DIFFERENTIAL AMPLIFIER

Definition: Differential Amplifier is a device that is used to amplify the difference in

voltage of the two input signals. Differential Amplifier is an important building block in
integrated circuits of analog system.
It typically forms input stages of operational amplifiers. In simple words, we can say It
is a device that amplifies the difference of 2 input signals.
Differential amplifier behaves as Subtractor circuit that basically subtracts the two input
signal. The differential amplifier can be constructed by making use of BJTs and FETs.
Circuit of Differential Amplifier
As we can see in the circuit diagram there are two inputs and two outputs are used. Here,
two separate transistor Q1 and Q2 are employed so as to apply separate inputs at the base

of both the transistor.

The two separate transistors possess similar characteristics ideally. Common emitter
resistor RE, common positive supply VCC and common negative supply VEE is shared by
both the transistors.
Now, the thing that comes to our mind is how can we apply signals at the input and get
the output.
There are mainly four configurations:

 Dual Input Balanced Output- In this configuration two inputs are given an output
is taken from both the transistors.
 Dual Input Unbalanced Output- The input is given to both the transistors but the
output is taken from a single transistor.
  Single Input Balanced Output- Here, by providing single input we take the output
from two separate transistors.
 Single Input Unbalance Output- It is a type of configuration in which a single input
is given an output is taken from only a single transistor.
Working of Differential Amplifier
Let us see the First case where
A signal is applied at the base of transistor Q1 and no any signal is applied at the base of
transistor Q2.

Here, Q1 acts in two ways: firstly, as common emitter amplifier, by which applied input
at Q1 will provide an amplified inverted signal at output 1.
Secondly, as common collector amplifier, in which the signal appears at the emitter of
Q1 which is in phase with the input and slightly smaller.
So, the input signal at the base of Q1 drives the transistor i.e., Q1 turns ON by the positive
input signal. The voltage drop across RC1 will be more resulting the collector of Q1 to be
less positive.
When the input signal is negative, transistor Q1 will get OFF resulting in less voltage drop
across RC1 causing collector of Q1 to be more positive.
In this way, an inverted output appears at the collector of Q1 by applying the signal at
input 1.
At the time when Q1 gets ON by positive half of input, the current through RE will
increase as we know IC ≈ IE. So, the voltage drop at RE will be more thus causing the
emitters of both the transistors to go in the positive direction.
This Q2 emitter positive will cause the base of Q2 to be negative. This negative half will
cause less current in Q2. Resultantly voltage drop at RC2 will also be less thus the collector
goes in the positive direction.
In this way, we will have a non-inverting output at the collector of Q2 for positive input
at the base of Q1.
Now, moving further to our Second case-
Suppose the signal is now applied to the base of transistor Q2 and transistor Q1 is
grounded.

So, in this condition the above-discussed case will get interchanged i.e., now Q2 will
behave as common emitter and common amplifier and Q1 will act as a common base
amplifier.
Hence, an inverted and amplified output will be received at the output of Q1 and at the
output of Q2 we will have a non-inverted amplified output.
What are Common-Mode Signals?
In a differential amplifier, the voltage generated at the output is proportional to the
difference of the two input signals. So, when the two applied inputs are equal i.e., there
is no difference between the two input voltage the resulting output voltage will be 0.
But practically when two similar inputs are applied at both the input terminal, the output
does not exactly equal to 0.
The output in case of common mode signal is of the order of several 100 µV.
Important Key terms

 Voltage Gain: When we talk about common mode gain

Here, Vc is the value of common input applied at both the input terminal and Vo is the
output signal.

 CMMR: CMMR stands for Common Mode Rejection Ratio, it is given as the ratio
of differential mode gain to the common mode gain.

