Analog Electronic Circuits - 77.1 | 77. Differential Amplifier : Analysis and Numerical Examples | Analog Electronic Circuits - Vol 4
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Analog Electronic Circuits

77.1 - Analog Electronic Circuits

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Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Introduction to Differential Amplifiers

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Today, we'll dive into the world of differential amplifiers. Can anyone tell me what differentiates a differential amplifier from a regular amplifier?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it because it amplifies the difference between two input signals?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! A differential amplifier takes two input signals and amplifies their difference. Think of it as a vehicle that only responds to the difference in signals.

Student 2
Student 2

What about common mode signals? Do they affect the amplifier's output?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Great question! Common mode signals can interfere, which is why we also analyze common mode gain. We want our amplifier to ideally ignore these signals.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Let's remember: 'Differential means difference!' This can help you recall why we use differential amplifiers.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Now, can anyone explain the significance of the gain we mention?

Student 3
Student 3

I think the gain tells us how effectively the amplifier can boost the desired signal.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly right! Gain is crucial because it quantifies the amplification. Now, let's recap: the key functions of a differential amplifier are to amplify the difference and reject common mode signals.

Small Signal Equivalent Circuit

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Next, we'll discuss the small signal equivalent circuit. Can anyone tell me why we use small signal analysis?

Student 4
Student 4

Is it because we want to understand how our circuit behaves around a DC operating point?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Correct! By linearizing the circuit around the operating point, we can simplify our analysis significantly. Now, let's look at how we construct this circuit using BJT.

Student 1
Student 1

So, what's the first step in constructing this small signal circuit?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Great question! We typically remove all DC components and replace each transistor with its small signal model. Do you remember the models for both BJTs and MOSFETs?

Student 2
Student 2

Yes! For BJTs, we use the hybrid pi model, which includes the transconductance and output resistance.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Well done! And for MOSFETs, what do we consider?

Student 3
Student 3

We use the small-signal model, which involves parameters like transconductance and output conductance.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Absolutely! This way, we simplified the circuit for further analysis. Let’s summarize: Small signal analysis simplifies complex circuits to make calculations feasible.

Differential Mode and Common Mode Gains

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Now, we need to explore differential mode and common mode gains. Can anyone define these gains?

Student 4
Student 4

Differential mode gain is when the amplifier amplifies the difference between two inputs, while common mode gain is when it amplifies signals that are common to both.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Correct! And why is it crucial to differentiate between the two?

Student 1
Student 1

Because we want our differential amplifier to have high differential gain and low common mode gain for effective performance.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Great insight! We generally want the common mode gain to be as low as possible. Let's use an acronym to memorize this: DCG-LCG – 'Differential High, Common Low, Gain!'

Student 2
Student 2

I like that! It will help me remember what to aim for in circuit design.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Perfect. To wrap up this section, we're emphasizing capturing the differential signals while minimizing common mode interference. That's our goal!

Example Problems and Numerical Analysis

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Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Lastly, let’s apply what we’ve learned through some numerical examples. Who remembers the general steps for calculating differential gain?

Student 3
Student 3

We need to identify the parameters for the transistors and apply them into the gain formula.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! Let's take a practical situation with given component values and calculate the gain. Can anyone propose a set of values?

Student 2
Student 2

How about for a BJT amplifier, we use gₘ = 20 mS and R_C = 1kΩ?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Perfect! Now, if we plug these into our differential gain formula, what's our expected outcome?

Student 1
Student 1

The gain would be 20 mS multiplied by 1kΩ, which equals 20 V/V.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

That's exactly the correct application! Practical exercises reinforce our theoretical knowledge. Summarizing: we can calculate differential gain from known parameters effectively.

Introduction & Overview

Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.

Quick Overview

This section focuses on differential amplifiers, covering their analysis, operational modes, and small signal equivalent circuits using both BJTs and MOSFETs.

Standard

The section elaborates on the analysis of differential amplifiers, including their functioning modes: differential mode and common mode operation. It presents a detailed explanation of small signal equivalent circuits for both BJTs and MOSFETs, emphasizing the use of these circuits in analyzing differential and common-mode gains.

Detailed

Differential Amplifier: Analysis and Numerical Examples

This section delves into the analysis of differential amplifiers as part of the Analog Electronic Circuits course. The primary focus is on understanding the differential operations, small signal equivalent circuits, and large signal analysis of BJTs and MOSFET-based amplifiers. The key concepts discussed are:

  1. Modes of Operation: The differential amplifier operates in two modes - differential mode, where it amplifies the difference between two signals, and common mode, which amplifies signals that are common to both inputs.
  2. Small Signal Equivalent Circuit: This can be constructed for both BJT and MOSFET amplifiers, where the DC components are removed, and only AC signals are considered for analysis.
  3. Gain Analysis: Both differential mode gain and common mode gain are calculated, and the significance of the input common mode range and output signal swing is highlighted.
  4. Numerical Examples: The application of theoretical concepts through numerical examples helps solidify understanding, demonstrating how to evaluate the amplifier's performance under different conditions.

By comprehensively analyzing the differential amplifier’s structure and operations, this section lays the groundwork for deeper insights into their practical applications in electronic circuits.

Youtube Videos

Analog Electronic Circuits _ by Prof. Shanthi Pavan
Analog Electronic Circuits _ by Prof. Shanthi Pavan

Audio Book

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Introduction to Differential Amplifier

Chapter 1 of 5

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Chapter Content

So, dear students welcome back to our NPTEL online certification course on Analog Electronic Circuit myself Pradip Mandal from E and EC department of IIT Kharagpur. Today’s topic of discussion it is: Differential Amplifier and in fact, today we are continuing differential amplifier, but today we will be primarily focusing on Circuit Analysis and maybe towards the Numerical examples.

