Chapter 11

Differential Amplifier Circuits

_____________________________________________
11.0 Introduction
Differential amplifier or diff-amp is a multi-transistor amplifier. It is the
fundamental building block of analog circuit. It is virtually formed the
differential amplifier of the input part of an operational amplifier. It is used to
provide high voltage gain and high common mode rejection ratio. It has other
characteristics such as very high input impedance, very low offset voltage and
very low input bias current.
Differential amplifier can operate in two modes namely common mode and
differential mode. Each type will have its output response illustrated in Fig.
11.1. Common mode type would result zero output and differential mode type
would result high output. This shall mean the amplifier has high common mode
rejection ratio.

Figure 11.1: Differential amplifier shows differential inputs and common-mode inputs
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

If two input voltage are equal, the differential amplifier gives output voltage of
almost zero volt. If two input voltages are not equal, the differential amplifier
gives a high output voltage.
Lets define differential input voltage Vin(d) as Vin(d) = Vin1 Vin2 and
common-mode input voltage Vin(c) =

Vin1 + Vin 2
. From these equations, input
2

voltage one and two are respectively equal to

Vin1 = Vin ( c ) +

Vin ( d )

Vin2 = Vin ( c )

Vin ( d )

(11.1)

and
(11.2)

The input voltage represented by common-mode voltage and differential voltage

is shown in Fig. 11.2.

Figure 11.2: Small differential and common-mode inputs of a differential amplifier

Let Vout1 be the output voltage due to input voltage Vin1 and Vout2 be the output
voltage due to Vin2. The differential-mode output voltage Vout(d) be defined as
Vout(d) = Vout1 Vout2 and common-mode output is defined Vout(c) =

Vout1 + Vout 2
.
2

Combining these equations yield Vout1 as Vout2 respectively as equal to

Vout1 = Vout ( c) +

Vout ( d )

(11.3)

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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

and
Vout2 = Vout ( c)

Vout ( d )

(11.4)

Let AV1 = Vout1/Vin1 be the gain of differential amplifier due to input Vin1 only
and AV2 Vout2/Vin2 due to input Vin2 only. Then from superposition theorem, the
output voltage Vout is equal to Vout = AV1Vin1 + AV2Vin2. After substituting Vin1
and Vin2 from equation (11.1) and (11.2), the output voltage Vout is equal to

Vout = A V1 Vin ( c ) + in ( d ) + A V 2 Vin ( c) in ( d )

2
2

(11.5)

Equation (11.5) is also equal to Vout = AV(dm)Vin(d) +AV(cm)Vin(c), where the

differential voltage gain is AV(dm) = (AV1 AV2)/2 and common-mode voltage
gain is AV(cm) = (AV1 + AV2).
The ability of a differential amplifier to reject common-mode signal
depends on its common-mode rejection ratio CMRR, which is defined as
CMRR =

A V ( dm )

(11.6)

A V ( cm )

From Vout = AV(dm)Vin(d) +AV(cm)Vin(c), output voltage Vout is equal to

Vout = A V ( dm ) Vin ( d ) +

Vin ( c )
CMRR

(11.7)

Equation (11.7) clearly indicates that for large CMRR value, the effect of
common-mode input is not significant to the output voltage.
Example 11.1
A differential amplifier shown in figure below has differential gain of 2,500 and
a CMRR of 30,000. In part A of the figure, a single-ended input of signal
500V rms is applied. At the same time a 1V, 50Hz interference signal appears
on both inputs as a result of radiated pick-up from ac power system.
In part B of the figure, differential input signal of 500V rms each is
applied to the inputs. The common-mode interference is the same as in part A.
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

1.
2.
3.
4.

Determine the common-mode gain.

Express CMRR in dB.
Determine the rms output signal for part A and B.
Determine the rms interface voltage on the output.

Solution
1. The common-mode gain Vcm = AV(dm)/CMRR= 2,500/30,000 = 0.083.
2. CMRR = 30,000. Also 20log(30,000) = 89.5dB.
3. The difference input for part A is 500V - 0V = 500V.
Thus, the rms output is AV(d) x 500V = 2,500 x 500V = 1.25Vrms
The difference input for part B is 500V - (-500V) = 1mV
Thus, the rms output is AV(d) x 1mV = 2,500 x 1mV = 2.5Vrms.
4. Since the common-mode gain Acm is 0.083 (from answer 1), then output
voltage of interface from 1V 50Hz ac pick-up is Acm x 1V = 0.083V.

