Experiment 5: Student Lab Manual

American International University- Bangladesh

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
EEE2210: Analog Electronics Laboratory

Title: Study of feedback amplifier circuit using a BJT.

Introduction:

In this experiment, the effect of negative feedback on input-output impedance and bandwidth of a voltage series feedback
amplifier and current series feedback amplifier is analyzed. Here, we are using a two-stage amplifier for this purpose. At
first, the frequency response curve of the amplifier without feedback is plotted experimentally. After that, the frequency
response curves of voltage series feedback amplifier and current series feedback amplifier are plotted experimentally.
Finally, the effect of negative feedback on the frequency response is analyzed.
The objectives of this experiment are to
1. Familiarize students with the negative feedback concept.
2. Construct voltage series feedback amplifier and current series feedback amplifier circuits on the breadboard.
3. Measure practical outputs of the voltage series feedback amplifier and current series feedback amplifier.
4. Plot the gain curves of the voltage series feedback amplifier and current series feedback amplifier.
5. Determine bandwidths of the voltage series feedback amplifier and current series feedback amplifier.

Theory and Methodology:

The phenomenon of feeding a portion of the output signal back to the input circuit is known as feedback. The effect results
in a dependence between the output and the input and an Ieffective control can be obtained in the working of the circuit.
Feedback is of two types.
1. Positive Feedback
2. Negative Feedback
When any increase in the output signal results in the input in such a way as to cause the decrease in the output signal, the
amplifier is said to have negative feedback. Negative feedback in an amplifier is the method of feeding a portion of the
amplified output to the input but in opposite phase. The phase opposition occurs as the amplifier provides 180o phase shift
whereas the feedback network doesn’t.
While the output energy (voltage or current) is being applied to the input, for the voltage signal to be taken as feedback, the
output is taken in shunt connection and for the current signal to be taken as feedback, the output is taken in series connection.
The advantages of providing negative feedback are that the transfer gain of the amplifier with feedback can be stabilized
against variations in the hybrid parameters of the transistor or the parameters of the other active devices used in the circuit.
The most advantage of the negative feedback is that by proper use of this, there is a significant improvement in the frequency
response by increasing the bandwidth, input-output impedance, noise, distortion, stability, and linearity of the operation of
the amplifier. The disadvantage of the negative feedback is that the voltage gain is decreased.
There are two main types of negative feedback circuits. They are −
1. Negative Voltage Feedback
2. Negative Current Feedback
A feedback amplifier generally consists of two parts. They are the amplifier and the feedback circuit. The feedback circuit
usually consists of resistors. The concept of feedback amplifier can be understood from Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 Generalized block diagram of a feedback amplifier circuit.

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 1
 Experiment 5: Student Lab Manual

In Fig. 1, the gain of the amplifier is represented as A. The gain of the amplifier is the ratio of output voltage, Vo to the input
voltage, Vi. The feedback network extracts a voltage, Vf = βVo from the output Vo of the amplifier. This voltage is subtracted
for negative feedback, from the signal voltage, Vs. Now, Vi = Vs – Vf = Vs – βVo. So, this type of feedback reduces the input
voltage to the amplifier. The ratio of the feedback voltage (Vf) to the input voltage (Vi) is called feedback factor, feedback
ratio, or feedback fraction. That is, β = Vf/Vo.
The output voltage, Vo must be equal to the input voltage, (Vs – βVo) multiplied by the gain, A of the amplifier without
feedback. Hence,
(𝑉 − 𝛽𝑉 )𝐴 = 𝑉
⇒ 𝐴𝑉 − 𝛽𝐴𝑉 = 𝑉
⇒ 𝐴𝑉 = 𝛽𝐴𝑉 + 𝑉
⇒ 𝐴𝑉 = (1 + 𝛽𝐴)𝑉
𝑉 𝐴
⇒ =
𝑉 (1 + 𝛽𝐴)
𝐴
∴𝐴 =
(1 + 𝛽𝐴)
Therefore, the gain of the amplifier with feedback is reduced by a factor of (1 + 𝛽𝐴).

Negative Voltage Feedback

In this method, the voltage feedback to the input of amplifier is proportional to the output voltage. This is further classified
into two types.
a. Voltage-series feedback
b. Voltage-shunt feedback

Negative Current Feedback

In this method, the voltage feedback to the input of amplifier is proportional to the output current. This is further classified
into two types.
a. Current-series feedback
b. Current-shunt feedback

Voltage-Series Feedback

In the voltage series feedback circuit, a fraction of the output voltage is applied in series with the input voltage through the
feedback circuit. This is known as shunt-driven series-fed feedback, i.e., a parallel-series circuit.

Figure 2 shows the block diagram of voltage series feedback, by which it is evident that the feedback circuit is placed in
shunt with the output but in series with the input.

