DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Although the words “he,” “him,” and “his” are used sparingly in this course to enhance communication, they are not intended to be gender driven or to affront or discriminate against anyone.
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PREFACE By enrolling in this self-study course, you have demonstrated a desire to improve yourself and the Navy. Remember, however, this self-study course is only one part of the total Navy training program. Practical experience, schools, selected reading, and your desire to succeed are also necessary to successfully round out a fully meaningful training program.
COURSE OVERVIEW: To introduce the student to the subject of Amplifiers who needs such a background in accomplishing daily work and/or in preparing for further study.
THE COURSE: This self-study course is organized into subject matter areas, each containing learning objectives to help you determine what you should learn along with text and illustrations to help you understand the information. The subject matter reflects day-to-day requirements and experiences of personnel in the rating or skill area. It also reflects guidance provided by Enlisted Community Managers (ECMs) and other senior personnel, technical references, instructions, etc., and either the occupational or naval standards, which are listed in the Manual of Navy Enlisted Manpower Personnel Classifications and Occupational Standards, NAVPERS 18068.
THE QUESTIONS: The questions that appear in this course are designed to help you understand the material in the text.
VALUE: In completing this course, you will improve your military and professional knowledge. Importantly, it can also help you study for the Navy-wide advancement in rate examination. If you are studying and discover a reference in the text to another publication for further information, look it up.
1998 Edition Prepared by AVCM Keith E. Glading
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“I am a United States Sailor.
I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.
I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.
I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with honor, courage and commitment.
I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.”
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1. Amplifiers................................................................................................................. 1-1
2. Video and Rf Amplifiers .......................................................................................... 2-1
3. Special Amplifiers .................................................................................................... 3-1
I. Glossary.................................................................................................................. AI-1
INDEX ......................................................................................................................... INDEX-1
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The Navy Electricity and Electronics Training Series (NEETS) was developed for use by personnel in many electrical- and electronic-related Navy ratings. Written by, and with the advice of, senior technicians in these ratings, this series provides beginners with fundamental electrical and electronic concepts through self-study. The presentation of this series is not oriented to any specific rating structure, but is divided into modules containing related information organized into traditional paths of instruction.
The series is designed to give small amounts of information that can be easily digested before advancing further into the more complex material. For a student just becoming acquainted with electricity or electronics, it is highly recommended that the modules be studied in their suggested sequence. While there is a listing of NEETS by module title, the following brief descriptions give a quick overview of how the individual modules flow together.
Module 1, Introduction to Matter, Energy, and Direct Current, introduces the course with a short history of electricity and electronics and proceeds into the characteristics of matter, energy, and direct current (dc). It also describes some of the general safety precautions and first-aid procedures that should be common knowledge for a person working in the field of electricity. Related safety hints are located throughout the rest of the series, as well.
Module 2, Introduction to Alternating Current and Transformers, is an introduction to alternating current (ac) and transformers, including basic ac theory and fundamentals of electromagnetism, inductance, capacitance, impedance, and transformers.
Module 3, Introduction to Circuit Protection, Control, and Measurement, encompasses circuit breakers, fuses, and current limiters used in circuit protection, as well as the theory and use of meters as electrical measuring devices.
Module 4, Introduction to Electrical Conductors, Wiring Techniques, and Schematic Reading, presents conductor usage, insulation used as wire covering, splicing, termination of wiring, soldering, and reading electrical wiring diagrams.
Module 5, Introduction to Generators and Motors, is an introduction to generators and motors, and covers the uses of ac and dc generators and motors in the conversion of electrical and mechanical energies.
Module 6, Introduction to Electronic Emission, Tubes, and Power Supplies, ties the first five modules together in an introduction to vacuum tubes and vacuum-tube power supplies.
Module 7, Introduction to Solid-State Devices and Power Supplies, is similar to module 6, but it is in reference to solid-state devices.
Module 8, Introduction to Amplifiers, covers amplifiers. Module 9, Introduction to Wave-Generation and Wave-Shaping Circuits, discusses wave generation and wave-shaping circuits.
Module 10, Introduction to Wave Propagation, Transmission Lines, and Antennas, presents the characteristics of wave propagation, transmission lines, and antennas.