11.1 Bipolar Junction Transistor Differential Amplifier

Consider an emitter coupled bipolar junction transistor differential amplifier
shown in Fig. 11.3. Assuming that the physical parameters of transistor Q1 and
Q2 are closed to identical. With the modern fabrication technique and
fabricating the transistor Q1 and Q2 in close approximity in the same wafer slide,
close to identical physical parameters for both transistors are achievable.
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Figure 11.3: A bipolar junction transistor differential amplifier

11.1.1 dc Characteristics
Using Kirchhoffs voltage law, the voltage at emitter VE1 and VE2, of the
amplifier is Vin1 - VBE1 = Vin2 - VBE2. From the theory of semiconductor physics,
the collector current IC of a bipolar transistor is equal to I C = I S [exp( VBE / VT ) 1] ,
where IS is the reverse saturation current, which is design dependent. VT is the
thermal voltage, which has value approximately equal to 25.0mV at temperature
300K. Under normal operating conditions the term exp(VBE/VT) >> 1, thus, the
IC
. The differential input
IS

base-to-emitter voltage VBE is equal to VBE1 = VT ln

voltage Vin(d) = (Vin1 - Vin2) shall then be equal to
I C1 I S2

I S1 I C 2

Vin(d) = VT ln

(11.8)

For identical transistor pair reverse saturation current is IS1 = IS2 and Vin(d) =
I
VT ln C1 . The ratio of collector current of transistor Q1 and transistor Q2 is
I C2

equal to
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Vin ( d )
I C1

= exp
I C2
VT

(11.9)

The emitter current is IE = IE1 + IE2, which is also equal to IE =

I C1 + I C 2
. Using

this equation and equation (11.9), the collector current IC1 and IC2 of the
transistor are separately derived shown in equation (11.10) and (11.11).
I C1 =

I C2 =

I E
Vin ( d )
1 + exp

VT

(11.10)

I E
Vin ( d )
1 + exp

VT

(11.11)

The current transfer characteristic curve showing the plot of collector current of
transitor Q1 and Q2 versus the differential input voltage Vin(d) is shown in Fig.
11.4.

Figure 11.4: The current transfer characteristic curve of a bipolar junction transistor
differential amplifier

From the characteristic curve, once can notice that for several VT values such as
Vin(d) > 4VT, either IC1 >> IC2 or IC1 << IC2 shall be obtained. For Vin(d) < 2VT, the
collector current is almost linear.
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

At the output side, the output voltage are Vout1 = VCC - IC1RC and Vout2 =
VCC - IC2RC respectively. The differential output voltage Vout(d) shall be Vout(d) =
RC(IC2 - IC1). The differential output voltage Vout(d) also equal to

Vout ( d )

1
1

= I E R C

V
V
1 + exp in ( d ) 1 + exp in ( d )
VT
VT

Vin ( d )

2 VT

This equation is also equal to Vout ( d ) = I E R C tanh

)(
/ 2 V ) / (exp( V

(11.12)

since IC2 =

1 / 1 + exp( Vin ( d ) / VT = exp Vin ( d ) / 2 VT / exp( Vin ( d ) / 2 VT ) + exp( Vin ( d ) / 2 VT

and IC1

= 1 / (1 + exp( Vin ( d ) / VT ) = exp( Vin ( d )

T
in ( d ) / 2 VT ) + exp( Vin ( d ) / 2 VT ) .
transfer characteristic of the output shall be as shown in Fig. 11.5.

The

Figure 11.5: Output transfer characteristic curve of a BJT differential amplifier

From the analysis, one can see that to increase the range of input voltage so that
it has more linear operating region, a seperate emitter resistor which is termed
as emitter-degeneration resistor, can be added to each transistor instead of
sharing emitter resistor. This is becasue emitter current of each transistor will be
double instead of half. This configuration will also improve the bandwidth of
the amplifier.

