Report Project 1

Design and analysis of a Direct-Coupled Transistor Amplifier 30 Nov 2011

By

Alexis Chrysaphis

Table of Contents
Objectives ......................................................................................................................................................................3 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................3 Pre-Lab ......................................................................................................................................................................6 Equipment List...........................................................................................................................................................6 Components List ........................................................................................................................................................7 Equations...................................................................................................................................................................7 Lab Work........................................................................................................................................................................8 Day 1..........................................................................................................................................................................8 Section A Breadboard .........................................................................................................................................8 Section B How components get connected to breadboard ...............................................................................8 Section C Power Supplies ...................................................................................................................................9 Section D What to Know Before Powering On ...................................................................................................9 Results Day 1 ......................................................................................................................................................9 Day 2........................................................................................................................................................................10 Section A ICs socket ........................................................................................................................................10 Section B Procedure .........................................................................................................................................10 Section C Table of Measurements ...................................................................................................................11 DC and AC analysis of the circuit.........................................................................................................................11 Results Day 2 ....................................................................................................................................................11 Day 3 .....................................................................................................................................................................12 Section A Zener Diode .......................................................................................................................................12 Section B Procedure ..........................................................................................................................................12 Section C Table of Measurements ...................................................................................................................13 DC and AC analysis of the circuit.........................................................................................................................13 Results Day 3 ....................................................................................................................................................13 Day 4 .....................................................................................................................................................................14 Section A Level Shifting .....................................................................................................................................14 Section B Procedure ..........................................................................................................................................14 Section C Measurements ..................................................................................................................................15 DC and AC analysis of the circuit.........................................................................................................................15 Results Day 4 ....................................................................................................................................................15 Day 5 .....................................................................................................................................................................16 Section A Final Stage .........................................................................................................................................16 Section B Procedure ..........................................................................................................................................16 Section C Table of Measurements ...................................................................................................................17 DC and AC analysis of the circuit.........................................................................................................................17 Results Day 5 ....................................................................................................................................................17 Final Result Presentation to Client ...........................................................................................................................18

Objectives
The aim of the project is to design and build a differential, direct-coupled amplifier having a high differential gain and low common-mode gain. It has this name because this circuit amplifies the difference between two input voltages. A two-transistor configuration is the heart of the amplifier and an ideal form of the circuit will be showed and analyzed in the following report. In most real-world lab, the use of operational amplifiers or some sort of differential amplification scheme is in constant use. A circuit analysis program Multisim will be used as a design tool to check the feasibility of each circuit stage and simulate the behavior of the overall design.

Introduction
The design of the amplifier was done as series of circuit stages. First the differential input stage (fig.1) will take the place, which is the heart of the amplifier.

Figure 1: Differential Input Stage

As mentioned above, it is called differential because the final output voltage will be the difference of the two. A differential amplifier can be done in 4 different setups. First is the differential input, differential output (fig.2) which has 2 inputs and 2 outputs.

Figure 2: Differential input and output

Then, is the single ended input, differential output (fig.3) which has 1 input but again 2 outputs.

Figure 3: Single Ended Input Differential Output

After these two, the differential input, single ended output (fig.4) exists that has 2 inputs and 1 output.

Figure 4: Differential Input Single Output

Finally, is the single ended input single ended output (fig.5), having 1 input and 1 output.

Figure 5: Single Ended Input and Output

In this experiment, the former was the best choice of use because the differential amplifier having two outputs will raise a problem if a connection to another circuit that follows wants to be done.

The following table will summarize the characteristics of each amplifier.

