Common Mode Operation - 76.1.6 | 76. Differential Amplifier : Basic Structure and Principle of Operation (Contd.) | Analog Electronic Circuits - Vol 4
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Interactive Audio Lesson

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

Understanding Common Mode Operation

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we are going to discuss the concept of common mode operation in differential amplifiers. Can anyone tell me what common mode means?

Student 1
Student 1

Does it mean we are applying the same signal to both inputs?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! In common mode operation, both inputs receive identical voltage signals. This leads to a differential input of zero. Why is this important?

Student 2
Student 2

It helps us understand how well the amplifier can reject noise that affects both inputs.

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! The ability of the amplifier to reject such common signals is quantified as common mode gain. Let’s explore how to calculate that next.

Analyzing the Outputs of Common Mode Input

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Teacher
Teacher

When we apply a common mode signal, what happens at the outputs of the amplifier?

Student 3
Student 3

Both outputs should react in the same way since the inputs are the same.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! The output will reflect the common input voltage diminished by the circuit parameters. If we denote the input signal as 'v_in_c', the outputs can be expressed as -v_in_c and also -v_in_c. How does this lead to an average output?

Student 4
Student 4

The outputs average out to simply v_in_c with a determined resistance.

Teacher
Teacher

Good! This average helps define the common mode gain, which summarizes the performance of our amplifier against unwanted signals.

Defining Common Mode Gain

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s talk about common mode gain. What do you think the formula might be when looking at the average output?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it related to the output and the input signals?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The common mode gain can be expressed as A_c = output signal / input signal. This shows how effectively the circuit processes common mode signals.

Student 2
Student 2

So, if the gain is high, that means the circuit is effective at rejecting noise?

Teacher
Teacher

Right again! A higher gain in common mode implies that the circuit is well designed for rejecting common-mode noise, which is critical in building reliable amplification systems.

Importance of Low Common Mode Gain

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Teacher
Teacher

Finally, why do you think we want the common mode gain to be as low as possible?

Student 3
Student 3

It helps keep the unwanted signals suppressed?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, maintaining a low common mode gain ensures that only the desired signals are amplified, making our amplifiers more resilient to noise. Does anyone have ideas on how to minimize common mode gain?

Student 4
Student 4

We could use active devices with high resistance!

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! By utilizing such configurations, we can improve performance in noisy environments. Great discussion today!

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section discusses the common mode operation in differential amplifiers, including how it contrasts with differential mode operation, its significance, and the expression for common mode gain.

Standard

In this section, we delve into the common mode operation of differential amplifiers, highlighting the implications of applying identical signals to both inputs. The section explains the resulting outputs and introduces the concept of common mode gain, detailing its calculation and importance in circuit performance.

Detailed

Common Mode Operation

In this section, we explore the concept of common mode operation in differential amplifiers. This occurs when identical signals are applied to both input terminals, effectively making the differential input zero. The two main scenarios discussed include the behavior of signals when applying a common mode operation, the resulting outputs at the emitter nodes, and the corresponding common mode gain. Throughout the discussions, the significance of common mode gain is emphasized, where it reflects the ability of the amplifier to reject common-mode noise or interferences that can affect both inputs equally. The common mode gain is expressed as the ratio of the average output voltage to the average input voltage and is critical in assessing the performance and conversion efficiency of differential amplifiers.

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Analog Electronic Circuits _ by Prof. Shanthi Pavan
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Audio Book

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Common Mode Signal Application

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So, let us see for common mode operation. Again coming back to the same circuit, we are applying say v here and v here. So, v ; however, of course, both of them with DC voltage V and; however, in this case we consider signal here equals to v and also the signal here it is v which means that it is a stimulus in perfectly in common mode operation in other words, we are assuming that a differential input v = 0.

Detailed Explanation

In common mode operation, two identical signals are applied to the inputs of the amplifier, both riding on the same DC level. This means that if we add the same signal to both inputs, it does not affect the output designed to respond to differences between the inputs. Essentially, in common mode, the differential input (the difference between the two signals) remains zero.

Examples & Analogies

You can think of this like two friends talking in sync at a coffee shop. If both friends state their agreement on the same topic (input signals are the same), it’s like applying common mode operations. However, if only one friend adds a differing opinion (one input signal changes), then the conversation will shift, akin to differential mode operations.