11.1.2 Differential Mode

The differential input circuit of the amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.6.
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Figure 11.6: Differential input circuit of an emitter couple BJT differential amplifier

Asssuming identical transistor, the increase of emitter voltage by Vin1 i.e Vin(d)/2
is compensated by the decrease of same value of emitter voltage by Vin2 i.e.
Vin(d)/2. Thus, the voltage at emitter E1 and E2 remain unchange. Thus, the
emitter current Ie is approximately zero. As the result the potential at emitter is
regards as same potential as ground level and RE is treated as short.
Based on the analysis, the ac differential input circuit of the amplifier can
be splitted into two half circuits as one is shown in Fig. 11.7.

Figure 11.7: ac differential mode half circuit of an emitter coupled BJT differential amplifier
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

The corresponding ac circuit of the half circuit amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.8.

Figure 11.8: ac circuit of circuit shown in Fig. 11.7

The output voltage is equal to

Vout ( d )
2

= g m (R C || ro )

Vin ( d )

(11.13)

Thus, the differential-mode gain AV(dm) is equal to

A V ( dm ) =

Vout ( d )
Vin ( d )

= g m (R C || ro )

(11.14)

The differential input impedance Rin(d) can be obtained from equation Vin(d)/2 =
ib1r. Thus, the differential input impedance is equal to
Rin(d) = 2r

(11.15)

The differential output impedance Rout(dm) can be obtained from equation

Vout(dm)/2 = iC(ro||RC). Thus, the differential output impedance Rout(dm) is equal to
Rout(d) = 2(ro||RC)

(11.16)

11.1.2 Common Mode

The common input circuit of the amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.9 and its
corresponding half circuit is shown in Fig. 11.10. Since emitter voltage at
emitter E1 and E2 is changing, therefore, the emitter resistance of the half circuit
should be 2RE instead of RE after splitting into two half circuits.
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Figure 11.9: Common input circuit of an emitter couple BJT differential amplifier

Figure 11.10: ac common mode half circuit of an emitter coupled BJT differential amplifier

The corresponding ac circuit of the half circuit amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.11.
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Figure 11.11: ac circuit of circuit shown in Fig. 11.10

At input side, Vin(c) = ib1r +ib1(+1)2RE. Thus, the common-mode input

impedance Rin(c) is equal to
Rin(c) = [r + ( +1)2RE]

(11.17)

The common-mode output impedance Rout(c) is equal to (RC||ro).

The output common-mode voltage Vout(c) = -ib1(RC||ro). The commonmode gain AV(cm) is equal to
AV(cm) =

Vout ( c )
Vin ( c )

g m R C || ro
i b1 (R C || ro )
=
i b1 [r + 2R E ( + 1)]
1 + 2g m R E (1 + 1 / )

(11.18)

11.1.3 Common Mode Rejection Ratio

The common-mode rejection ratio of the emitter coupled BJT differential
amplifier is equal to CMRR = AV(dm)/AV(cm). Thus from equation (11.14) and
(11.18), common-mode rejection ration is
CMRR =

g m (R C || ro )
[1 + 2g m R E (1 + 1 / )] = [1 + 2g m R E (1 + 1 / )]
(R C || ro )

(11.19)
For large beta value, the common rejection ratio is approximately equal to
CMRR = [1 + 2g m R E ]. Thus, one can see for high common rejection ratio CMRR,
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

the differential amplfier should be designed with high emitter resistance and
high transconductance values.

11.2 JFET Differential Amplifier

A JFET differential amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.12 and its ac equivalent circuit
is shown in Fig. 11.4. Since JFET has very high impedance, it satisfies the high
impedance and low input bias current requirements for the differential amplifier.
Theoretically, the JFETs M1 and M2 should have same physical parameters.
This can be achieved via modern fabrication technique. This shall also mean
that close to zero offset voltage is also achievable.

Figure 11.12: A JFET differential amplifier

11.2.1 dc Characteristics
Using Kirchhoffs voltage law, the voltage at source of the amplifier is -Vin1 +
VGS1 + Vin2 VGS2 = 0. Drain current of JFET is ID
Therefore,

V
= IDSS 1 GS
VGS( off )

VGS1
V
I D1
I
= 1
and GS2 = 1 D 2 . Since Vin1 + Vin2 = VGS2
VGS( off )
I DSS
VGS( off )
I DSS
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

VGS1, Vin1 Vin2 = VGS( off )

I D1
I D2
VGS( off )
. Since Vin1 Vin2 = Vin(d), this
I DSS
I DSS

equation becomes
Vin ( d )
VGS( off )

