Electronic Switching

(Sub Code-3319)

Feedback & Oscillators

Unit-5

Faculty
Dr. Surjeet Raikwar
Date:-21/03/2025
 FEEDBACK
In electronics, feedback refers to the process of taking a portion of the output signal and
feeding it back into the input of a system, circuit, or device. The purpose of feedback is
often to control the performance, stability, and behavior of the system. Feedback can be
classified into two types: positive feedback and negative feedback.

Feedback Structure in Electronics

Open-Loop System:
In an open-loop system, there is no feedback. The output is not fed back to the input.
This can lead to poor performance or instability in systems where feedback is required.
Closed-Loop System:
A closed-loop system has feedback, where the output is connected to the input via a
feedback loop.
It allows the system to adjust itself based on the output to maintain desired
performance.

Electronic Circuits Slide-1

 FEEDBACK

Electronic Circuits Slide-2

 FEEDBACK

Electronic Circuits Slide-3

 FEEDBACK

Electronic Circuits Slide-4

 FEEDBACK
In electronics, feedback refers to the process of taking a portion of the output signal and
feeding it back into the input of a system, circuit, or device. The purpose of feedback is
often to control the performance, stability, and behavior of the system. Feedback can be
classified into two types: positive feedback and negative feedback.

Feedback Structure in Electronics

Open-Loop System:
In an open-loop system, there is no feedback. The output is not fed back to the input.
This can lead to poor performance or instability in systems where feedback is required.
Closed-Loop System:
A closed-loop system has feedback, where the output is connected to the input via a
feedback loop.
It allows the system to adjust itself based on the output to maintain desired
performance.

Electronic Circuits Slide-5

Types of Feedback

Negative Feedback:
The most common type of feedback in electronics, especially in amplifiers and control
systems.
In negative feedback, the feedback signal is subtracted from the input, which reduces the
overall gain of the system. This results in more stable operation and improves linearity,
bandwidth, and reduces distortion.
Example: Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps) often use negative feedback to stabilize gain.

Positive Feedback:
In positive feedback, the feedback signal is added to the input. This can increase the gain
and can cause the system to oscillate or become unstable.
Positive feedback is often used in applications like oscillators (e.g., sine wave or square
wave oscillators) where the goal is to create sustained oscillations.
Example: In a Schmitt trigger or a regenerative amplifier, positive feedback is used.

Electronic Circuits Slide-6

Feedback System Block Diagram Model

This basic feedback loop of sensing, controlling and

actuation is the main concept behind a feedback
control system and there are several good reasons
why feedback is applied and used in electronic
circuits:
•Circuit characteristics such as the systems gain and response can be precisely controlled.
•Circuit characteristics can be made independent of operating conditions such as supply
voltages or temperature variations.
•Signal distortion due to the non-linear nature of the components used can be greatly
reduced.
•The Frequency Response, Gain and Bandwidth of a circuit or system can be easily
controlled to within tight limits.

Electronic Circuits Slide-7

Applications of Feedback in Electronics

Amplifiers:
Feedback is widely used in amplifiers to control gain, improve linearity, and reduce
distortion.
Oscillators:
Positive feedback is used to create oscillations. In many oscillators, the feedback loop
allows the circuit to produce a continuous output signal without an external input.
Voltage Regulators:
Feedback is used to maintain a constant output voltage in voltage regulators.
Control Systems:
Feedback in control systems helps to regulate the behavior of systems such as motor
controllers or temperature regulation systems.
Filters:
Feedback is often used in active filters to determine the filter’s frequency response.

