51.1.6 - Input Impedance Calculation
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 Input Impedance
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today we're going to explore the concept of input impedance. Can anyone tell me what input impedance is?
Isn't it the opposition that a circuit presents to an incoming signal?
Exactly! It measures how much current will flow into the amplifier for a given input voltage. Remember the acronym Z_in for input impedance.
So, a higher input impedance means less current is drawn from the signal source?
Correct! This is why we often prefer high input impedance in amplifiers to minimize signal loss.
Common Base Amplifier Characteristics
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now, let's look at the common base amplifier specifically. Who can remind us where the input and output terminals are?
The input is at the emitter, and the output is at the collector.
Great job! The input impedance here is generally low. Can anyone guess why?
Because it’s directly connected to the low-resistance emitter?
Yes! Let's calculate it. The input impedance can be approximated as r_π in parallel with R_C.
Numerical Example for Calculation
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Let’s run a numerical example. Given r_π and the load resistance, how would we find the total input impedance?
We'd use the formula Z_in = r_π || R_C?
Exactly! Now, what happens if R_S, the source resistance, is significantly higher?
It could cause major attenuation?
Yes, poor performance! It’s essential to minimize R_S in practical scenarios.
Understanding the Calculated Values
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now that we have the input impedance calculated, why is knowing these values important?
It helps us design circuits that meet specific requirements, right?
Absolutely! In amplifiers, we need to balance between gain and input impedance.
So, choosing resistor values carefully is vital during design?
Exactly! Always aim for optimal performance tailored to the application.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section focuses on calculating the input impedance of common base and common gate amplifiers. It includes practical numerical examples, showcasing how different configurations influence input impedance, voltage gain, and other parameters. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these computations in designing effective electronic circuits.
Detailed
Input Impedance Calculation
In this section, we explore the concept of input impedance specifically in the context of common base and common gate amplifiers. The section begins by introducing the basic configurations and operational principles of these amplifiers. We review key parameters such as voltage gain, input impedance, output impedance, and current gain, which are vital for understanding amplifier performance. Through numerical examples, we calculate these parameters with specific values assigned to circuit components, demonstrating practical applications and the impact of design choices.
The calculations show that input impedance is crucial for achieving desired performance levels in amplifiers. Notably, the discussed examples illustrate scenarios where high source resistances result in significant attenuation, emphasizing the challenges addressed during design. By the end of the section, the reader gains a comprehensive understanding of how input impedance can affect amplifier behavior and performance, including considerations of bandwidth and the relationships between various components.
Youtube Videos
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Understanding the Input Circuit
Chapter 1 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
In this bias circuit we do have I which is given as 1 mA. So, for the time being in this numerical examples we are considering this emitter bias it is ideal. So, we do not have any associated conductance of this bias circuit, in later examples we will be replacing this ideal bias by resistive bias.
Detailed Explanation
In this section, we address the bias circuit of the common base amplifier. We have a given emitter current of 1 mA, which is a crucial parameter for our calculations. The ideal biasing condition implies that we are assuming no resistance at the emitter, meaning it behaves perfectly without any loss. This assumption simplifies our calculations initially, but we will later consider real-world scenarios where resistive biasing may affect the results.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you are teaching a class without any distractions; everything goes perfectly. This is like our ideal biasing situation - everything works as expected. However, later on, when students come with their distractions (like talking among themselves), you need to find ways to manage them. This reflects our later analysis with resistive biases.
Input Impedance Insights
Chapter 2 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
At the collector terminal on the other hand we do have practical circuit R and C, let we consider its value it is 3 kΩ. So, how do we find different performance matrices of this circuit which are listed here? Namely voltage gain, input impedance, output impedance, input capacitance, and upper cutoff frequency of the amplifier.
Detailed Explanation
In this part, we discuss the components connected at the circuit's collector terminal and how they play a role in calculating essential performance metrics. The given resistance of 3 kΩ affects how the amplifier behaves electrically. We aim to compute values like voltage gain, input impedance, and others, which are critical for determining how well the amplifier will work. Understanding input impedance specifically helps us determine how much of the input signal can be processed effectively.