Table 1: Differential Amplifier Setups

Input Output Vin Vout Setup 1 Differential Differential v1-v2 Av(Vc2-Vc1) Setup 2 Single-ended Differential V1 or v2 Av(Vc2-Vc1) Setup 3 Differential Single-ended V1-v2 Av(Vc2) Setup 4 Single-ended Single-ended V1 or v2 Av(Vc2) Following the design, the second stage is to build a current source to improve the Common Rejection Ration (CMRR). This was done by replacing the emitter resistor by a current source (fig.6). By choosing the correct Zener diode voltage and the values of the resistors, a suitable current in the emitter circuit of the differential pair was achieved. All necessary changes in the collector load resistors were done in order to maintain a suitable operating point for the transistor. Measurements were taken.

Figure 6: Current Source using Zener Diode

The next stage was the design of a level shifting stage (fig.7). An ideal differential amplifier has zero output voltage for zero input voltage. In our case, when both signals were zero, the output of the differential stage was at some positive potential. To erase this minor fault and achieve the ideal differential amplifier the level-shifting stage was done. This was done using the existing voltage reference in the emitter circuit of the differential input pair and also with the selection of appropriate values of components that gave an output signal of zero when both inputs were at zero.

Figure 7: Level-Shifting using Potential Divider

The final stage was the design of the complete differential amplifier with resistor values that optimizes gain to its maximum, ensuring that a zero voltage output it obtained when both inputs are zero and also that the CMRR is at lowest. The final project was done and measurements, graphs and pictures were taken.

Pre-Lab
Before starting creating the circuit, one must first find all the necessary components and equipment. For this, a list with all possible vendors/providers was done in order to ensure that all components were available in market .Also, if any component was needed have all necessary information of many vendors to find what needed in a matter of minutes through emails or phone calls.
Table 2: Vendors/Providers List

Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Alltronics.com Ebay Farnell RS Components Antoniades Electronics Betatech Ltd Bionic Pouroutos Electronics OC electronics

Address N/A N/A N/A N/A Ifigeneias str. 2007 Strovolos 12B Griva Digeni Latsia Diomedous 3 Nicosia 2 Katsonis str. Nicosia 4 Kon/nou str. Latsia 13 Ifigeneias str. Nicosia

Phone number N/A N/A N/A N/A

22516456 22485378 77772060 22664163 22484609 22496898

Website Address www.alltronics.com www.ebay.com http://uk.farnell.com http://cy.rsdelivery.com N/A N/A www.bionic.com.cy www.pouroutos.com.cy www.ocelectronics.com N/A

Email Address warehouse@alltronics N/A N/A N/A An.an@cytanet.com.cy betatech@logos.cy.net sales@bionic.com.cy Pour.@cytanet.com.cy Oc.ele@cytanet.com.cy N/A

10 Videotronics

Equipment List
In order for all experiments to be done and measurements to be taken many tools were needed.
Table 3: Equipment List

1 2 3 4 5 6

Equipment Type DC Power Supply Function Generator Function Generator Multimeter - Voltmeter Multimeter - Voltmeter Oscilloscope

Brand Gwinstek GW GW Dagatron Dagatron Gwinstek

Model GPS - 3303 GFG 8020G GFG 8020G TRUE RMS 8511 TRUE RMS 8511 GDS - 1042

Serial Number

Components List
In order to complete all stages, necessary circuits and finally build the differential amplifier, some components were needed
Table 4: Components List

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Type Prototype Breadboard Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor Resistor Zener Diode Zener Diode Zener Diode Diodes IC Socket Integrated Circuit Integrated Circuit Integrated Circuit Connection Wire Roll

Value / Model -----------1M 10 1 4,7 22 1,4 3,3 600 510 8,2 460 2,7 v 5,1 v 15 v IN4148 N/A CA3046 CA3086 CA3096 N/A

Quantity 1 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1

Equations
In table below all necessary equations, for the calculations of measurements taken, are given.
Table 5: Equation Table

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Equation Vout=Av(V1) Ie1=Ie2=Iet/2 Vc1=Vc2=Vcc-Ic.Rc Av=Vout/Vin= Rc/2re Zin=2re Vout=ic.Rc Vin=ie.re+ie.re=2iere CMRR=Av (mid band)/Av(CM) Av(CM)=Rc/2Re re=25Mv/Ie

