Switchable amplifier

An amplifier for a test device for testing an electrical component, the amplifier being designed to output a test signal at a signal output between a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal, and comprising:

• a first half bridge, which has a first switching element and a second switching element connected in series via a first center point,
• a second half bridge, which has a third switching element and a fourth switching element connected in series via a second center point, and
• a switching unit operable to output the test signal to the electrical component being tested in a first operating mode and a second operating mode,
• wherein, in the first operating mode, the first center point of the first half bridge is connected to the second center point of the second half bridge and to one of the output terminals of the signal output,
• wherein, in the second operating mode, each of the first center point of the first half bridge and the second center point of the second half bridge is connected to a respective one of the output terminals of the signal output,
• wherein, in the first operating mode, the first half bridge is controllable with control signals that are phase-shifted by 180° with respect to control signals for controlling the second half bridge, and
• wherein, in the second operating mode, the first half bridge and the second half bridge are controllable with in-phase control signals.