I D2
I D1

I DSS
I DSS

(11.20)

IS current is equal to the sum of ID1 and ID2. Thus, IS is IS = ID1 + ID2.
Substituting this equation into equation (11.20) and solve the resultant
quadratic, it yields drain current one and two, which are
I
I V
ID1 = S + S in ( d )
2 2 VGS( off )

I DSS Vin ( d )
2

I V
S

GS( off )

I
I V
ID2 = S S in ( d )
2 2 VGS( off )

I DSS Vin ( d )
2

I V
S GS( off )

I DSS

IS

I DSS

IS

1/ 2

1/ 2

(11.21)

and

(11.22)

The equation for drain current is only true for sum of the drain currents less than
IDSS current. The plot of drain current versu input differential voltage Vin(d) is
shown in Fig. 11.13.

Figure 11.13: The current transfer characteristic curve of a JFET differential amplifier
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

The output voltage Vout1 and Vout2 are respectively equal to VDD ID1RD and VDD
ID2RD. The differential output voltage Vout(d) = Vout1 vout2 = RD(ID2 ID1).
Substuting equation (11.21) and (11.22) yields the differential output voltage
Vout(d) as
I V
I R
Vout(d) = S D Vin ( d ) 2 DSS in ( d )
VGS( off )
I S VGS( off )

I DSS

IS

1/ 2

(11.23)

11.2.1 Differential Mode

The differential input of the JFET differential amplifier can be analyzed like the
way how the anlysis is done for BJT counterpart. The half circuit of the
amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.14.

Figure 11.14: ac differential mode half circuit of a JFET differential amplifier

The corresponding ac circuit of the half circuit amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.15.

Figure 11.15: ac circuit of circuit shown in Fig. 11.14

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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

The output voltage Vout(d)/2 is equal to

Vout ( d )
2

= g m (R D || ro )

Vin ( d )

(11.24)

Thus, the differential-mode gain AV(dm) is equal to

A V ( dm ) =

Normal

RD

A V ( dm ) =

Vout ( d )
Vin ( d )

<<

Vout ( d )
Vin ( d )

ro

= g m (R D || r0 )

then

the

(11.25)
differential-mode

gain

AV(dm)

is

= g m R D .

11.2.2 Common Mode

The common input circuit of the amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.16 and its
corresponding half circuit is shown in Fig. 11.17. Since source voltage at
emitter S1 and S2 is changing, therefore, the emitter resistance of the half circuit
should be 2RD instead of RD after splitting into two half circuits.

Figure 11.16: Common input circuit of a JFET differential amplifier

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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Figure 11.17: ac common mode half circuit of a JFET differential amplifier

The corresponding ac circuit of the half circuit amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.18.

Figure 11.18: ac circuit of circuit shown in Fig. 11.17

At input side, common-mode input voltage is Vin(c) = Vgs1 + gmVgs12RS. Thus,

the common-mode input impedance Rin(c) =

Rin(c) =

Vgs + g m 2Vgs R S
I gate

Vin ( c )
I gate

is equal to

= Rin(gate)(1 + 2gmRS)
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(11.17)

11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

where Vgs/Igate = Rin(gate). Depending on the value of Rin(gate) that can be a infinite
value for very small Igate current.
The output common-mode voltage Vout(c) = -gmVgs1(RD||ro). The commonmode gain AV(cm) =

Vout ( d )
Vin ( d )

AV(cm) =

is equal to

g m Vgs1 (R D || ro )
Vgs1 + 2g m Vgs1 R S

g m (R D || ro )
1 + 2g m R S

(1126)

11.2.3 Common Mode Rejection Ratio

The common-mode rejection ratio of the JFET differential amplifier is equal to
CMRR = AV(dm)/AV(cm). Thus from equation (11.25) and (11.26), common-mode
rejection ration is
CMRR =

g m (R D || ro )
[1 + 2g m R S ] = [1 + 2g m R S ]
g m (R D || ro )

(11.27)

11.3 MOSFET Differential Amplifier

A JFET differential amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.19. Using Kirchhoffs voltage
law, the voltage at source of the amplifier is -Vin1 + VGS1 + Vin2 VGS2 = 0.

n C ox W
(VGS Vtn )2 = K n (VGS Vtn )2 , where Kn
2L
C W
I
= n ox . This implies that VGS = D + Vtn . From equation -Vin1 + VGS1 +
2L
K