Used for Output Voltage with the gain Finding current Finding Voltage Finding Gain Finding Output Voltage through re and current Finding Input Voltage through re and current Common Mode Rejection Ratio Gain of Common Mode Finding re

Lab Work
Day 1
Section A Breadboard First day started with familiarization of the prototyping breadboard. The breadboard has, on two sides, left and right, two columns that all pin-holes on each one is connected together to all other of the same column. These columns are used for positive and negative (ground) of the circuit. Also there are many rows that have 5 pin-holes each, that they are connected together like having a connection wire to connect components to it. In the middle of the breadboard a small gap exists that is used for being able to connect IC (integrated circuits) on the breadboard (fig.8).

Figure 8: Prototyping Breadboard

Section B How components get connected to breadboard Then the connection of components started taking place. A thing one has to consider, is to be sure that if has the need to connect one component to the breadboard, the components two legs must never be inserted in the same row because it is like short-circuit the component. Knowing this very important idea and how the breadboard works, all components were connected for the creation of the first circuit, after following the schematic circuit created on Multisim based on the books example (fig.9).

Figure 9: Stage1 - Multisim

Section C Power Supplies To fulfill the circuits needs, both positive (+15V) and negative (- 15V) had to be ready for use. To achieve this, the connection of the pins from the power supplys output had to be inserted the other way around for the negative voltage. So from one output the power supply was connected to the positive 15 voltage (red output) and the ground and the other output from the negative (black output) and the ground. After experimenting with the power supplies, the result was that the need, of both positive and negative voltage from the same source, was fulfilled. Section D What to Know Before Powering On On the breadboard, the positive column on the left (red bar) is used for the amplifiers input signal, signal coming from the frequency generator. On the breadboard, the positive column on the right (red bar) is used for the power supply of positive (+15V). On the breadboard, negative column on the left (blue bar) is used as the ground of the circuit. All grounds (black cables) must be connected here. On the breadboard, the negative column on the right (blue bar) is used for the power supply of negative (-15V). Results Day 1 Results could not be found from this experiment and measurements could not be taken because the 1 M resistors connected across each component of the circuit are too large to allow results (fig.10).

Figure 10: Circuit - Stage 1

Day 2
Section A ICs socket A new socket had to be bought, because as it seemed, the ICs socket we had were not of good quality (fig.11) and could not be inserted to the breadboard and stay connected to the pin-holes. Every little while the IC got disconnected and results could not be measured. As it seems, there are two kinds of IC sockets. The ones with the straight pins and the others (better quality)that have a small head on top of each pin that lead to a better and more stable fit in the breadboards pin-holes.

Figure 11: Left - Low Quality IC Socket / Right - High Quality IC Socket

Section B Procedure The connection of the circuit was done once again following the schematic circuit created in Multisim. The connection of the two oscilloscopes probes followed, by connecting each one to the input and output of the circuit to measure the two values. Both grounds were connected to the necessary ground pin of the breadboard. Then a parallel connection to both power supplies was done in order to ensure a voltage +15V and -15V. The multi-meters grounds were also connected to the breadboards ground. Finally the connection of the signal generator was done in order for the circuit to have an input signal to amplify (fig.12).

Figure 12: Stage 1 Lab-Work

Section C Table of Measurements

Table 6: Measurements - Circuit 1

Frequency 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1kHz 5 kHz 10 kHz 20 kHz 50 kHz 100 kHz 200 kHz 500 kHz 1 MHz 1,5 MHz 2 MHz 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk

Vin

Vout 2,84Vpkpk 2,84Vpkpk 3Vpkpk 2,84Vpkpk 2,72Vpkpk 2,6Vpkpk 2,3Vpkpk 1,4Vpkpk 760mVpkpk 480mVpkpk 320mVpkpk

