59.3.3 - Output Resistance of the CC Stage
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Introduction to the CC Stage
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Welcome, everyone! Today, we will be discussing the common collector stage or emitter follower. Can anyone explain what the primary function of a CC stage is?
Is it to provide some sort of impedance matching?
That's correct! The CC stage allows for high input impedance and low output impedance, making it suitable for connecting different circuit stages.
So, how does that affect the output resistance?
Great question! The output resistance in a CC stage is primarily determined by the load connected to it. Now, let's remember the mnemonic 'CC is Cool for Coupling' to emphasize its role in interfacing stages.
So, does that mean the CC stage can also enhance bandwidth?
Exactly! By using a CC stage in conjunction with other amplifiers, such as the common emitter stage, we can extend bandwidth while maintaining the same gain.
Calculating Output Resistance
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Now, let's look at how we can calculate the output resistance in a CC stage. Can anyone recall what factors come into play here?
I think it depends on the output resistor and the transistor parameters.
Exactly! The output resistance, primarily influenced by the load 'R', dictates how efficiently the stage drives connected loads. Let's go through an example where we calculate this using given values.
Could you remind us what values we need for the calculations?
You will need the load capacitance and resistor values! Let's recall the formula: R_out = R + r_e, where r_e is the intrinsic emitter resistance.
So, what's the output resistance if we have R = 3kΩ and r_e = 375Ω, as mentioned earlier?
Adding those gives us an output resistance of about 3.375kΩ. Good job!
Voltage Gain and Bandwidth
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Next, let’s dive into the voltage gain of the CC stage. Can someone explain how output resistance affects voltage gain?
Higher output resistance typically leads to a lower voltage gain, right?
Correct! In our previous example, with a gain of approximately 1, we see that the overall gain remains about 6 with the cascading stages.
And how does this relate to bandwidth?
Bandwidth is indeed extended using the CC stage. As you increase gain with low output resistance, the upper cut-off frequency also increases. Remember the formula: f_U = 1 / (2πRC).
So, using capacitors in this formula, we can also extend the bandwidth based on our design values?
Absolutely! With good design, you may see improvements up to several MHz, harnessing the effectiveness of the CC stage.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section explains the characteristics of the common collector amplifier, focusing on its output resistance and how it integrates with other amplifier stages to enhance overall performance. It includes numerical examples to illustrate the principles discussed.
Detailed
Output Resistance of the CC Stage
In this section, we delve into the characteristics and calculations related to the output resistance of the common collector (CC) amplifier stage. The CC stage, also known as the emitter follower, is pivotal in various amplifier configurations, specifically in conjunction with common emitter (CE) stages and common drain (CD) configurations in MOS technology.
Key Points:
- Output Resistance Definition: The output resistance of a CC stage is primarily influenced by the load connected to it and the intrinsic resistances of the transistors used.
- Numerical Examples: Practical exercises are utilized to calculate the output resistance and voltage gain of the common collector stage, demonstrating its effectiveness in providing impedance matching.
- High Input Impedance: The CC stage offers high input impedance while maintaining a low output impedance, making it ideal for interfacing between different circuit stages.
- Bandwidth Considerations: The calculations also extend to bandwidth considerations, where the upper cut-off frequency is determined by the product of the output resistance and the load capacitance.
- Practical Implications: This analysis helps in optimizing multi-transistor amplifiers' overall performance by effectively using cascading techniques involving CC and CE or CD stages.
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Introduction to the CC Stage Output Resistance
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
So, the gain here it is approximately 1, so the overall gain it is primarily coming from the first stage. So, the overall gain A it remains 6 only, but then the upper cut off frequency f U.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk discusses the concept of overall gain in a circuit configuration involving common collector (CC) stages. Here, the gain, denoted as A, is noted to be approximately 1. This means that the gain from the CC stage does not significantly increase the output signal compared to the input from the previous stage. Although the CC stage does not add much gain, it plays a crucial role in the overall system, maintaining the combined gain of 6.
