Line driver

Line driver

In electronics, a line driver is an amplifier used to improve the strength of an analog or digital signal at its source by driving the input to the transmission line with a higher than normal signal level. This increases the quality of a transmission over a long run of cable. An example of a line driver is an amplifier used to extend the range of an RS-232C digital signal beyond 15 m (50ft) while maintaining a specified bit error ratio. In mobile audio, use of a line driver allows an amplifier's gain to be set lower, reducing low-level noise. Line drivers may also be used to enhance distortion in guitar amplifiers.