DC and AC analysis of the circuit Vcc=+15v Vee=-15v Re=Rc1=Rc2=4,7 Vin1=30mVpkpk It=15v/4,7=3,2mA Vout=3 Vpkpk Ie1=Ie2=3,2mA/2=1,6mA Av(CM)=4,7 /(2X4,7 )=0,5 re=25mv/Ie=25mv/1,6mA=15,6 Zin= 9,3 frequency=10 KHz

Av=3Vpkpk/30mVpkpk=100 CMRR=100/0,5 =200

Results Day 2 By having an input of 30mV pk-pk (the lowest possible output of the labs function generator) an output of 3V pk-pk happened. That meant for a gain of 100 that is a very good result for the first circuit (fig.13).

Figure 13: Stage 1 - Input / Output

Day 3
Section A Zener Diode In this circuit a Zener diode was used. This Zener diode has positive and negative side and both have to be connected properly in order for the correct functionality of the circuit but also for the proper functionality of Zener diode. If the Zener diode is connected the other way around it may be burned. The Zener diode has a black or blue ribbon around one end. That end is the cathode of the Zener and the other end in the anode. In our case the cathode was connected to a resistor and then to the ground and the anode to the supply voltage of -15V. Section B Procedure The connection of the circuit was done once again following the schematic circuit created in Multisim (fig.14). The same connections as the previous circuit took place but with the difference that this circuit had also the current source circuit connected to it. Another transistor from our IC was used and to it a Zener diode and two resistors were connected. An improvement on the CMRR and the voltage gain is expected.

Figure 14: Stage 2- Multisim

Section C Table of Measurements

Table 7: Measurements - Circuit 2

Frequency 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1kHz 5 kHz 10 kHz 20 kHz 50 kHz 100 kHz 200 kHz 500 kHz 1 MHz 1,5 MHz 2 MHz 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk

Vin

Vout 3,52Vpkpk 3,52Vpkpk 3,52Vpkpk 3,48Vpkpk 3,32Vpkpk 3,16Vpkpk 2,68Vpkpk 1,6Vpkpk 880mVpkpk 680mVpkpk 440mVpkpk

DC and AC analysis of the circuit Vcc=+15v Vee=-15v Rc2=4,7 Vin1=30mVpkpk It=15v/1.8=8,6mA

Rb=1,5K

Re=3,3 K

zener=15v

Vout= 3,60Vpkpk Ie1=Ie2=8,6mA/2=4,3mA

frequency=10 KHz

Av=30Vpkpk/3,60mVpkpk=120 Av(CM)=4,7 /(2X1,8 )=1.3 CMRR=120/1,3 =92 re=25mv/Ie=25mv/4,3mA=5,81 Zin= 3,5

Results Day 3 By connecting the current source to the circuit and by having 30 mV pk-pk as an input, the output found to be 3.6V pk-pk. That meant a gain of 120 that is a good gain. Also the gain of this stage is 20 more than the previous and that meant that we had a growth of gain as expected (fig.15).

Figure 15: Stage 2 - Input / Output

Day 4
Section A Level Shifting In this circuit level shifting was used. A level shifting is used so if 2 input signals exist their output should be equal to their difference. A differential amplifier must have an output equal to zero instead of some positive potential. Section B Procedure The connection of the circuit was done once again following the schematic circuit created in Multisim. The same connections as the previous circuit took place but with the difference that this circuit had also a level shifting circuit. The level shifting was done by adding another resistor between the differential amplifier and the current source. Also another signal generator was used, at 10 KHz, to provide the second input signal (fig.16).