Identical Signals and Their Effects

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So with this operation before we make this connection again, we can analyze the circuit and then we can see that the signal coming at this node it is β€’ v Γ— . So, likewise at this point this signal it is β€’ v Γ— . Now, both this signal and this signal they are identical, but of course, they do have a different magnitude and the signal coming at the at this point.

Detailed Explanation

When the common mode signals are applied, the output at the circuit node will be -v times some gain. Since the signals are identical, both outputs reflect the same behavior when analyzed. This is important for understanding how the differential amplifier will manage signals that are the same across both inputs, as it should ideally not amplify common signals.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you and a partner are both raising your hands to reach the same height simultaneously. Your hands represent identical signals. When you both adjust to reach the same level, neither hand (signal) gets preferential treatment over the other, just like how a common mode operation seeks to ignore identical inputs.

Making Connections

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Now if I say that a individual signal this signal and this signal they are identical. So, if I take the average called v . Let me use different color it is not so, visible. So, v = which is same as an individual namely β€’ v Γ— assuming R and R they are same and from this one we can say that = β€’ , but this is the definition of the common mode gain.

Detailed Explanation

When we connect the outputs of both identical signal outputs, we find that their average will cancel out any difference, creating a common mode gain value which represents how much the circuit amplifies signals that are the same. The goal of differential amplifiers is usually to have a high differential gain and a low common mode gain.

Examples & Analogies

Think of this as a balance scale where both sides have the same weight. No matter how much weight you add equally to both sides, the scale doesn’t tip. In the circuit, this is akin to the common mode signal not causing any outputβ€”it’s balanced out.

Summary of Common Mode Gain

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So, the summary of that what do you see, that once you make this connection this circuit and this circuit they are equal and by considering a differential mode of operation, we obtained the expression of A which is equal to g whether it is g or g ; g Γ— R and the common mode gain on the other hand common mode gain = β€’ . In fact, to be more precise this expression it is β€’ right.

Detailed Explanation

The summary emphasizes that in common mode operation, applying the same input to both terminals results in a net output gain that can be defined and calculated. Hence, the relationship shows the circuit's design criteria for differential amplifiers, which aims to maximize differential gain while minimizing common mode gain.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a multi-channel speaker system that only plays the same song from two separate speakers. If equal play occurs, the sound waves coming from both speakers will simply reinforce each other without creating noticeable directional effects, much like how common mode signals should not impact the desired outcome from the amplifier.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Common Mode Operation: The situation where the same signal is applied to both inputs of a differential amplifier.

  • Common Mode Gain (A_c): The measure of how effectively an amplifier can reject common inputs, calculated from outputs related to common signals.

  • Differential Mode Operation: The situation where distinct signals are applied to the two inputs, yielding meaningful output that reflects the input difference.

  • Impedance and Resistance: Essential circuit characteristics that affect signal strength and amplification.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • If an amplifier has a common mode gain very close to zero, it indicates strong performance in eliminating interference that affects both inputs equally.

  • In a scenario where two input signals are identical, the common mode gain defines the circuit's capacity to maintain signal integrity.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎡 Rhymes Time

  • Common mode, both the same, rejecting noise is the game!

πŸ“– Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a factory with two machines working side by side, both producing the same product. If a disturbance affects both machines equally, but one is stronger, it represents a common mode operation where the output relies on their collective strength.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • CGA: Common Gain Average, for remembering how common mode gain is calculated.

🎯 Super Acronyms

CNO

  • Common Noise Output - Helps to remind us of the unwanted signals we aim to minimize.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Common Mode Operation

    Definition:

    A mode of operation in differential amplifiers where the same signal is applied to both inputs, leading to a differential input of zero.

  • Term: Common Mode Gain (A_c)

    Definition:

    The ratio of average output voltage to average input voltage during common mode operation, indicating amplifier performance in rejecting common signals.

  • Term: Differential Mode Gain

    Definition:

    The gain experienced by the amplifier when subjected to differential signals where different inputs are provided to each terminal.

  • Term: Impedance

    Definition:

    The total resistance faced by alternating current, affecting voltage signals in the circuit.