This paper deals with the real time simulation of a class A single ended guitar power amplifier. Power tubes and triode models are compared, based on Norman Koren’s work. Beam tetrodes and pentodes characteristics are discussed, and displayed as Norman Koren’s model parameters. A simple output transformer model is considered, with its parameters calculated from datasheets specifications. Then, the circuit is modeled by a nonlinear differential algebraic system, with extended state-space representations. Standard numerical schemes yield efficient and stable simulations of the stage, and are implemented as VST plug-ins.

Download

This papers stems from the fact that, whereas there are passive models of transistors and tubes, a minimal passive model of the operational amplifier does not seem to exist. A new behavioural model is presented that is memoryless, fully described by its interaction ports, with a minimal number of equations, for which a passive power balance can be defined. The proposed model handles saturation, asymmetric power supply, and can be used with nonideal voltage references. To illustrate the model in audio applications, the non-inverting voltage amplifier and a saturating Sallen-Key lowpass filter are considered.

Download