I'm trying to get a better understanding of how an inductor (rfc) works in the collector of an NPN class C amplifier working around 100MHz.
A simple understanding is that it simply "contains", or impedes the RF from traveling further in the circuit, but it obviously does more than this. I would expect that larger values of L would give larger voltage swings, since V = L(di/dt), but this is not the case, as smaller values of L tend to give the largest voltage swings.
I would expect to see a more negative voltage on the collector when the transistor becomes active, in order to oppose the current flow, and then a more positive voltage at the collector near the end of the active period of the transistor, while the inductor field is collapsing and attempting to keep the current flow in the same direction.
When I simulate Class C circuits, my expectations are not met. I have read that at higher frequencies, there can be a phase difference between collector current and base current, but still - rarely do I see the sort of "shapes" I am looking for. Any help in furthering understanding will be appreciated.
Thanks.