47.4.1 - Analysis with 100k Source Resistance
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Introduction to Common Collector Amplifier Design
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, we're discussing how to design a Common Collector amplifier. Can anyone tell me what the primary output characteristic we're aiming for?
Is it the voltage gain?
Exactly! We aim for a voltage gain close to 1. This means we want to minimize the attenuation in our signal. The formula for voltage gain is essential to remember: it's represented as \(A_v = \frac{R_{L}}{R_{in} + R_{S}}\).
What about the input and output impedance? Why are they important?
Great question! High input impedance allows the circuit to draw minimal current, while low output impedance ensures that we can drive the load effectively. Remember this: high input and low output are crucial for amplifier efficiency.
Can you remind us what the upper cutoff frequency is?
Certainly! The upper cutoff frequency is the frequency beyond which the amplifier begins to attenuate the input signal. It's calculated using \( f_{u} = \frac{1}{2\pi R_{out} C_{L}} \).
To recap, we focus on achieving a voltage gain near 1, while optimizing input/output impedance and knowing how to calculate the upper cutoff frequency.
Calculating Small Signal Parameters
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now, let’s delve into calculating small signal parameters. Who remembers the small-signal transconductance \(g_m\) formula?
Is it the collector current divided by thermal voltage?
Correct! \(g_m = \frac{I_C}{V_T}\). If our collector current \(I_C\) is 0.5 mA and thermal voltage \(V_T\) is 26 mV, what’s \(g_m\)?
I think it would be approximately 19.23 mS.
Yes! Next, let’s calculate the base-to-emitter resistance \(r_\pi = \frac{\beta}{g_m}\).
If \(\beta\) is 100, then \(r_\pi = \frac{100}{0.01923}\) which gives us around 5200 ohms.
Precisely! Having these small signal parameters allows you to predict circuit behavior accurately, leading to better amplifier designs.
Impact of Source Resistance
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Let’s shift our focus to source resistance. If we have a 100kΩ source resistance, what impact do we expect on our input and output impedance?
I think it will reduce the input impedance significantly?
Right! The actual input impedance becomes a combination of \(R_{in}\) and \(R_S\), which can lower performance. Why does this matter?
It might make the circuit less effective in signal transmission, right?
Exactly! And what about the output impedance when taking the source resistance into account?
Doesn’t it also increase with the added source resistance?
Correct! It can create a drop effect, which alters our frequency response. We might see a decrease in the upper cutoff frequency.
To summarize, increased source resistance can lead to losses in gain and bandwidth, which is critical in amplifier design.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we delve into the numerical examples related to Common Collector and Common Drain amplifiers, focusing on operational points, small-signal parameters, and how the presence of a source resistance of 100k affects the voltage gain, input and output impedance, and upper cutoff frequency, building upon prior material on amplifier design.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
This section presents a comprehensive analysis of Common Collector (CC) and Common Drain (CD) amplifiers, highlighting practical numerical examples in amplifier design. The discourse begins with an ideal bias configuration, where the operating point is determined, and progresses to the evaluation of important parameters like voltage gain, input impedance, and output resistance, while taking into account parasitic elements such as source and load resistances.
Key examples feature a 6V bias voltage and a collector current of 0.5 mA to illustrate operational characteristics in ideal conditions. The performance metrics are evaluated under both ideal case (with minimal source resistance) and practical scenarios, where source resistance is considered.
By meticulously calculating the effects of a 100kΩ source resistance, the section demonstrates how variations in source resistance affect input/output impedances and ultimately the bandwidth defined by the upper cutoff frequency. This exploration provides foundational understanding crucial for designing effective amplifier circuits.
Youtube Videos
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Introduction to the Circuit Analysis
Chapter 1 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
In this circuit analysis, we consider a common collector amplifier configured with a source resistance of 100k. We examine its operating point and performance metrics, including voltage gain, input impedance, and upper cutoff frequency.
Detailed Explanation
The section introduces a scenario where a common collector amplifier is analyzed, emphasizing the importance of the source resistance in circuit performance. The circuit is set up with a specified bias current, input voltage, and parameters, leading to key performance metrics.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this circuit as a water pipe system. The common collector amplifier represents the pipe, and the source resistance acts like a valve that impacts the flow. Just as a valve can control water flow to ensure it reaches the destination efficiently, the source resistance affects how well the signal is amplified and transmitted.
Operating Point Calculation
Chapter 2 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
To calculate the operating point, we consider various voltages and currents in the circuit. Given the bias current of 0.5 mA, we find the base voltage, emitter voltage, and collector voltage based on assumed conditions. When the source resistance is assumed to be negligible, the base voltage approximately equals the bias voltage.