In dB,
For an ideal amplifier CMMR should be practically infinite but in actual practice, it is
not so and has a finite value.
It is defined as the ratio of the desired signal to the undesired signal.
The larger the CMMR the better is the amplifier.
Differential amplifier provides excellent bias stability because of use of emitter current
bias.
Advantages of Differential Amplifier

 Noise immunity: When we use a differential amplifier, it responds to the only

difference signal between input terminals and ignores all common mode signals
such as noise pick-up and ground voltages.

 Drift Immunity: One major problem that arises in amplifiers is the change in
voltage levels or value by the effect of temperature. These changes occur slowly and
are known as drift. Differential amplifiers exhibit tremendous ability to eliminate
the problem of drift.
The construction of Differential Amplifier is used in all those circuits where low drift is
very important. Such as stages of Oscilloscope and electronics voltmeter.
What is Tuned Amplifier: Working and Its Applications?

As we know that there are many advantages of using amplifiers. We can amplify or boost
the signal without changing any information of the signal. This can be done by using
various types of amplifiers. Amplifiers are classified based on the input and output
parameters like voltage amplifiers, current amplifiers, and power amplifiers. But in those
amplifiers, tuned amplifiers are unique. By the end of this article, we will discuss what is
tuned amplifier, circuit diagram with working, different types, applications, and
advantages.
What is a Tuned Amplifier?

These amplifiers are one kind of amplifier that selects the particular range of frequencies
and rejects the undesired frequencies by employing a tuned circuit at its load. The
selective range of frequencies can be amplified by using these amplifiers. We can define
the tuned circuit in different ways. These are helpful to amplify the higher frequencies or
radio frequencies.

Fig.1 Tuned-amplifier-circuit
These amplifiers include the tuned circuits at its load part to select the desired
frequencies. Tuning can be done by a tuned circuit. Tuning means selecting particular
frequencies. The tuning circuit can be built with various components like inductor (L)
and capacitor (C). The parallel combination of the inductor and capacitor is called a tuned
circuit. Tuned circuit efficiency defines the performance of this amplifier. Below figure 1
shows the basic diagram of an amplifier circuit. And figure 2 shows the tuned circuit
diagram.

basic-tuned-circuit
Tuned Amplifier Circuit

The above figure 1 represents the circuit diagram. In this circuit, at the end of the collector
terminal, a tuned circuit can be placed to select the particular range of frequency and
need to reject the other frequencies efficiently. At the end of this circuit, the desired
frequency oscillations will come as output.

“The frequency at which the inductor reactance value equals to the capacitors reactance
value, such frequency is called resonant frequency, and it is indicated by Fr”

Frequency Range

Figure 2 is the circuit diagram of the tuned circuit. According to that, the resonant
frequency ‘Fr’ and impedance of the tuned circuit is

Fr=1/2π√LC

Zr = L/C.R

The below graph shows the response between frequencies to the gain of the amplifier.
We can say like the tuned amplifier frequency range. At resonant frequency ‘Fr’, the gain
of this amplifier is large. The gain will be reduced below the resonant frequency & after
the values of the resonant frequency. The gain will not maintain the highest value on
these frequencies. In the frequency range of the amplifier diagram, 3dB range is indicated
by ‘B‘and 30dB range is indicated by the S. Therefore the ratio between B to S is called
skirt selectivity. At Fr, this amplifier is resistive and cosФ= 1. It indicates the voltage and
current both are in the same phase.

tuned-amplifier-
frequency-range
Types of Tuned Amplifiers

These amplifiers mainly have three types. They are

 Single tuned
 Double tuned
 Stagger tuned

Now, will discuss the description of types of these amplifiers. Let’s start with the first
model.

Single Tuned Amplifier

These amplifiers are classified based on the number of tuned circuits used in the tuned
amplifier. If the amplifier has only one tuned circuit then it is called a single tuned
amplifier. This amplifier has only one tuned circuit at the collector terminal of the
amplifier. The resonant frequency of this amplifier is Fr=1/2π, where L and C are the
inductor and capacitors of the amplifier. If this amplifier has low bandwidth then it’s not
able to amplify the complete signal equally. And this results in the reproduction process.
This indicates the stability of the amplifier.