Figure 16: Stage 3 - Multisim

Section C Measurements Measurements taken in this stage found all output to be at zero as it should be. By adding the other signal generator the two inputs were added together resulting in zero output. DC and AC analysis of the circuit Vcc=+15v Vee=-15v Rc2=4,7 Vin1=0Vpkpk R1=1M Results Day 4 By connecting the level shifting to the circuit, instead of having a minor positive potential the addition of the two input signals were at perfect zero output (fig.17). Vin2=0Vpkpk

Rb=1,5K Vout= 6,2Vpkpk

Re=3,3 K

zener=15v

frequency=10 KHz

Figure 17: Stage 3 - Input / Output

Day 5
Section A Final Stage This was the final stage of the amplifier. The perfect amplifier was ready after this stage. To achieve this all resistors were changed so that the circuit has the maximum gain. Also, the common mode gain is at the lowest and if two inputs were connected to the differential amplifier the output would be equal to zero. Section B Procedure The connection of the circuit was done once again following the schematic circuit created in Multisim. The same connections as the previous circuit took place but with the difference that this circuit had all resistors were changed so that the final gain would be even greater than previous stages (fig.18).

Figure 18: Stage 4 - Multisim

Section C Table of Measurements

Table 8: Measurements - Circuit 4

Frequency 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1kHz 5 kHz 10 kHz 20 kHz 50 kHz 100 kHz 200 kHz 500 kHz 1 MHz 1,5 MHz 2 MHz 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk 30mVpkpk R1=600

Vin

Vout 5Vpkpk 5Vpkpk 5,2Vpkpk 5Vpkpk 4,8Vpkpk 4,2Vpkpk 3,7Vpkpk 2,5Vpkpk 1,1Vpkpk 847mVpkpk 490mVpkpk

DC and AC analysis of the circuit Vcc=+15v Vee=-15v Rc2=8,2 Zener=15v Vin1=30mVpkpk It=15v/1,7=8,8mA Vout=5,2Vpkpk

R3=1,5K

R4=510

frequency=10 KHz

Ie1=Ie2=8,8mA/2=4,4mA Av(CM)=8,2 /(2X1,7 )= 2,41 re=25mv/Ie=25mv/4,4mA=5,7 Zin= 3,4

Av=5,2Vpkpk/30mVpkpk=173 CMRR=173/2,41 = 72

Results Day 5 After changing all the resistors to necessary values so that the final gain is even greater than before the final stage of the differential amplifier was complete allowing us to build the perfect differential amplifier. Having the maximum gain, low common mode gain and zero output when differenciating the input of two signals. The given input was 30mV Pk-pk and the output was 5.2V pk-pk giving the gain of 173, a lot more than the previous circuit (fig.19).

Figure 19: Stage 4 - Input / Output

Final Result Presentation to Client

The goal was to create a differential amplifier that consistent of 4 stages. The voltages provided were of positive +15V and negative 15V. The first stage was the simple amplifier using only 2 transistors some resistors and an input signal that would be amplified. The 10 KHz, 30mV pk-pk signal was amplified with a gain of 100 and had an output of 3V. The next stage was to connect a current mirror stage, by replacing the emitter resistor with a current source. By doing this an improvement of the CMRR would be achieved but also a greater gain. The 10 KHz, 30mV pk-pk signal was amplified with a gain of 120 and had an output of 3.6V. The stage that followed was an experimental stage to see if by connecting another input the differential amplifier would differentiate the two inputs and have an output of zero. To achieve the total zero, a level shifting circuit had to be connected. After this was done, by adding another input the differential amplifier had an output of a perfect 0. One more step was done to get closer to the perfect differential amplifier. After changing all the necessary resistors to values that would give to the differential amplifier even more gain, the final stage of the project was done. A differential amplifier with low common mode gain, two connections of inputs equal to zero and a great amplification was ready. By connecting the input of 10 KHz, 30mV pk-pk signal to the proper position of the breadboard, the positive and negative 15V, the two probes of the oscilloscope and all the grounds to the ground of the breadboard the amplifier all were ready to see the great amplification. By measuring the output from the oscilloscope found to be 5.2V. That means the differential amplifier is having a gain of 173. The project is ready for work.