Detailed Explanation
The operating point is crucial because it determines how the transistor will function within the circuit. By calculating the voltages and currents, we confirm that the transistor remains in the active region, which is necessary for proper amplification. The calculated voltages help us understand the relationship between input and output.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're tuning a guitar. The operating point is like adjusting the tuning pegs to get the correct pitch. If the guitar strings are not tuned properly, the sound will be off; similarly, if the operating point is not calculated correctly, the amplifier won't perform well.
Small Signal Parameters
Chapter 3 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
After determining the operating point, we can derive small signal parameters such as transconductance (gm) and output resistance (ro). The expressions for these parameters are derived from the collector current and transistor parameters like beta and early voltage.
Detailed Explanation
Small signal parameters are essential for analyzing how the amplifier responds to small variations in input. They help predict the performance of the amplifier under specific input conditions. These values guide the analysis of overall gain and impedance characteristics.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a performance rating system for cars. Just as horsepower and torque are indicators of a car’s ability to perform under different driving conditions, small signal parameters indicate how well the amplifier operates in response to input signals.
Voltage Gain Calculation
Chapter 4 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
The voltage gain of the common collector amplifier is calculated using the formula A = (gm * ro)/(ro + Rs), where Rs represents the source resistance. This helps in understanding the relationship between the input and output voltages in the circuit.
Detailed Explanation
Voltage gain indicates how much the amplifier increases the input signal. It is essential to keep the gain close to 1 in a common collector configuration, which means it’s primarily used for impedance matching rather than amplification. The formula shows the impact of various resistances on gain.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine an amplifier as a microphone that boosts sound. If the microphone is perfectly tuned to the voice (gain close to 1), it amplifies well without distortion. However, if the microphone gain is too high or too low (away from 1), the sound becomes garbled or too quiet.
Input and Output Impedance
Chapter 5 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
The analysis continues with the input and output impedance calculations, which determine how the circuit interacts with other components. High input impedance and low output impedance are desired for optimal performance.
Detailed Explanation
Input impedance reflects how much the amplifier loads the previous stage, while output impedance affects how easily the amplifier can drive the next stage. High input and low output impedance are key for effective signal transfer, minimizing loss.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how easy it is to push a small car versus a large truck. A high input impedance is like a lightweight car that doesn’t resist pushing, while a low output impedance is like a strong person easily pushing the car forward.
Upper Cutoff Frequency Analysis
Chapter 6 of 6
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
To find the upper cutoff frequency, we calculate based on output resistance and load capacitance. This frequency indicates the limit where the amplifier signal starts losing effectiveness. The calculations help to gauge the bandwidth of the amplifier.
Detailed Explanation
The upper cutoff frequency is an important specification for amplifiers as it defines the range over which the amplifier can effectively function. It’s derived from the interaction of resistance and capacitance and is crucial for applications like audio amplification. Understanding this frequency helps design circuits that meet specific bandwidth requirements.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a water filter that only allows water through up to a certain flow rate. If you try to push too much water through, it will back up. Similarly, each amplifier has a frequency limit beyond which its output is compromised.
Key Concepts
-
Voltage Gain: The ratio of output to input voltage in an amplifier, ideally close to 1 in CC amplifiers.
-
Input Impedance: Desired to be high to ensure minimal signal loss when entering the circuit.
-
Output Impedance: Should be low for effective loading of the subsequent stage.
-
Upper Cutoff Frequency: Defined by output impedance and load capacitance, indicating the operational bandwidth.
Examples & Applications
When calculating voltage gain for an ideal Common Collector amplifier with low resistance, the gain may be approximated as 1.
In a practical Common Collector circuit with a source resistance of 100kΩ, the input impedance may significantly lower, affecting overall performance.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
When voltage gain is near one, a circuit's job is nearly done.
Stories
Imagine a party where the main attraction is the music. If too many guests are talking loudly (high source resistance), the music can't be enjoyed (low input impedance) as clearly.
Memory Tools
For remembering voltage gain, think of V.G. which stands for 'Very Good' when close to 1.
Acronyms
I.O.U. for Input Open, Output Unwanted signifies the ideal conditions we want for amplifiers.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Common Collector Amplifier
An amplifier configuration that provides high input impedance and low output impedance, used primarily for impedance matching.
- Transconductance
The parameter \(g_m\) representing the change in the output current divided by the change in input voltage.
- Input Impedance
The impedance that an input signal sees when it enters an electrical circuit.
- Output Impedance
The impedance that the output signal presents to the load connected to it.
- Upper Cutoff Frequency
The frequency above which the output of the circuit significantly decreases, defining the bandwidth.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.