Double Tuned Amplifier

These types of amplifiers include two tuned circuits. Each amplifier has a tuned circuit at
the end of the collector terminal. And the first and second amplifiers are coupled with an
inductor. Because of the two tuned circuits, a sharp response will get at the output. And
it offers a larger 3 dB bandwidth than the single tuned. Both circuits are tuned to the same
frequency. By properly adjusting the L1 and C1 of the first tuned circuit, L2 and C2 of the
second tuned circuit the output will be taken at output ports of the double-tuned
amplifier.

double-tuned-amplifier

The high-frequency signal is applied at the input port of the amplifier. So the input needs
to amplify with the help of the double-tuned. Whenever the first amplifier is tuned to the
input signal frequency, then the output is forwarded to the second stage of the amplifier
through L2 and C2. At this stage, the first amplifier offers high reactance to the signal
frequency. Whenever the second stage amplifier gets the input from L1 and C1 it also
tuned to its frequency and delivers the amplified output at the output port of the double-
tuned. It provides a larger 3dB bandwidth than the single tuned. And provides high gain-
bandwidth value.
Stagger Tuned Amplifier

These amplifiers are useful to amplify the signal for a particular frequency range only.
And we get more frequency bandwidth in double-tuned than the single tuned. But there
is a complex process in the alignment of the double-tuned. So to overcome this amplifier
like stagger tuned ” is introduced.

This amplifier is a cascading of single tuned amplifiers. These amplifiers were in cascade
form which is having a certain bandwidth and their resonant frequencies set to equal
bandwidth of each stage. This type of amplifier gives more bandwidth. The need for a
stagger tuned is, the double stage amplifier gives more bandwidth but alignment is a
complex process. These amplifiers are introduced to make easier & to get flat bandwidth.
The main advantage of the stagger tuned is it has a flat, better and wide frequency
characteristic. The below figure shows the bandwidth area coverage of amplifiers like a
single tuned and staggers tuned.

stagger-tuned-amplifier-output-response
Advantages

The advantages of this amplifier include the following.

 There is a minimum power loss in tuned circuits because in the tuned circuit they use
only inductor and capacitor reactive components.
 It provides high selectivity.
 SNR at the output level is good.
Applications

The applications of this amplifier include the following.

 These amplifiers are used to select a particular range of frequencies like in dish, radio,
etc.
 These amplifiers are used to amplify the desired signal to a high level.
 These amplifiers are preferable in wireless communication systems.
 Radio and television broadcastings are very helpful to select a particular range of
frequencies.

Thus, by using these amplifiers, we can increase the amplitude level at higher
frequencies. And also we can select the desired frequency range to amplify it and to avoid
the unwanted frequency range by using these amplifiers.
What is Tank Circuit?

The tank circuit definition is a circuit which has a capacitor and connected it to a coil as
well as an inductor through connecting wires. A capacitor is an electrical component and
it has two conductive plates. These plates are divided with a nonconductive material like
wax paper. Whenever the capacitor gets an electric charge, then two charges like positive
as well as negative to collect on conflicting ends of the non-conductive face. Because
opposite charges cannot flow through the surface but it attracts. The charges will supply
to the inductor coil through the connecting wires to charge the inductor in
electromagnetically.

Tank Circuit Diagram

The circuit diagram of the tank circuit is shown below. The circuit can be built using
electrical and electronic components like an inductor and capacitor. The values of these
components are a ceramic capacitor (1nF) and an inductor (270mH). Here the capacitor
should not be an electrolytic it should be ceramic because on both sides of the capacitor
the charging needs to take place. When we use a ceramic capacitor then the leads will not
get polarized so the charging will take place on both terminals whereas, in an electrolyte
capacitor, the leads get polarized so the charging will take place on one side only.
Tank Circuit Working

In a tank circuit, the resonance can be formed through the movement of electrical charge
among the inductor and capacitor. The same charge movement can be observed in the
Leyden Jar by Savary. When electrical charge flows from the capacitor to the coil then the
capacitor drops electromagnetic energy so the inductor turns into electromagnetically
charged. When the inductor gets more charge than the capacitor, but, the electromagnetic
cloud in the region of the coil starts to dissolve &energy supplies back to the capacitor
using wires. After that method starts once more to replicate over & over until the energy
has vanished to resistance within the circuit.

