
A small circuit that takes a weak electrical signal and makes its voltage bigger so the next stage of a system can use it.
Context Anchor
Seen in avionics and aircraft electrical system discussions, especially in radios, sensors, audio systems, and instrument circuits.
Derivation
From Latin amplificare, meaning 'to enlarge or make bigger.' A voltage amplifier literally enlarges the voltage of a signal.
Why Pilots Care
Weak signals from antennas or sensors must be strengthened before they reach cockpit equipment; a faulty voltage amplifier can cause loss of communication or navigation information.
Intuition Check
A voltage amplifier does not simply “make more electricity.” It uses power from the aircraft electrical system to make a larger-voltage copy of a smaller signal.
Example Sentence 1
The first stage of the comm radio uses a voltage amplifier to raise the tiny antenna signal to a usable level.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight, the technician checked the voltage amplifier because the ADF receiver was producing only weak audio.