Electronic Circuits Slide-8

Classification of Feedback Systems
Thus far we have seen the way in which the output signal is “fed back” to the input terminal,
and for feedback systems this can be of either, Positive Feedback or Negative Feedback. But
the manner in which the output signal is measured and introduced into the input circuit can
be very different leading to four basic classifications of feedback.
Based on the input quantity being amplified, and on the desired output condition, the input
and output variables can be modelled as either a voltage or a current. As a result, there are
four basic classifications of single-loop feedback system in which the output signal is fed back
to the input and these are:
Series-Shunt Configuration – Voltage in and Voltage out or Voltage Controlled Voltage
Source (VCVS).
Shunt-Shunt Configuration – Current in and Voltage out or Current Controlled Voltage
Source (CCVS).
Series-Series Configuration – Voltage in and Current out or Voltage Controlled Current
Source (VCCS).
Shunt-Series Configuration – Current in and Current out or Current Controlled Current
Source (CCCS).
Electronic Circuits Slide-9
Series-Shunt Feedback, also known as series voltage feedback, operates as a voltage-voltage controlled
feedback system. The error voltage fed back from the feedback network is in series with the input. The voltage
which is fed back from the output being proportional to the output voltage, Vo as it is parallel, or shunt
connected.

Series-Shunt Feedback System

For the series-shunt connection, the configuration is defined as the output voltage, Vout to the input voltage,
Vin. Most inverting and non-inverting operational amplifier circuits operate with series-shunt feedback
producing what is known as a “voltage amplifier”. As a voltage amplifier the ideal input resistance, Rin is very
large, and the ideal output resistance, Rout is very small.
Then the “series-shunt feedback configuration” works as a true voltage amplifier as the input signal is a voltage
and the output signal is a voltage, so the transfer gain is given as: Av = Vout/ Vin. Note that this quantity is
dimensionless as its units are volts/volts.

Electronic Circuits Slide-10

Shunt-Series Feedback, also known as shunt current feedback, operates as a current-current controlled
feedback system. The feedback signal is proportional to the output current, Io flowing in the load. The feedback
signal is fed back in parallel or shunt with the input as shown.
For the shunt-series connection, the configuration is defined as the output current, Iout to the input current, Iin.
In the shunt-series feedback configuration the signal fed back is in parallel with the input signal and as such its
the currents, not the voltages that add.

This parallel shunt feedback connection will not normally affect the voltage gain of the system, since for a
voltage output a voltage input is required. Also, the series connection at the output increases output
resistance, Rout while the shunt connection at the input decreases the input resistance, Rin.
Then the “shunt-series feedback configuration” works as a true current amplifier as the input signal is a current
and the output signal is a current, so the transfer gain is given as: Ai = Iout/Iin. Note that this quantity is
dimensionless as its units are amperes/amperes.

Electronic Circuits Slide-11

Series-Series Feedback Systems, also known as series current feedback, operates as a voltage-
current controlled feedback system. In the series current configuration the feedback error signal is
in series with the input and is proportional to the load current, Iout. Actually, this type of feedback
converts the current signal into a voltage which is actually fed back and it is this voltage which is
subtracted from the input.

For the series-series connection, the configuration is defined as the output current, Iout to the input voltage, Vin.
Because the output current, Iout of the series connection is fed back as a voltage, this increases both the input and
output impedances of the system. Therefore, the circuit works best as a transconductance amplifier with the ideal
input resistance, Rin being very large, and the ideal output resistance, Rout is also very large.
Then the “series-series feedback configuration” functions as transconductance type amplifier system as the input
signal is a voltage and the output signal is a current. then for a series-series feedback circuit the transfer gain is
given as: Gm = Iout /Vin.

Electronic Switching Slide-12

Shunt-Shunt Feedback Systems, also known as shunt voltage feedback, operates as a current-voltage
controlled feedback system. In the shunt-shunt feedback configuration the signal fed back is in parallel with
the input signal. The output voltage is sensed and the current is subtracted from the input current in shunt,
and as such its the currents, not the voltages that subtract.
For the shunt-shunt connection, the configuration is defined as the output voltage, Vout to the input current,
Iin. As the output voltage is fed back as a current to a current-driven input port, the shunt connections at both
the input and output terminals reduce the input and output impedance. therefore the system works best as a
transresistance system with the ideal input resistance, Rin being very small, and the ideal output
resistance, Rout also being very small.
Then the shunt voltage configuration works as transresistance type voltage amplifier as the input signal is a
current and the output signal is a voltage, so the transfer gain is given as: Rm = Vout/Iin.