Examples & Analogies
Think of the input impedance as the size of a door that lets people into a room (the amplifier). If the door is too small, only a few people can enter at once (affecting the input signal). A larger door would result in better access and efficiency in processing guests, much like an amplifier with favorable input impedance.
Calculating Voltage Gain
Chapter 3 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
The voltage gain starting from the emitter terminal to the collector terminal is denoted A_V. If you recall from previous discussions, it was ( ). By making a simplification, we can see that this is (g_m) parallel with R_C.
Detailed Explanation
Calculating the voltage gain is vital for understanding how the amplifier boosts signals. We define the voltage gain from the emitter to the collector as A_V. Through mathematical simplification, we can express A_V in terms of other components such as the transconductance (g_m) and collector resistance (R_C). This relationship shows how components can be optimized for better performance in amplifying signals.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a musical amplifier that boosts a soft sound into a powerful concert output. The voltage gain is akin to the volume knob that you adjust to realize the desired sound level. The better you tune (optimize your R_C and g_m), the more pleasant and loud the music becomes.
Understanding Input and Output Resistance
Chapter 4 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
Now, looking at the output resistance, this is mainly determined by R_C and the intrinsic resistance of the transistor itself, with the assumption that R_S is negligible. The overall output resistance will heavily influence how the amplifier interacts with its load.
Detailed Explanation
Output resistance is a crucial parameter, affecting how much voltage can be dropped across certain loads. We discuss how the resistance at the collector (R_C) and the intrinsic resistance of the transistor together determine the output's effectiveness. Understanding the balance here is vital, as a high output resistance may load the circuit adversely.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a water hose (amplifier) connected to a watering can (the load). If the hose has a narrow opening (high output resistance), it restricts water flow, making it hard to fill the can (the output). A better hose (lower output resistance) allows smoother water flow, leading to faster filling.
Capacitance Impacts on Frequency Response
Chapter 5 of 5
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
If we see the capacitance at this node for this signal, the input capacitance can be analyzed through the coupling capacitors. It reflects how quickly we can charge or discharge based on input signals. Our analysis considers these capacitors to calculate the upper cutoff frequency of the amplifier.
Detailed Explanation
We talk about the role of input capacitance in managing the frequency response of our common base amplifier. It shows how quickly the circuit can respond to varying frequencies, with capacitors being key components in this management. The upper cutoff frequency tells us the limit at which the circuit will adequately amplify frequencies without significant loss.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a sponge absorbing water and how quickly it can do so. The sponge's ability to absorb (representing capacitance) dictates how quickly it will fill up (frequency response). If the sponge can soak up water quickly, it allows for a robust and responsive watering system, similar to maintaining a proper upper cutoff frequency in amplifiers.
Key Concepts
-
Input Impedance: It is the resistance presented by an amplifier to its input signal, impacting circuit performance.
-
Voltage Gain: A key parameter indicating how much the amplifier increases the signal amplitude.
-
Small Signal Analysis: Used for determining amplifier behavior with small variations in input signals.
Examples & Applications
If a common base amplifier has an input impedance of 26 Ohms and a source resistance of 10k Ohms, it will likely result in significant signal attenuation.
In a common gate amplifier, the calculation of input resistance can showcase that it operates effectively in high-frequency scenarios due to its impedance characteristics.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
When signals go to input ports, keep the impedance high for good retorts.
Stories
In a circuit garden, the plants grew tall, but those with thick roots could barely stand at all. Input impedance is like their roots; thicker can cause weaker input, so nurture them with care.
Memory Tools
G.I.V.E. - Gain, Input Impedance, Voltage Output, Efficiency - remember these parameters for your circuit design.
Acronyms
Z_in - Zoom into Input, where low resistance gives the best signal.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Input Impedance
The opposition to current flow that an amplifier presents to an input signal, typically measured in ohms.
- Common Base Amplifier
A type of bipolar junction transistor amplifier where the base terminal is common to both input and output.
- Voltage Gain
The ratio of output voltage to input voltage, representing how much the amplifier increases the signal level.
- Small Signal Parameters
Parameters that characterize the behavior of transistors under small input signal conditions, including transconductance and output resistance.
- Miller Effect
The phenomenon where the input capacitance of an amplifier increases due to feedback, impacting bandwidth.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.