Drain current of MOSFET is ID =

Vin2 VGS2 = 0. The differential input voltage Vin(d) is

Vin(d) = Vin1 Vin2 =

I D2
+ Vtn K

I D1
Vtn =
K

I D2
I
D1
K
K

(11.28)
From Kirchhoffs current law, IS = ID1 + ID2 and substituting Vin(d). The drain
currents are dound to be

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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

V
I
ID1 = S + 2K n I S in ( d )
2
2

(Vin ( d ) / 2)
1
( I S / 2K n )

1/ 2

V
I
ID1 = S 2K n I S in ( d )
2
2

2
(Vin ( d ) / 2)
1

(I S / 2K n )

1/ 2

(11.29)

and
(11.30)

Figure 11.19: A MOSFET differential amplifier

The output voltage Vout1 = VDD ID1RD and Vout2 = VDD ID2RD. The differential
output voltage is Vout(d) = Vout1 Vout2 = RD(ID2 ID1). Substituting equation
(11.29) and (11.30) into this equation yields the differential output voltage
Vout(d) equal to
K n IS

Vout(d) = R D

1/ 2

Vin ( d )

(11.31)

Employing the method used in JFET differential amplifier analysis, the

common-mode gain AV(cm) and differential-mode gain AV(dm) are found to be
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

AV(cm) =

g m (R D || ro )
and AV(dm) = A V ( dm ) g m R D respectively. Subsequently, the
1 + 2g m R S

common-mode rejection ratio CMRR is found to be CMRR = [1 + 2g m R S ] .

11.3.1 Active Load MOSFET Differential Amplifier

Lets consider an active load MOSFET differential amplifier shown in Fig.
11.20. MOSFET M1 and M2 formed the differential pair. They have same
design parameters. MOSFET M5 is current sink, which provides the bias current
to the amplifier. MOSFET M3 and M4 form a current mirror, which is assumed
to have same design parameters.
From Kirchhoffs current law, current ID5 is equal to the sum of current ID1
and ID2. If the input voltage Vin1 and Vin2 are equal then current ID1 = ID2 = ID3 =
ID4. This shall mean the output current Iout is equal to zero. Thus, output voltage
Vout is equal to zero.
If the input voltage Vin1 is greater than Vin2, which Vin1 > Vin2, then current
ID1, ID3, and ID4 are equal. This shall mean current ID1 is greater than ID2.
Therefore, at output node current is ID4 = ID2 + Iout. This result implies that the
output voltage is a positive value.
If the input voltage Vin2 is greater than Vin1, which Vin2 > Vin1, then current ID1,
ID3, and ID4 are equal. This shall mean current ID1 is less than ID2. This implies
that current ID2 is equal to the sum of current ID4 and Iout. i.e. ID2 = ID4 + Iout.
The differential input voltage is Vin(d) = (Vin1 Vin2). For each input of the
differential pair would see a change of (Vin1 Vin2)/2 = Vin(d)/2. Thus, a change
in input Vin(d)/2 will result a change of gmVin(d)/2 for the drain current of
MOSFET M1 and M2. The ac equivalent circuit of output side is shown in Fig.
11.21.
The differential voltage gain AV(dm) of the differential amplifier is found to
be
AV(dm) =

Vout
1
= (g m 2 + g m 4 )(rO 2 || rO 4 || R L )
Vin 2 Vin1
2

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(11.32)

11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Figure 11.20: An active load MOSFET differential amplifier

From Kirchhoffs voltage law, output voltage is Vout = - (gm2Vin(d)/2

+gm4Vin(d)/2)(ro1||ro4||RL). Therefore, the differential voltage gain AV(dm) is Av(dm)
=

Vout
1
= (g m 2 + g m 4 )(rO 2 || rO 4 || R L ) .
Vin 2 Vin1
2

In normal circumstance transcondctance gm2 is equal to transconductance

gm4. i.e. gm2 = gm4. Thus, the differential gain is A V ( dm ) = g m 2 (rO 2 || rO 4 || R L ) . Since
the output impedance of the MOSFET ro4 and ro2 are large, it can be assumed
that they are equal. If the load RL is not connected then the differential gain
equation A V ( dm ) =

g m2
rO , where ro4 = ro2 = ro. The equation demonstrates that
2

the differential gain is a large constant for a given MOSFET in active load
configuration.
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Figure 11.21: ac model of the half circuit of an active load MOSFET differential amplifier