Fig. 2 Block diagram of a voltage-series feedback amplifier circuit.

As the feedback circuit is connected in shunt with the output, the output impedance is decreased and due to the series
connection with the input, the input impedance is increased.
𝑅 = 𝑅 (1 + 𝛽𝐴)
𝑅
𝑅 =
(1 + 𝛽𝐴)
© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 2
 Experiment 5: Student Lab Manual

Voltage-Shunt Feedback

In the voltage shunt feedback circuit, a fraction of the output voltage is applied in parallel with the input voltage through
the feedback network. This is also known as shunt-driven shunt-fed feedback i.e., a parallel-parallel prototype.

Figure 3 shows the block diagram of voltage shunt feedback, by which it is evident that the feedback circuit is placed in
shunt with the output and with the input.

Fig. 3 Block diagram of a voltage-shunt feedback amplifier circuit.

As the feedback circuit is connected in shunt with the output and the input as well, both the output impedance and the input
impedance are decreased.

𝑅
𝑅 =
(1 + 𝛽𝐴)
𝑅
𝑅 =
(1 + 𝛽𝐴)

Current-Series Feedback
E
In the current series feedback circuit, a fraction of the output voltage is applied in series with the input voltage through the
feedback circuit. This is known as series-driven series-fed feedback i.e., a series-series circuit.

Figure 4 shows the block diagram of current series feedback, by which it is evident that the feedback circuit is placed in
series with the output and with the input.

Fig. 4 Block diagram of a current-series feedback amplifier circuit.

As the feedback circuit is connected in series with the output and the input as well, both the output impedance and the input
impedance are increased.
𝑅 = 𝑅 (1 + 𝛽𝐴)
𝑅 = 𝑅 (1 + 𝛽𝐴)

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 3

 Experiment 5: Student Lab Manual

Current-Shunt Feedback

In the current shunt feedback circuit, a fraction of the output voltage is applied in series with the input voltage through the
feedback circuit. This is known as series-driven shunt-fed feedback i.e., a series-parallel circuit.

Figure 5 shows the block diagram of current shunt feedback, by which it is evident that the feedback circuit is placed in
series with the output but in parallel with the input.

Fig. 5 Block diagram of a current-shunt feedback amplifier circuit.

As the feedback circuit is connected in series with the output, the output impedance is increased and due to the parallel
connection with the input, the input impedance is decreased.
𝑅
𝑅 =
(1 + 𝛽𝐴)
𝑅 = 𝑅 (1 + 𝛽𝐴)

Table 1 shows the amplifier characteristics that get affected by different types of the negative feedback.

Table 1 Comparative characteristics of negative feedback amplifier

Types of Feedback
Characteristics
Voltage-Series Voltage-Shunt Current-Series Current-Shunt
Voltage Gain Decreases Decreases Decreases Decreases
Bandwidth Increases Increases Increases Increases
Input resistance Increases Decreases Increases Decreases
Output resistance Decreases Decreases Increases Increases
Harmonic distortion Decreases Decreases Decreases Decreases
Noise Decreases Decreases Decreases Decreases

Figure 6 shows the block diagram of current shunt feedback, by which it is evident that the feedback circuit is placed in
series with the output but in parallel with the input.

Fig. 6 Gain-vs-frequency curve of a negative feedback amplifier circuit.

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 4
 Experiment 5: Student Lab Manual

Pre-Lab Homework:

6
Read about different types of negative feedback amplifiers from “Integrated Electronics” by J. Millman and C. C. Halkias
and use PSPICE/MultiSIM to generate the output of the circuits provided in this lab sheet. Compare the graphs given in the
textbook with your results of three different configurations, namely amplifier without feedback, voltage-series feedback
amplifier, and current-series feedback amplifier, respectively. Compare the frequency response curves obtained from
simulation results with theoretical frequency response. Find cut-off frequencies and bandwidth using simulation. Save the
simulation results and bring it to the laboratory. Simulate all the circuits given in this manual using PSPICE/MultiSIM
and attach it with the lab report to justify the experimental outcomes.

Apparatus:
1. C828 or C829 (quantity: 2)
2. Oscilloscope (quantity: 1)
3. Resistors 100k, 33k, 1k, 2.7k, 8.2k, and 10k (pot) (quantity: 1 each)
4. Capacitors – 10 F (quantity: 4)
5. Signal Generator (quantity: 1)
6. Bread Broad (quantity: 1)
7. DC power supply ± 30 V (quantity: 1)
8. Connecting wires (quantity: 15)
9. Multimeter (quantity: 1)

Precautions:
1. Biasing of the op-amps should be done carefully, and oscilloscopes should be properly calibrated using the
information provided at the calibration port before obtaining the wave shapes using the experimental set up.
2. While taking the observations for the frequency response, the input voltage must be maintained constant at a
constant level, say, 20 mV.
3. The frequency should be slowly increased in steps.
4. The three terminals of the transistor should be carefully identified.
5. All the connections should be correct.