Applications of Tank Circuit

The backward and forward of electrical energy among the capacitor as well as inductor
produces an electromagnetic frequency. This frequency is extremely used in
telecommunications technology. These circuits are used for tuning transmitters &
receivers of radio. Once these circuits get charge then generate a precise frequency. For
example, once you turn on a radio toward a particular station, the charge can be changed
on a circuit then it vibrates at that frequency. That exact resonance can be used to filter
out further frequencies & plays only the selected stations. This technology is applicable
in all types of communication devices like radio towers, walkie-talkies, etc.
Thus, this is all about the tank circuit and its applications. From the above information
finally, we can conclude that these circuits are used in many applications which mainly
include amplifiers, filters, oscillators, mixers, tuners, etc. Here is a question for you, what
is the RLC circuit?
Class C power amplifier.

Class C power amplifier is a type of amplifier where the active element (transistor)
conduct for less than one half cycle of the input signal. Less than one half cycle means the
conduction angle is less than 180° and its typical value is 80° to 120°. The reduced
conduction angle improves the efficiency to a great extend but causes a lot of distortion.
Theoretical maximum efficiency of a Class C amplifier is around 90%.

Due to the huge amounts of distortion, the Class C configurations are not used in audio
applications. The most common application of the Class C amplifier is the RF (radio
frequency) circuits like RF oscillator, RF amplifier etc where there are additional tuned
circuits for retrieving the original input signal from the pulsed output of the Class C
amplifier and so the distortion caused by the amplifier has little effect on the final output.
Input and output waveforms of a typical Class C power amplifier is shown in the figure
below.

From the above figure it is clear that more than half of the input signal is missing in the
output and the output is in the form of some sort of a pulse.
Output characteristics of Class C power amplifier.

In the above figure you can see that the operating point is placed some way below the
cut-off point in the DC load-line and so only a fraction of the input waveform is available
at the output.

Class C power amplifier circuit diagram.

Biasing resistor Rb pulls the base of Q1 further

downwards and the Q-point will be set some way below the cut-off point in the DC load
line. As a result the transistor will start conducting only after the input signal amplitude
has risen above the base emitter voltage (Vbe~0.7V) plus the downward bias voltage
caused by Rb. That is the reason why the major portion of the input signal is absent in the
output signal.
Inductor L1 and capacitor C1 forms a tank circuit which aids in the extraction of the
required signal from the pulsed output of the transistor. Actual job of the active element
(transistor) here is to produce a series of current pulses according to the input and make
 it flow through the resonant circuit. Values of L1 and C1 are so selected that the resonant
circuit oscillates in the frequency of the input signal. Since the resonant circuit oscillates
in one frequency (generally the carrier frequency) all other frequencies are attenuated
and the required frequency can be squeezed out using a suitably tuned load. Harmonics
or noise present in the output signal can be eliminated using additional filters. A coupling
transformer can be used for transferring the power to the load.

Advantages of Class C power amplifier.

 High efficiency.
 Excellent in RF applications.
 Lowest physical size for a given power output.

Disadvantages of Class C power amplifier.

 Lowest linearity.
 Not suitable in audio applications.
 Creates a lot of RF interference.
 It is difficult to obtain ideal inductors and coupling transformers.
 Reduced dynamic range.

Applications of Class C power amplifier.

 RF oscillators.
 RF amplifier.
 FM transmitters.
 Booster amplifiers.
 High frequency repeaters.
 Tuned amplifiers etc.