11.4 BiCMOS Differential Amplifier

The differential mode gain of a BJT differential amplifier is equal to AV(dm) = gmro. It is also equal to A V ( dm ) =

I C 2VA
V

= A . This result shows that the

2VT I C
VT

gain is a constant value. For a typical Early voltage VA of 50V and thermal
voltage VT of 25mV, the gain is 2,000V/V. Thus, lowering the collector
current IC will improve input impedance but reducing gm, thus, scarifying
bandwidth because the unity gain frequency fT of BJT is
impedance of the BJT is equal to r =

gm
. The input
2 ( C + C )

= T .
gm
IC

The differential mode gain AV(dm) of a MOSFET differential amplifier is

equal to AV(dm) = -gmro = 2KI D

2VM
2K
= 2VM
, which shall mean gain is
ID
ID

inversely proportional to I D . Since the thermal voltage VM of MOSFET is

much lower than the thermal voltage of BJT differential amplifier, the
differential gain AV(dm) of BJT is much higher than differential gain of MOSFET
differential amplifier. If drain current ID is lower, the bandwidth of the amplifier
reduces because the transconductance gm is proportional to I D and the unity
gain frequency fT is proportional to transconductance gm. The input impedance
of the MOSFET has infinite value. Combining the high gain of BJT and infinite
impedance of MOSFET will lead to BiCMOS differential amplifier design that
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

can be a basic configuration, cascade configuration, active load configuration,

etc. The circuit of active load BiCMOS differential amplifier is shown in Fig.
11.22.

Figure 11.22: An active load BiCMOS differential amplifier

The differential voltage gain AV(dm) of the BiCMOS differential amplifier is

equal to
Av(dm) =
whereby g m 2 =
circumstance

Vout
1
= (g m 2 + g m 4 )(rO 2 || rO 4 || R L )
Vin 2 Vin1
2

2VM
,
I D5

gm2

g m4 =

gm4.

2VM
,
I D5

rO 4 =

Thus,

2VM
,
I D5

the

Vout
= g m 2 (rO 2 || rO 4 || R L ) .
Vin 2 Vin1

Example 11.2

- 314 -

(11.33)

and rO 2 =

differential

2VM
.
I D5

gain

is

In normal
AV(dm)

11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

A BiCMOS differential amplifier as shown in Fig. 11.21 has ID5 = 10A,

identical BJT with VA = 50V and = 40, identical MOSFET with VM = 20V, K
= 25A/V2, W = 30m, L = 10m, VGS = 1.0V, VDD = 10 V and VSS = 10V
Determine the differential gain of the amplifier without the load RL and Vbias
voltage.
Solution
The output impedance of the BJT is 2VA/ID5 = 2x50/10A = 4M.
The output impedance of the MOSFET is 2VM/ID5 = 2x20/10A = 10M.
The overall output impedance RO of differential amplifier is 4M||10M =
2.86M.
The transconductance gm2 of MOSFET is
22.36A/V.

2KI D5 = 2x 25A / V 2 x10A =

Thus, the differential voltage gain AV(dm) is -gm2RO = - 22.36x2.86M = - 63.9.

The gate-to-source voltage of MOSFET M5 is 1.5V. The current ID5 is ID5 =
C OX n W
-5
2
2
(VGS Vtn ) = 2.5x10 x3/2(VGS 1.0) = 10A. This implies that VGS
2 L

is equal to 1.51V.
Since VS = - 10V and VGS = Vbias - VS, Vbias is equal to -8.49 V.

11.5 Cascode Differential Amplifier

Lets discuss one type of cascade differential amplifier, which is bipolar
junction transistor type.
Consider a BJT cascode differential amplifier shown in Fig. 11.23. This
configuration is usually to improve the output resistance for the gain and
frequency response. Transistor Q5 and Q6 are connected as common base
amplifier.
The half circuit of the amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.24. The ac circuit of
the half circuit amplifier is shown in Fig. 11.25.
From the ac circuit r6/(+1) is parallel to ro2 i.e. r6/(+1) || ro2. All ro2, ro4,
and ro6 are the same because the collector current flows in them are the same ro.
The transconductance gm2, gm4, and gm6 should be equal to gm.
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Figure 11.23: A BJT cascode differential amplifier

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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Figure 11.24: Half circuit of a BJT cascade differential amplifier
The output voltage is equal to Vout = g m Vin ( d ) (ro || R L ) . Thus, the differential-

mode gain is equal to AV(dm) = g m (ro || R L ) .