Experimental Procedures:

1. Connect the circuit as shown in Fig. 7.

2. Apply the input signal.
3. Connect the point P to ground. This configuration is for amplifier without feedback.
4. From function generator, apply a sinusoidal input signal of 1 kHz. The amplitude of the input voltage should be
kept very low, say 20 mV (p-p).
5. Keep the amplitude constant during the experiment.
6. Keeping the input voltage constantly increase the frequency of the input signal.
7. Measure the corresponding output voltage, Vo for each frequency and fill up Table 1.
8. For different frequencies, note down the output voltage and calculate the gain by using the expression Gain (dB),
AV = 20log(Vo/Vi) dB
9. Connect the 10k potentiometer to the output terminal; vary the pot until the voltage is half of the open circuit
voltage. The resistance value of the pot is output impedance.
10. Apply current series feedback by connecting P and Q, and then repeat step 2 to 9. Fill up Table 2.
11. Apply voltage series feedback by connecting P, Q, R and then repeat steps 2 to 9. Fill up Table 3.
12. Plot the frequency response curve for each of the three configurations by taking frequency on x-axis and gain (dB)
on y-axis on a semi-log graph paper.
13. The bandwidth of the amplifier is calculated from the graph using the expression bandwidth, BW = f2 – f1, where
f1 is the lower cut off frequency and f2 is the upper cut off frequency.

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 5

 Experiment 5: Student Lab Manual

Fig. 7 Circuit diagram for voltage series and current series feedback amplifier.

Table 1 Gain of a feedback amplifier with different values of supply frequency without feedback circuit
(connect P to the ground).
𝑽𝒐 𝑽𝒐
Frequency (Hz) Vi Vo Gain 𝑨𝑪𝑳 = − Gain 𝑨𝑪𝑳,𝒅𝑩 = 𝟐𝟎𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎
𝑽𝒊 𝑽𝒊

10
100
500
1k
5k
10k
50k
100k
200k
300k
400k
500k
1M

Table 2 Gain of a feedback amplifier with different values of supply frequency with current series feedback circuit
(connect P and Q).
𝑽𝒐 𝑽𝒐
Frequency (Hz) Vi Vo Gain 𝑨𝑪𝑳 = − Gain 𝑨𝑪𝑳,𝒅𝑩 = 𝟐𝟎𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎
𝑽𝒊 𝑽𝒊

10
100
500
1k
5k
10k

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 6

 Experiment 5: Student Lab Manual

𝑽𝒐 𝑽𝒐
Frequency (Hz) Vi Vo Gain 𝑨𝑪𝑳 = − Gain 𝑨𝑪𝑳,𝒅𝑩 = 𝟐𝟎𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎
𝑽𝒊 𝑽𝒊

50k
100k
200k
300k
400k
500k
1M

Table 3 Gain of a feedback amplifier with different values of supply frequency with voltage series feedback circuit
(connect P, Q, and R).
𝑽𝒐 𝑽𝒐
Frequency (Hz) Vi Vo Gain 𝑨𝑪𝑳 = − Gain 𝑨𝑪𝑳,𝒅𝑩 = 𝟐𝟎𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝟏𝟎
𝑽𝒊 𝑽𝒊

10
100
500
1k
5k
10k
50k
100k
200k
300k
400k
500k
1M

Discussion and Conclusion:

2 part
Interpret the data/findings and determine the extent to which the experiment was successful in complying with the goal
that was initially set. Discuss any mistakes you might have made while conducting the investigation and describe ways
the study could have been improved. Discuss what you have learned about designing feedback amplifier circuits.

Discuss the critical steps where most of the errors were associated with the experimental data you have obtained in Tables
1-3. If you have obtained any unexpected output describe the most plausible reasons. Suggest any approaches which you
find more suitable to accomplish the objective of this experiment.

Reports:
1. Compare the theoretical gain of each active filter circuit with the measured gain and comment.
2. Show all necessary calculations. Draw the graphs on the graph paper and find different parameters of Fig. 6.
3. From the frequency response curve, comment on the behavior of each feedback amplifier circuit.

References:

W
1. Jacob Millman, Christos C. Halkias, “Integrated Electronics Analog and Digital Circuits and Systems,” 4th edition, Tata McGraw-Hill Edition.
2. Robert L. Boylestad, Louis Nashelsky, “Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory,” 10th edition, Prentice Hall.
3. Adel S. Sedra, Kenneth C. Smith, “Microelectronic Circuits,” 4th edition, Oxford University Press.

citation
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© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 7