RC Coupled Amplifier and Tuned Amplifier Notes

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RC Coupled Amplifier and Tuned Amplifier with Feedback Amplifiers and

Oscillators

1. RC Coupled Amplifier
Reference: Boylestad & Nashelsky, Chapter 9

Introduction
The RC coupled amplifier is one of the most common types of amplifiers. It uses a capacitor
to couple the output of one stage to the input of the next. This coupling allows AC signals to
pass while blocking DC components.

Equivalent Circuit
The equivalent circuit of an RC coupled amplifier includes:
1. Coupling Capacitor (C_C): Blocks DC and allows AC signals.
2. Bypass Capacitor (C_E): Ensures maximum gain by bypassing the AC signal around the
emitter resistor.
3. Load Resistor (R_L): Used to develop the amplified signal.
4. Transistor Biasing Resistors (R1, R2): Set the operating point.

Voltage Gain Analysis


The voltage gain Av is given by:
Av = β RC / [re + (1 + β)RE]
where:
β: Transistor current gain
RC: Collector resistance
RE: Emitter resistance
re: Internal emitter resistance (re = 26mV / IE)

Frequency Response Characteristics


1. Low-Frequency Range: At low frequencies, the coupling capacitor (C_C) and bypass
capacitor (C_E) have significant reactance. The gain decreases due to attenuation by these
capacitors.
2. Mid-Frequency Range: Capacitors behave like short circuits, and the amplifier operates at
a stable gain. Voltage gain remains constant.
3. High-Frequency Range: Parasitic capacitances like C_bc (base-collector capacitance)
reduce the gain. The gain decreases as frequency increases.

Cutoff Frequencies
1. Lower Cutoff Frequency (f_L): Determined by:
f_L = 1 / (2πRC)
2. Upper Cutoff Frequency (f_H): Limited by parasitic capacitances and given by:
f_H = 1 / [2π (RC || ro) C_bc]
Bandwidth
The bandwidth is the difference between the upper and lower cutoff frequencies:
BW = f_H - f_L

Solved Example
Problem:
Given:
RC = 2.2kΩ, RE = 470Ω, β = 100, IE = 2mA, and coupling capacitor CC = 10μF. Find the
voltage gain and the lower cutoff frequency.

Solution:
1. Calculate re:
re = 26mV / IE = 26 × 10^(-3) / 2 × 10^(-3) = 13Ω

2. Voltage Gain (Av):


Av = β RC / [re + (1 + β)RE]
Av = 100 × 2200 / [13 + (1 + 100) × 470] ≈ 4.67

3. Lower Cutoff Frequency (f_L):


f_L = 1 / (2πRC_C) = 1 / (2π × 2200 × 10 × 10^(-6)) ≈ 7.2 Hz

2. Tuned Amplifier
Reference: Chattopadhyay & Rakshit, Chapter 9

Introduction
Tuned amplifiers amplify a specific range of frequencies using a resonant LC circuit. They
are widely used in RF and communication systems.

Resonant Frequency
The frequency at which the LC circuit resonates is:
f_0 = 1 / (2π√(LC))

Key Features
1. High Selectivity: Amplifies only a narrow frequency range.
2. Frequency Response: Sharp peak at resonant frequency f_0.
3. Applications: Radio receivers, television, and RF transmitters.

3. Feedback Amplifiers and Oscillators


Reference: Chattopadhyay & Rakshit, Chapter 10

Feedback Concept
Feedback refers to the process of feeding a portion of the output signal back to the input.
Feedback can be:
1. Negative Feedback: Reduces gain but improves stability, bandwidth, and distortion
performance.
2. Positive Feedback: Increases gain and is necessary for oscillation.

Barkhausen Criterion
The conditions for sustained oscillations are:
1. Aβ = 1 (loop gain).
2. The phase shift must be 0° or 360°.

Examples of Oscillators
1. Colpitts Oscillator:
- Uses a capacitive divider in an LC circuit.
- Resonant frequency: f_0 = 1 / (2π√(L(C1C2 / (C1 + C2))))
2. Hartley Oscillator:
- Uses an inductive divider in an LC circuit.
- Resonant frequency: f_0 = 1 / (2π√((L1 + L2)C))
3. Phase-Shift Oscillator:
- Uses RC networks for phase shifts.
- Generates low-frequency oscillations.
4. Wein Bridge Oscillator:
- Uses a bridge network with resistors and capacitors.
- Produces low-distortion sinusoidal waves.
5. Crystal Oscillator:
- Uses a quartz crystal for precision.
- Resonant frequency: f_0 = 1 / (2π√(LC))

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