When setting up the input stage of a distribution amplifier, which elements can vary based on input amplitude?

The input stage of a distribution amplifier is crucial because it sets the tone for how well the amplifier can adjust to varying signals. The input equalizer and attenuator pad are specifically designed to handle the variations in input amplitude.

The input equalizer adjusts the frequency response to compensate for signal loss due to cable length or type, acting to balance the signal's amplitude across different frequencies. As the amplitude of the input varies, the equalizer can be adjusted to ensure that signals are amplified correctly without distortion.

Similarly, the attenuator pad is used to reduce the level of the input signal to prevent overload of downstream components while allowing for variations in amplitude. By changing the values of the resistors in the pad, one can accommodate different input levels effectively.

In contrast, interstage capacitors and resistors typically have fixed values set during the design phase; their role is more about coupling stages rather than adjusting to varying input levels. Output transformers and filters also serve to shape the signal but are not intended to adapt to amplitude changes at the input stage. Power supply components are essential for providing the necessary voltage and current but generally do not change based on the input signal's amplitude. This is why the input equalizer and attenuator pad values are the elements that can