50.2.4 - Input Impedance
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Small Signal Equivalent Circuits
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Today, we're exploring the small signal equivalent circuits for both common base and common gate amplifiers. Can anyone tell me what a small signal equivalent circuit is?
Is it a representation that simplifies the behavior of the circuit for small input signals?
Exactly! We focus only on small changes around a bias point. For the common base amplifier, we ignore DC voltages and examine how AC signals flow through the components. What's important to note about the emitter's input?
The input is applied at the emitter, right?
Correct! This small signal analysis gives us key insights into our circuit's performance. Let's summarize: small signal analysis helps in understanding how circuits react to subtle variations in input.
Voltage Gain Relationships
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Now, let's delve into voltage gain. From our small signal analysis, how does the voltage gain of a common base amplifier appear?
I think it's related to how voltage at the emitter affects the voltage at the collector.
That's right! The expression we found is crucial in stating how the collector voltage is influenced by emitter voltage. Can anyone recall the sign difference we observe?
In the common emitter configuration, there's a negative sign, but not in the common base.
Great connection! The lack of a negative sign here indicates the input and output voltages are in the same phase, which is vital for our understanding of these amplifiers. Let’s summarize what we’ve learned so far about voltage gain.
Effect of Input Resistance
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Let’s explore how input resistance affects our amplifier circuits. Who can explain what input resistance signifies in terms of signal processing?
It’s how the circuit resists incoming signals, which can really affect how well the signal is amplified?
Exactly! Low input impedance can lead to significant attenuation if source resistance is too high. Now, if we were to draw a low input resistance, what would that indicate about our circuit's efficiency?
It could mean less of the input signal actually makes it to the amplifier, making it less effective.
Good observation! Understanding these resistances helps us avoid signal losses. Those represent the practical limitations of our operational amplifiers. Let’s recap the relationship between input resistance and effective signal gain.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
This section delves into the significance of input impedance in common base and common gate amplifier configurations. It outlines how input resistance impacts signal behavior and provides equations governing these electrical parameters in small signal analysis.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
In this section, we analyze the input impedance of common base and common gate amplifiers in analog electronic circuits. The chapter begins with a brief overview of the small signal equivalent circuits for both configurations, where DC biases are dropped to focus on small signal variations. The discussion includes the implications of input impedance on voltage gain, especially when considering signal source resistance.
For the common base amplifier, we derive the input voltage and current relationships, leading to an equation that describes the voltage gain. We note that the input resistance tends to be low, often in the tens of ohms, significantly affecting the amplifier's performance, especially with respect to source resistance. As we analyze input impedance, we highlight how input resistance components sum up in various configurations, with significant interactions influencing the overall signal behavior.
Framing the discussions around voltage and current relationships, we conclude that while voltage gain expressions remain mathematically consistent between common base and common gate amplifiers, practical considerations involving input impedance impact their effectiveness as amplifiers.
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Understanding Input Impedance
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
If I stimulate the circuit by say v and then if we observe the corresponding current here say i then if I take the ratio of that will be giving us the input resistance.
Detailed Explanation
Input impedance is a measure of how much the circuit resists the current flowing into it when a voltage is applied. It can be calculated by applying a voltage (v) to the circuit and measuring the resulting current (i). The input impedance is then calculated as the ratio of voltage to current: Z_in = v / i.
Examples & Analogies
Think of input impedance like the entrance to a busy restaurant. If the entrance is wide (high impedance), many people can come in easily without crowding. If it's narrow (low impedance), only a few can enter at once, leading to a backlog outside.
Components of Input Current
Chapter 2 of 4
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So, the first part or this current of this i it is i.in. So, voltage at the emitter node we do have v here.
Detailed Explanation
In the context of input impedance, the total current (i) flowing into the circuit can be divided into different components. For example, some of the current flows through the emitter (i.e., i_in) and changes the voltage at that point. This means that the behavior of this input current affects how the circuit reacts to input signals.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a parking lot where cars can enter from multiple gates. Each gate represents a different path for current to flow into the circuit. The total number of cars (current) entering the lot is the combination of cars entering through all the gates.
Impact of Resistors on Input Impedance
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
So, if we take the ratio of this v and i to get the input impedance of the circuit, what we are getting here it is r coming in parallel with this impedance namely ( ) right and then of course, we do have this R.
Detailed Explanation
When calculating input impedance, resistive elements within the circuit play a significant role. If there are resistors present, they can alter the total impedance seen at the input. The input impedance can be calculated by considering all the resistors in parallel or series configurations, which contribute to the overall resistance offered to the incoming signal.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a water pipeline with multiple valves. If each valve is partially closed (like resistors), the water pressure (voltage) felt at the end of the pipeline is lower than if all valves are wide open. The way we arrange these valves influences how much water can flow through the pipeline.
Low Input Impedance Consequences
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
So, we may say that input impedance it is quite low, it may be in 10s of Ω.
Detailed Explanation
A low input impedance means that the circuit will draw a significant current for a given voltage, which can cause issues such as signal attenuation. If the source providing the voltage cannot supply enough current, the voltage signal will become weakened. This might lead to improper circuit operation or failure to amplify the signal effectively.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a sponge that is already soaked with water. If you try to add more water (apply a voltage), the sponge (circuit) cannot hold any more, and it just drips away (causes attenuation). A low input impedance circuit behaves similarly when you try to send signals into it.
Key Concepts
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Input Resistance: Critical for determining how much input signal is processed and can affect signal quality.
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Voltage Gain: Indicates the amplification level achieved in amplifier circuits, essential for understanding performance.
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Small Signal Equivalent Circuits: Simplified representations used for analyzing how circuits behave around a specific operating point.
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Common Base Amplifiers: A specific configuration delivering certain characteristics in signal processing and amplification.
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Common Gate Amplifiers: A FET configuration providing insights into similar principles applied in BJT circuits.
Examples & Applications
In a common base amplifier, if the input signal is 1V and the output reaches 10V, the voltage gain is 10.
If the input resistance of a common base amplifier is low, say 20 Ω, and the source resistance is high, e.g., 200 Ω, the input signal will be significantly attenuated.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
For gain to be high and signals to flow, low resistance is key, don't let it slow.
Stories
Imagine an amplifier as a gatekeeper; if the input resistance is too high, it acts like a guard who stops too many guests, reducing the flow of vital signals.
Memory Tools
G.A.I.N. - Gain Affects Input Network, remembering that the gain directly influences how input signals are handled.
Acronyms
C.B.A. - Common Base Amplifier - Remember its configuration
Collector
Base
and Emitter.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Input Impedance
The resistance of an electrical circuit to incoming signals, which can impact the signal quality and gain in amplifiers.
- Voltage Gain
The ratio of output voltage to input voltage in an amplifier, indicating how much a signal is amplified.
- Small Signal Analysis
Technique used to analyze circuit behavior for small variations around a bias point, providing insights into circuit performance.
- Common Base Amplifier
An amplifier configuration where the input is applied to the emitter and the output is taken from the collector, with the base terminal common to both.
- Common Gate Amplifier
An amplifier configuration analogous to common base but used primarily in FETs, where the input is applied to the source and the output taken from the drain.
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