Figure 11.25: ac circuit of the half circuit differential amplifier

11.6 Effect of Device Mismatch

An ideal BJT differential amplifier has identical transistor pair and bias
resistors. This shall mean that if the differential input voltage Vin(d) is zero then
the differential output voltage Vout(d) should be zero. In reality, there should have
some mismatch in the bias resistor and the transistor pair should have offset
difference.
The offset voltage of a differential amplifier Vos is defined the input
differential voltage Vin(d) required to drive the output differential voltage Vout(d)
to zero voltage. From Fig. 11.2, the offset voltage Vos shall be Vos = Vbe1 - Vbe2,
which is also equal to
I C1 I S2

I S1 I C 2

Vos = VT ln

(11.34)

Offset voltage can also be expressed as the change of collector resistance and
reverse saturation current of the transistors in which it follows equation (11.35).
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

R C I S

IS
RC

Vos = VT

(11.35)

where RC = RC1 - RC2, IS = IS1 - IS2, R C =

R C1 + R C 2
I +I
, and I C = S1 S2 .
2
2

11.7 Frequency Response of Differential Amplifier

If the base resistor RB is added to the bipolar junction transistor differential
amplifier circuit shown in Fig. 11.2, then the differential mode voltage gain
AV(dm) shall be Av(dm) = g m R C

r
. From the earlier analysis of high
r + R B

frequency response of the common-emitter configuration, the differential mode

voltage
gain
transfer
function
is
Av(dm)(s)
=
gmR C

r
1
1

, where CM is Miller's
r + R B 1 + s(r || R B (C + C M ) ) 1 + sR C (C + C ce )

capacitance, which is equal to C(1 + gmRC) and C is the collector-to-base

capacitance. From the function, it shows there are two critical frequency fH and
fH1 determined by

1
1
and
. However, due to
2[r || R B (C + C M )]
2 R B (C + C ce )

very small value of Cce and C, and small RC, the critical frequency is extremely
high, which can be infinite. Since there is no coupling capacitor in the circuit,
the bandwidth different mode gain shall be from zero Hz frequency to fH. The
frequency response is shown in Fig. 11.26.
The frequency response for the common mode voltage gain of the amplifier
can be analyzed using small signal equivalent half circuit shown in Fig. 11.27
and the emitter current source is replaced with a capacitor Co and a resistor Ro.

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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Figure 11.26: Frequency response of differential mode gain

Figure 11.27: ac equivalent circuit of the common mode differential amplifier

The common mode output voltage Vout(c) is -gmVRC. At base-to-emitter loop,

from
Kirchhoffs
voltage
law,
it
produces
Vin(c)(s)
=
V R B
V

or
Vin(c)(s)
+ V + + 2g m V R o ||

sC o
r / 2 2
r / 2

R
1 +

Ro

. Substituting V from Vout(c)(s) equation,

V B + 1 + 2
r 1 + sR o C o
r

commom mode voltage gain AV(cm)(s) shall be

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=
the

11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

AV(cm)(s) =

g m R C (1 + sR o C o )

R
2(1 + ) R o
1 + B (1 + sR o C o ) +
r
r

(11.36)

The gain equation shows that there is a zero and a pole. From the zero, the
critical frequency fZ shall be 1 / (2 R o C o ) . The zero also explains why Co parallel
with Ro. At low frequency, Co is a open circuit and the common signal see
impedance Ro. As frequency increase, the impedance Co decreases and Ro
becomes bypassed. Since the current source can has very high resistance Ro and
small capacitance Co, the critical frequency can be very small. Soon the
operating frequency is more than the critical frequency, the gain of the amplifier
increases at the rate 20 dB/decade or 6 dB/octave. Figure 11.28 illustrates the
freqeuncy response.