Electronic Circuits Slide-13

Configuration Input Output Type of Source Description Application

Series-Shunt Voltage in Voltage out Voltage Controlled Voltage Output voltage controlled Voltage Amplifier
Source (VCVS) by input voltage

Shunt-Shunt Current in Voltage out Current Controlled Voltage Output voltage controlled Trans-resistance
Source (CCVS) by input current

Series-Series Voltage in Current out Voltage Controlled Current Output current controlled Trans-conductance
Source (VCCS) by input voltage

Shunt-Series Current in Current out Current Controlled Current Output current controlled Current Amplifier
Source (CCCS) by input current

Electronic Circuits Slide-14

Advantages of Feedback Amplifier
•Feedback improves general stability by reducing sensitivity to shifts in component parameters.
•Negative feedback boosts the amplifier's bandwidth through extending its frequency response.
•By reducing distortion caused by harmonics, negative feedback generates a signal that is cleaner and
easier to reproduce.
•Feedback makes it possible to precisely control the amplifier's gain, which facilitates achieving the
intended performance.
•By maintaining an increasingly linear relationship between input and output, negative feedback
improves linearity.

Disadvantages of Feedback Amplifier

•Feedback makes the circuit more complicated and difficult to fix and design.
•Feedback has the potential to amplify noise in system due to which SNR reduces.
•The cost of production is high due to complexity of circuit.
•Feedback amplifiers may have a small phase margin, which increases stability problems.
•Excessive feedback may lead to a reduction in overall gain.

Electronic Circuits Slide-15

Applications of Feedback Amplifier
Feedback amplifiers have various real life applications such as :
•Used in amplifiers for speakers and headphones to ensure clear and high-quality sound.
•Utilized in medical equipment like ECG ,machines to improve signal accuracy and
reliability.
•Integrated in control systems for automation and robotics to regulate processes.
•Used in video amplifiers to improve the quality of signals transmitted to TVs and monitors.
•Used in testing equipment to amplify and analyse signals during circuit testing and
debugging.

Electronic Circuits Slide-16

 MCQ

1. What type of feedback is commonly used in amplifiers to improve stability and reduce distortion?
a) Positive feedback b) Negative feedback
c) Zero feedback d) High-frequency feedback
2. What is the primary purpose of feedback in a closed-loop system?
a) To increase the gain b) To reduce power consumption
c) To control the performance and stability of the system d) To generate oscillations
3. Which of the following components is commonly used in a feedback network to adjust the signal level?
a) Inductor b) Capacitor
c) Resistor d) Transformer
4. What does positive feedback typically cause in a system?
a) Stability and linearity b) Oscillations or instability
c) Reduced power consumption d) Decreased signal gain
5. In which type of feedback system does the feedback signal increase the overall system gain?
a) Open-loop system b) Negative feedback system
c) Positive feedback system d) Closed-loop system
6. In a feedback amplifier, the feedback factor determines the:
a) Amount of feedback signal fed into the input b) Output voltage
c) Gain of the system without feedback d) Frequency response of the system

Electronic Circuits Slide-17

7. Which configuration corresponds to a Current Controlled Voltage Source (CCVS)?
a) Series-Series b) Shunt-Shunt
c) Shunt-Series d) Series-Shunt
8. In a Series-Shunt configuration, the output is controlled by:
a) Current input b) Voltage input
c) Current output d) Voltage output
9. Which configuration uses a current input to control the output current?
a) Series-Series b) Shunt-Shunt
c) Series-Shunt d) Shunt-Series
10. What type of amplifier configuration would most likely use a Voltage Controlled Current Source (VCCS)?
a) Transconductance amplifier b) Operational amplifier
c) Voltage follower d) Differential amplifier
11. In an operational amplifier, a Voltage Controlled Current Source (VCCS) can be achieved by:
a) Using negative feedback with voltage input. b) Using positive feedback with voltage input.
c) Using negative feedback with current input. d) Using positive feedback with current input.
12. Which configuration would be used in a transimpedance amplifier, where current input is converted to a voltage
output?
a) Voltage Controlled Voltage Source (VCVS) b) Voltage Controlled Current Source (VCCS)
c) Current Controlled Voltage Source (CCVS) d) Current Controlled Current Source (CCCS)

