Which type of coupling uses an inductor instead of a collector load resistor?

Impedance coupling utilizes an inductor as part of its basic configuration, replacing a collector load resistor found in other coupling methods. This approach is particularly beneficial when matching the impedance between stages of amplification in a circuit. Inductors can store energy and provide a smoother transfer of signals, which can help maintain signal integrity across the different stages of amplification.

In contrast, resistive-capacitive coupling involves resistors and capacitors to manage frequency response and signal transfer, while transformer coupling relies on magnetic coupling through transformers to achieve isolation and impedance transformation. Direct coupling, on the other hand, connects stages without intermediary components, which can potentially lead to distortion or loss of signal fidelity due to DC offsets. Each method serves different purposes, but impedance coupling stands out by directly integrating inductors for effective signal management.