Figure 11.28: Frequency response of the common mode gain

From equation (11.36), the critical frequency of the pole is

fP =

where R eq

1
2R eq C o

(11.37)

R
R o 1 + B
r

=
. The denominator of this resistance Req is very
R B 2(1 + ) R o
1+
+
r
r

large due to (1 + )Ro term. This shall mean that Req is very small. Therefore,
the critical frequency is very high.
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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

If the ratio of the frequency response for differential mode gain and
common mode gain is plotted, then the frequency response of common mode
rejection ratio shall be obtained and it is shown in Fig. 11.29.

Figure 11.29: Frequency response of the common mode rejection ratio

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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Exercises
11.1. An active load emitter coupled BJT differential amplifier is shown in the
Fig.

i. Draw differential half circuit for the amplifier.

ii. Show that the differential-mode gain AV(dm) = g m (ro 2 || ro 4 || R L ).
iii. If ro2 = ro4 = ro, prove that the differential-mode gain is equal to
A V ( dm ) =

VA
.
2VT

iv. Calculate the room temperature differential-mode gain of the

amplifier if the Early voltage of the transistor is 80V and express the
result in decibel.
v. Comment the result.
11.2. An n-channel MOSFET differential amplifier is shown below. Both
MOSFETs have aspect ratio W/L = 25m/1.0m, nCox = 50A/V2,
threshold voltage VT = 0.6V, and VDD = 3.0V. You may use equation ID =
=

W n C ox
2
VGS VT ) for calculation and assume both MOSFET's have
(
2L

same design parameters.

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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

i.

Prove that the common mode gain of the amplifier is

RD / 2
.
1 / ( 2g m ) + R S

ii.

What is the common mode input voltage Vin1 = Vin2 for the voltage
drop across resistor RS to be 0.6V?
iii. What should be the value of resistor RS for maintaining 0.6V voltage
drops across it?
11.3. An n-channel MOSFET differential amplifier is show below has common
mode gain follow expression

RD / 2
. Both MOSFETs have
1 / ( 2g m ) + R S

aspect ratio W/L = 25m/1.0m, nCox = 50A/V2, threshold voltage VT

= 0.6V, RS = 600, and VDD = 3.0V. You may use equation ID =
=

W n C ox
2
VGS VT ) for calculation and assume both MOSFET's have
(
2L

same design parameters.

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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

i. Prove that the differential mode gain of the amplifier is g m R D .

ii. Derive the equation for transconductance gm.
iii. Derive the formula for the common rejection ratio for the amplifier.
State a way to improve this parameter.
iv. Calculate the common rejection ratio of this amplifier and express
the result in decibel.
11.4. The parameters of the emitter-coupled pair BJT differential amplifier are
= 100, RE = 50 k, IE = 1mA, VCC = 15V, RC = 10 k .
i.
ii.

Calculate the dc collector current of Vin(d) = 5mV.

Calculate the CMRR of the amplifier.

11.5. The design of JFET differential amplifier is shown in the Fig. with one
input terminal is grounded. The dc biasing current IS = 10mA, VDD =
VSS = 15V. The JFETs are identical and have VGS(off) = - 4.0V and IDSS =
20mA. A small signal voltage of A1 = -10 is required. Calculate the
design values of AV(dm), AV(cm), and CMRR.

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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

11.6. Calculate the differential gain of the given MOSFET amplifier circuit
shown in the in figure. Given that Vbias = - 3.5V, nCox = 5.2x10-5A/V2,
pCox = 2.1x10-5A/V2, Vtn = 0.7V, Vtp = - 0.7V, (W/L)1,2 = 40, (W/L)3,4 =
20, (W/L)5 = 40, (1/)1,2 = 0.01, (1/)3,4 = 0.02, and RL = 5.0k.

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11 Differential Amplifier Circuits

Bibliography
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Jacob Millman and Arvin Grabel, "Microelectronics", second edition,

McGraw-Hill International Editions, 1987.
Muhammad H. Rashid, "Microelectronic Circuits: Analysis and Design",
PWS Publishing Company, 1999.
Robert T. Paynter, "Electronic Devices and Circuits", fifth edition,
McGraw-Hill, 1997.
Adel S. Sedra and Kenneth C. Smith, "Microelectronic Circuits", fourth
edition, Oxford University Press, 1998.
Theodore F. Bogart Jr., Jeffrey S. Beasley, and Guillermo Rico,
Electronic Devices and Circuit, sixth edition, Prentice Hall, 2004.

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