Electronic Circuits Slide-18

 Oscillators

Electronic Circuits Slide-19

 oscillator

An electronic oscillator is an electronic circuit that produces a

periodic, oscillating or alternating current (AC) signal, usually a sine wave, square wave or
a triangle wave, powered by a direct current (DC) source. Oscillators are found in many
electronic devices, such as radio receivers, television sets, radio and television broadcast
transmitters, computers, computer peripherals, cellphones, radar, and many other devices.

Barkhausen Criteria 'or' Conditions for Oscillation:

The circuit will oscillate when two conditions, called Barkhausen criteria are met. These
two conditions are:

1. The loop gain must be unity or greater. 𝐴 =1

2. The feedback signal feeding back at the input must be phase-shifted by 360° (which is
the same as zero degrees). In most of the circuits, an inverting amplifier is used to
produce 180° phase-shift and an additional 180° phase shift is provided by the
feedback network.
Electronic Circuits Slide-20
Types of Oscillators
Based on Waveform Generated
Oscillators can be classified based on the shape of the output waveform:
•Sinusoidal Oscillators: Generate smooth, continuous sine waves.
• Examples: Wien bridge oscillator, LC oscillators, crystal oscillators.
•Non-Sinusoidal (Relaxation) Oscillators: Generate non-sinusoidal waveforms like square,
triangular, or sawtooth waves.
• Examples: Astable multivibrators, 555 timer IC, Schmitt trigger oscillators.

Based on Frequency Range

Oscillators are categorized by the frequency of the signal they produce:
•Audio Frequency Oscillators (AFO): Operate in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
• Examples: RC phase shift oscillator, Wien bridge oscillator.
•Radio Frequency Oscillators (RFO): Operate in the range of a few kHz to several GHz.
• Examples: LC oscillators, crystal oscillators, Colpitts oscillator, Hartley oscillator.
•Microwave Oscillators: Operate at frequencies above 1 GHz.
• Examples: Gunn diode oscillators, cavity oscillators.
Electronic Circuits Slide-21
Based on Application
Oscillators are also classified based on their specific applications:
•Clock Generators: Provide timing signals for digital circuits.
• Examples: Crystal oscillators in microprocessor & microcontrollers.
•Signal Generators: Used in testing and measurement equipment.
• Examples: Function generators, audio oscillators.
•RF Transmitters: Generate carrier waves for communication systems.
• Examples: LC oscillators, crystal oscillators.
•Local Oscillators: Used in radio receivers for frequency mixing.
• Examples: Colpitts oscillator, Hartley oscillator.

Electronic Circuits Slide-22

 RC phase shift oscillator
The RC phase shift oscillator is a type of linear electronic oscillator that generates sinusoidal waveforms. It is
widely used in audio frequency applications due to its simplicity and reliability. The oscillator operates by using
an RC (resistor-capacitor) network to introduce a phase shift of 180°, which, when combined with the 180°
phase shift from an inverting amplifier, satisfies the Barkhausen criterion for sustained oscillations.
Construction
The phase-shift oscillator circuit consists of a single transistor
amplifier section and a RC phase-shift network. The phase shift
network in this circuit, consists of three RC sections. At the resonant
frequency fo, the phase shift in each RC section is 60o so that the total
phase shift produced by RC network is 180o.

Electronic Circuits Slide-23

Operation
The circuit when switched ON oscillates at the resonant frequency fo. The output Eo of the
amplifier is fed back to RC feedback network. This network produces a phase shift of
180o and a voltage Ei appears at its output. This voltage is applied to the transistor amplifier.
The feedback applied will be
m=Ei/Eo

The feedback is in correct phase, whereas the transistor amplifier, which is in CE

configuration, produces a 180o phase shift. The phase shift produced by network and the
transistor add to form a phase shift around the entire loop which is 360o.