Examples & Analogies
Think of the CC stage as a connector in a relay race. While the runner (the CC stage) may not be the fastest (not significantly increasing the gain), they are essential to ensuring the baton (the signal) is handed off smoothly between the two runners (stages).
Defining the Upper Cutoff Frequency
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
Now, if I call it is f′ it is having 2 candidates to define the upper cut off frequency; one is R . So, this is 2πR and the corresponding load capacitance we do have C . So, if we connect the C here.
Detailed Explanation
This segment elaborates on the upper cutoff frequency (f′) of the CC stage. The upper cutoff frequency is paramount in determining the bandwidth of the amplifier, and it can be influenced by two primary factors: resistance (R) and capacitance (C). The formula presented, which involves the product of resistance and capacitance, indicates how changes in these components can affect switching speeds and frequency responses.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine tuning a guitar. The strings (resistances) and the body of the guitar (capacitance) work together to produce sound at specific frequencies. If you change the tension of the strings or the shape of the body, you affect the sounds produced, similar to how adjusting R and C in an amplifier affects its frequency response.
Comparing Frequencies and Evaluating Results
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
Now, if I compared these two poles together of course, this is lower. So, the net upper cutoff frequency it is four point, so 4.24 MHz.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk touches on the comparison of calculated cutoff frequencies from different configurations. It concludes that one frequency (f) is a lower frequency than another option, leading to a net upper cutoff frequency of 4.24 MHz. This importance lies in evaluating the total performance of an amplifier circuit by understanding which configuration provides better frequency response, implying that optimizations might lead to a better circuit design.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a race with different cars having different speed limits. The car with the lower speed limit (the lower frequency) can’t compete with the faster car (the higher frequency), but together they can optimize the route for speed (the overall performance of the system).
Benefits of Cascading Amplifier Stages
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
So, here also the same conclusion it is namely originally the CS common source amplifier it was having a gain of 6 and then it was having a; it was having the upper cutoff frequency it was 580 kHz. Now, we are by the virtue of the common drain stage along with the CS.
Detailed Explanation
Here, the text emphasizes the benefits of cascading amplifier stages, particularly how a common source (CS) amplifier gains a combined output from both CS and CC stage. The CS originally has a gain of 6 with a certain frequency response. By adding additional stages, like a common drain (CD) stage, improves the system's bandwidth while maintaining the gain. This method exemplifies how amplifiers can be designed strategically for better performance in broader applications.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a basketball team. The main player (the CS stage) has impressive skills (gain), but by putting together a good set of players in support (the CC stage), the overall performance of the team in games (the entire circuit performance) can be significantly improved, leading to better results.
Key Concepts
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Output Resistance: The resistance looking into the output of the circuit, essential for understanding amplifier performance.
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Voltage Gain: Key performance metric showing how much an amplifier increases the input signal.
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Bandwidth: The frequency range over which the amplifier is effective, extended by using the CC stage.
Examples & Applications
Calculating the output resistance of a CC stage with R = 3kΩ and r_e = 375Ω results in R_out = 3.375kΩ.
Using the CC stage in a compound amplifier configuration, the voltage gain remains about 6 while the bandwidth is extended significantly.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
CC can be your friend, makes signals smooth 'til the end.
Stories
Imagine a bridge (CC) connecting two islands (different circuit stages), allowing easy passage of goods (signals) without getting stuck (impedance issues) in traffic (conflict).
Memory Tools
Think 'Courageous Connections' for CC stages facilitating signal flow.
Acronyms
CC = 'Cool Coupling' for its function in circuits.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Common Collector (CC)
A type of amplifier configuration where the output is taken from the emitter terminal.
- Output Resistance
The equivalent resistance that an output port presents to its load.
- Voltage Gain
The ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage in an amplifier.
- Bandwidth
The range of frequencies over which an amplifier operates effectively.
- Cascading
Connecting multiple amplifier stages in sequence to enhance overall performance.
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