in Figure 7–2(b). The peak value of the collector current equals ICQ, and the peak
value of the collector-to-emitter voltage equals VCEQ in this case. This signal is the maximum
that can be obtained from the class A amplifier. Actually, the output cannot quite
reach saturation or cutoff, so the practical maximum is slightly less.
If the Q-point is not centered on the ac load line, the output signal is limited. Figure 7–3
shows an ac load line with the Q-point moved away from center toward cutoff. The output
variation is limited by cutoff in this case. The collector current can only swing down to near
zero and an equal amount above ICQ. The collector-to-emitter voltage can only swing up to its