Electronic Circuits Slide-24

Advantages
The advantages of RC phase shift oscillator are as follows −
•It does not require transformers or inductors.
•It can be used to produce very low frequencies.
•The circuit provides good frequency stability.

Disadvantages
The disadvantages of RC phase shift oscillator are as follows −
•Starting the oscillations is difficult as the feedback is small.
•The output produced is small.

Electronic Circuits Slide-25

Wien Bridge Oscillator
Definition: Wien Bridge Oscillator is an oscillator which uses RC network so as to produce a sine
wave at the output. These are basically the low-frequency oscillator that generates audio and sub
audio frequency that ranges between 20 Hz to 20 KHz.
This oscillator circuit uses the Wien bridge to provide feedback with the desired phase shift. It gives
highly stable oscillation frequency and does not vary much with supply or temperature variation.
It is basically a two-stage amplifier that consists of an RC bridge circuit or we can say Wien bridge
circuit. The Wien bridge feedback network is used so as to make the oscillator sensitive to signal of
only a particular frequency.
At this particular frequency, the Wien bridge gets balanced and provides a phase shift of 0⁰.
If Wien bridge feedback is not employed, then it will lead to poor frequency stability due to direct
coupling.
The Wien bridge circuit that we use is a lead-lag network as with the rise in frequency phase shift lags
and with the reduction in frequency, it leads.

1 MHz is the maximum output frequency that is provided by this oscillator circuit. In a bridge circuit,
the output produced will be in phase with the input only when the bridge is in the balanced
condition.
Electronic Circuits Slide-26
 Construction of Wien bridge oscillator
The circuit mainly comprised of two transistors Q1 and
Q2 and Wien bridge circuit in which a series RC circuit
comprising of R1C1 is connected with a parallel RC circuit
consisting of R2C2.

At low-frequency range, the reactance of serially

connected capacitor C1 is very high due to which it acts
as an open circuit that results in blocking of an input
signal which resultantly gives no signal at the output.

Similarly, at a higher frequency, the reactance of parallel

capacitor C2 becomes very low thus behaving like a short
circuit across the output, which again results in no signal
at the output.

So, there is a need to choose a frequency point in

between the above two conditions that we have
discussed right now so that we can achieve the
maximum value at the output.
Electronic Circuits Slide-27
The frequency at which the oscillator provides maximum output is known as resonant frequency. Let’s
understand resonant frequency with proper expression-

Electronic Circuits Slide-28

Electronic Circuits Slide-29
Advantages
•It provides a variable frequency range of oscillation which can be achieved by
varying the capacitances C1 and C2 simultaneously.
•As the circuit consists of two transistors the overall gain of the system is high.
•Interference due to external magnetic fields does not occur as the inductors
are not present in the circuit.

Disadvantages
•The circuit is somewhat complex as it requires two transistors and various
other components.
•Due to amplitude and phase shift characteristics, the maximum frequency
output is limited or restricted.

Electronic Circuits Slide-30

 MCQ
1. Suppose we have resistor R = 20KΩ and capacitor C = 1000pF in wein’s bridge circuit calculate the resonant
frequency.
a. 5.2 KHz b. 6.2 KHz c. 7.9 KHz d. 8.4 KHz

2. Barkhausen criterion for oscillator stability is

a. A =0 b. A =1 c. A >1 d. A <1
3. In an RC phase shift oscillator, how many RC stages are typically used to achieve a 180° phase shift?
a) 1 b) 2 c) 3 d) 4

4. What is the main disadvantage of an RC phase shift oscillator?

a) High cost b) Limited to low frequencies
c) Complex design d) Poor frequency stability

5. What is the primary function of the feedback network in an oscillator?

a) To amplify the signal b) To provide the required phase shift and gain
c) To filter the output signal d) To regulate the power supply

Electronic Circuits Slide-31

Any Question ?