Detailed Explanation

In this introductory section, the speaker welcomes the students back to the course and introduces the topic of Differential Amplifiers. This sets the stage for a deeper dive into analyzing circuits and possibly working through numerical examples related to these devices.

Examples & Analogies

Think of the differential amplifier like a translator in a noisy room. It helps isolate and amplify the desired signal (the speaker you want to hear) while filtering out the background noise. Just like the amplifier focuses on just one voice, the differential amplifier focuses on signals that differ between two inputs.

Overview of Today’s Lecture

Chapter 2 of 5

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Chapter Content

So, in overall plan we are in module-7 and; under the module-7 we do have the plan of going for Differential Amplifier. So, in our previous lecture we have talked about basic structure and working principle of differential amplifier, prior to that we have discussed about single ended signaling versus differential signaling, they are part of the differential amplifier background. And today we are going to discuss more on analysis of differential amplifier.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk outlines the lecture’s agenda, indicating that it is part of a larger module on differential amplifiers. Notably, it mentions prior discussions about basic structures and different types of signaling, which provides context for understanding the analysis that will follow.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a chef explaining a recipe where previously they covered basic ingredients and preparation methods. Now, they are ready to dive deeper into how to combine those ingredients effectively, akin to how we analyze and operate on differential amplifiers.

Analytical Focus of Differential Amplifiers

Chapter 3 of 5

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Chapter Content

Specifically, for two modes of operation differential mode and common mode operation and their corresponding gain. And, then we will also talk about large signal analysis from where we can get the signal swing possible output signal swing and the range of DC voltage which is referred as Input Common Mode Range.

Detailed Explanation

This section specifies that the analysis will focus on two main operation modes of differential amplifiers: differential mode (where the inputs are different) and common mode (where the inputs are the same). It also introduces concepts of signal swing and input common mode voltage range, forming foundational ideas for advanced analysis.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a differential amplifier as a person listening to two conversations at the same time. When they focus on one conversation (differential mode), they might miss the other (common mode). Understanding how to pick out one conversation from the other is crucial, just as these modes help in filtering and responding to specific signals.

Introduction to Small Signal Equivalent Circuit

Chapter 4 of 5

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Chapter Content

So, we shall start with small signal equivalent circuit of differential amplifier both; implemented by BJT as well as MOSFET. And, then we shall talk about small signal analysis. Specifically, for Differential mode of stimulus or Differential mode of operation then, Common mode stimulus or Common mode operation and then combined one which is referred as generalized stimulus and then we may have a special case which is referred as pseudo differential stimulus.

Detailed Explanation

In this part, the speaker outlines the next stage of learning: understanding the small signal equivalent circuit of a differential amplifier. This is essential for analyzing how the amplifier behaves under small variations in input signals, specifically contrasting different modes of operation.

Examples & Analogies

You can think of small signal analysis like tuning a musical instrument. Just as musicians make small adjustments to the tension of strings for better sound, engineers analyze small signals to optimize the performance of electronic circuits. This ensures the amplifier responds accurately to small input changes.

Large Signal Analysis and DC Operating Point

Chapter 5 of 5

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Chapter Content

And then we shall talk about; the input DC voltage range over which devices are in proper region of operation which is commonly known as Input common mode range and then, we shall talk about the possible signal swing for a given circuit which referred as output signal swing.

Detailed Explanation

Here, the focus shifts to large signal analysis and the significance of the DC operating point. Understanding the input common mode range ensures that the differential amplifier operates correctly without clipping output signals, while output signal swing refers to the maximum range of output voltage it can provide.

Examples & Analogies

Consider driving a car. The DC operating point is like the speed limit—you need to stay within legal boundaries (the input range). The output signal swing would be akin to how fast you can go without exceeding that limit. You want your amplifier’s outputs to be effective and precise, just as staying within safe speed ensures a smooth ride.

Key Concepts

  • Differential Amplifier: An amplifier that amplifies the difference between two input signals.

  • Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): A key performance metric indicating how well the amplifier rejects common mode signals.

  • Small Signal Analysis: A technique that involves linearizing a circuit to simplify analysis around a DC operating point.

Examples & Applications

Calculating the differential gain of a BJT differential amplifier with given parameter values.

Finding output voltage for a MOSFET differential amplifier under specific input conditions.

Memory Aids

Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts

🎵

Rhymes

To hear the difference loud and clear, a differential amplifier is always near.

📖

Stories

Imagine two friends whispering secrets; a differential amplifier only listens to their differences while ignoring the crowd around them.

🧠

Memory Tools

D-C-G: Differential high, Common low, Gain! Quick to memorize differential properties.

🎯

Acronyms

DAMP

Differential Amplifier's Mode Performance; highlighting the two operational modes.

Flash Cards

Glossary

Differential Mode

The operation mode of an amplifier that responds to the difference between two input signals.

Common Mode

The operation mode of an amplifier that responds to signals that are common to both inputs.

Gain

A measure of how much an amplifier increases the power or amplitude of a signal.

Small Signal Equivalent Circuit

A simplified representation of an amplifier that linearizes the circuit and characterizes it around a DC operating point.

BJT

Bipolar Junction Transistor, a type of transistor that uses both electron and hole charge carriers.

MOSFET

Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor, a type of transistor that uses voltage to control the current.

Reference links

Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.