68.1.8. Signal Swing Analysis

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is an active load in an amplifier circuit?

   Hint

   Think about how it differs from a passive load.

2. 2.

   Explain what voltage gain means.

   Hint

   Consider how you measure this in dB.

3. 3.

   What does the gain-bandwidth product indicate?

   • Balance between gain and frequency
   • Always increasing gain
   • Effect of temperature on amplification

   Hint

   Think about how increasing one affects the other.

4. 4.

   True or false: An active load can help prevent distortion in an amplifier.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember the role of an active load.

5. 5.

   Design a simple circuit that maximizes voltage gain while ensuring that the signal swing stays within ±0.5V of the DC output voltage given a supply of 12V.

   Hint

   Begin by calculating the expected output range based on the given supply voltage.

6. 6.

   Evaluate how variations in collector current affect the effective gain in an amplifier with active loads.

   Hint

   Refer to the small signal parameters previously established.