90.3.2 - Characteristics of Positive Feedback
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Introduction to Feedback Systems
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Today we're exploring feedback systems. Can anyone tell me what a feedback system does?
It adjusts the system's performance based on output.
Exactly! Feedback systems can either stabilize or amplify the output. What do you think is the difference between negative and positive feedback?
Negative feedback slows down changes, while positive feedback amplifies them.
Great summary! Positive feedback means the output enhances the input, leading to more output. Remember: + for amplify, like a cheerleader!
So, could you give an example of positive feedback in circuits?
Of course! Think about a microphone that picks up its own amplified sound. If it gets too loud, it can cause a screeching noise. That's an example!
So it's unstable?
Yes, exactly! Positive feedback can lead to instability if not controlled.
In summary, feedback systems are crucial for circuit performance, with positive feedback increasing outputs, sometimes leading to instability.
Characteristics of Positive Feedback
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Now that we know what positive feedback does, let's discuss its characteristics more closely. What happens to system output when we apply positive feedback?
It keeps increasing, right?
Exactly! This reinforcement can lead to rapid system changes. But what can be a downside?
It can become unstable and go out of control?
Spot on! Systems using positive feedback can runaway, which can be useful but also risky. The key is application. Can someone think of a real-world application of this?
Oscillators and maybe audio amplifiers?
Yes and yes! Oscillators rely on positive feedback to generate periodic signals. The trick is managing the output to prevent distortion or feedback loops!
So, understanding this is important for engineers?
Absolutely! Engineers must consider both the benefits and risks of positive feedback in their designs. To summarize: positive feedback reinforces, increases output, and can cause instability.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section defines the key characteristics of positive feedback in feedback systems, allowing students to distinguish between positive and negative feedback through practical examples and explanations of their implications in circuit behavior.
Detailed
Characteristics of Positive Feedback
In feedback systems, there are two primary types of feedback: negative feedback and positive feedback. This section specifically focuses on positive feedback, explaining how it differs from negative feedback and exploring its characteristics.
Positive Feedback occurs when the feedback signal reinforces the original input signal, leading to an increase in the output signal. In this context, the feedback loop results in an escalation of the effect rather than a stabilizing influence.
Key Characteristics of Positive Feedback:
1. Reinforcement: The increase in input leads to a further increase in output. This can create a rapid, exponential growth in system response.
2. Potential Instability: Systems using positive feedback are prone to instability, as they can lead to runaway responses, where the system output continuously amplifies.
3. Applications: Used in applications like oscillators and certain types of amplifiers where the goal is to achieve high gain or signal amplification.
Understanding positive feedback is essential for designing circuits that can utilize these characteristics for desirable applications, while also being aware of the risks of instability.
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Definition of Feedback Types
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So, the basic types of feedback system it is, we make say it is ‒ve feedback system or +ve feedback system. So, when we call it is ‒ve feedback system? Suppose, in first of all it is having a feedback, whether we call it is +ve or ‒ve. So, the signal it is looping around this path which is going through this forward amplifier and also it is going through the feedback path and of course, we do have sampler and mixer.
Detailed Explanation
In feedback systems, there are two primary types: negative feedback and positive feedback. In a negative feedback system, the feedback signal reduces the output of the system. In contrast, a positive feedback system amplifies the output. Both types involve a feedback loop where the output signal is fed back into the system's input to influence its behavior.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a classroom scenario where a teacher asks questions, and the students respond. If students' responses lead to more questions that challenge their understanding (positive feedback), they become even more engaged. However, if the teacher simplifies explanations based on students' confusion (negative feedback), it helps to stabilize learning.
Conditions for Negative Feedback
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And if you see here, when you call it is ‒ve feedback system it is essentially for exchange at a point in the feedback system or circuit. If the created effect coming backed coming back to the original point through the feedback path. If it negates the original change then the feedback system it is called ‒ve feedback system.
Detailed Explanation
For a feedback system to be classified as negative feedback, the feedback signal must counteract the original input signal. This means that if an increase in the output happens, the feedback signal should work to decrease it, thus stabilizing the system.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a car's speed control. If you're driving too fast, and the system detects this, it automatically applies the brakes to slow down. Here, the action of braking negates the original increase in speed, demonstrating negative feedback.
Examples and Variations of Positive Feedback
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On the other hand in case if the; signal it is if the change if the created effect due to a change coming back through the feedback path, if it is aggravating the original change; that means, if it is in the same phase. Then we call the feedback system it is +ve feedback system.
Detailed Explanation
When the feedback signal enhances the input signal, this is termed positive feedback. Unlike negative feedback, positive feedback increases the output when the input increases, often leading to runaway effects or system instability if not controlled.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a microphone placed too close to a speaker. If the microphone picks up the sound and feeds it back to the speaker, it amplifies the sound, causing a loud screech. This scenario exemplifies positive feedback, where the more sound is produced, the more it is amplified, leading to feedback loops.
Mathematical Representation of Feedback Effects
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So, if I consider say suppose this signal it is getting increased or say this signal at this point it is getting increased. Now, if I assume that A is +ve. So, it is expected that this signal we will also be increasing. If I consider β it is also +ve, then since S it is increasing. So, this feedback signal it is also increasing.
Detailed Explanation
In mathematical terms, for positive feedback to occur, both the amplification factor (A) and the feedback path coefficient (β) must be positive. This implies that increases in the input lead to proportional increases in the output through the feedback loop.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a snowball rolling down a hill. As it rolls, it gathers more snow and grows larger. This is akin to positive feedback, where an initial increase in size (input) leads to even greater increases as it gathers more snow (feedback).
Implications of Positive Feedback
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Note that it is very important that in along according to this definition, the polarity of this signal coming to this amplifier it is immaterial.
Detailed Explanation
The polarity of the signals does not change the classification of feedback types; what matters is whether the feedback signal reinforces or counteracts the original input. This is crucial for analyzing systems to ensure they behave as intended.
Examples & Analogies
Think about a cheering crowd at a concert. Whether the crowd is cheering loudly or softly, their reaction (feedback) can amplify the band’s performance (input). The volume or energy of the crowd doesn’t change the nature of their feedback; they either boost or diminish the experience based on their engagement.
Key Concepts
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Positive Feedback: Amplifies the original signal, creating potential instability.
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Negative Feedback: Opposes the input, stabilizing the output.
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Oscillators: Circuits utilizing positive feedback for generating periodic signals.
Examples & Applications
An audio amplifier that causes a loud screech when the microphone picks up its own output.
A thermostat that boosts heating when temperature changes exceed set points.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Positive feedback, louder it gets, amplifies your voice without regrets.
Stories
Imagine a group of people cheering each other on in a contest; their enthusiasm grows and grows, just like positive feedback amplifies signals.
Memory Tools
Remember, + for Positive feedback, like a positive reaction in chemistry. More input, more output!
Acronyms
PRAISE – Positive Reinforcement Amplifies Input Signals Effectively.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Positive Feedback
A type of feedback system where the feedback signal reinforces the input signal, leading to an increase in output.
- Negative Feedback
A feedback type that counteracts changes, stabilizing the system output.
- Oscillator
A circuit that generates a periodic waveform, often using positive feedback.
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