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Module 11,Microwave Principles, explains microwave oscillators, amplifiers, and waveguides.
Module 12,Modulation Principles, discusses the principles of modulation.
Module 13, Introduction to Number Systems and Logic Circuits, presents the fundamental concepts of number systems, Boolean algebra, and logic circuits, all of which pertain to digital computers.
Module 14, Introduction to Microelectronics, covers microelectronics technology and miniature and microminiature circuit repair.
Module 15, Principles of Synchros, Servos, and Gyros, provides the basic principles, operations, functions, and applications of synchro, servo, and gyro mechanisms.
Module 16, Introduction to Test Equipment, is an introduction to some of the more commonly used test equipments and their applications.
Module 17, Radio-Frequency Communications Principles, presents the fundamentals of a radio- frequency communications system.
Module 18, Radar Principles, covers the fundamentals of a radar system.
Module 19, The Technician's Handbook, is a handy reference of commonly used general information, such as electrical and electronic formulas, color coding, and naval supply system data.
Module 20,Master Glossary, is the glossary of terms for the series.
Module 21, Test Methods and Practices, describes basic test methods and practices.
Module 22, Introduction to Digital Computers, is an introduction to digital computers.
Module 23,Magnetic Recording, is an introduction to the use and maintenance of magnetic recorders and the concepts of recording on magnetic tape and disks.
Module 24, Introduction to Fiber Optics, is an introduction to fiber optics.
Embedded questions are inserted throughout each module, except for modules 19 and 20, which are reference books. If you have any difficulty in answering any of the questions, restudy the applicable section.
Although an attempt has been made to use simple language, various technical words and phrases have necessarily been included. Specific terms are defined in Module 20, Master Glossary.
Considerable emphasis has been placed on illustrations to provide a maximum amount of information. In some instances, a knowledge of basic algebra may be required.
Assignments are provided for each module, with the exceptions of Module 19, The Technician's Handbook; and Module 20, Master Glossary. Course descriptions and ordering information are in NAVEDTRA 12061, Catalog of Nonresident Training Courses.
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Throughout the text of this course and while using technical manuals associated with the equipment you will be working on, you will find the below notations at the end of some paragraphs. The notations are used to emphasize that safety hazards exist and care must be taken or observed.
AN OPERATING PROCEDURE, PRACTICE, OR CONDITION, ETC., WHICH MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH IF NOT CAREFULLY OBSERVED OR FOLLOWED.
AN OPERATING PROCEDURE, PRACTICE, OR CONDITION, ETC., WHICH MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT IF NOT CAREFULLY OBSERVED OR FOLLOWED.
An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., which is essential to emphasize.
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The text pages that you are to study are listed at the beginning of each assignment. Study these pages carefully before attempting to answer the questions. Pay close attention to tables and illustrations and read the learning objectives. The learning objectives state what you should be able to do after studying the material. Answering the questions correctly helps you accomplish the objectives.
Read each question carefully, then select the BEST answer. You may refer freely to the text. The answers must be the result of your own work and decisions. You are prohibited from referring to or copying the answers of others and from giving answers to anyone else taking the course.
To have your assignments graded, you must be enrolled in the course with the Nonresident Training Course Administration Branch at the Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC). Following enrollment, there are two ways of having your assignments graded: (1) use the Internet to submit your assignments as you complete them, or (2) send all the assignments at one time by mail to NETPDTC.
Grading on the Internet: Advantages to Internet grading are:
• you get your results faster; usually by the next working day (approximately 24 hours).
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Grading by Mail: When you submit answer sheets by mail, send all of your assignments at one time. Do NOT submit individual answer sheets for grading. Mail all of your assignments in an envelope, which you either provide yourself or obtain from your nearest Educational Services Officer (ESO). Submit answer sheets to:
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Follow the instructions for marking your answers on the answer sheet. Be sure that blocks 1, 2, and 3 are filled in correctly. This information is necessary for your course to be properly processed and for you to receive credit for your work.
Courses must be completed within 12 months from the date of enrollment. This includes time required to resubmit failed assignments.
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If your overall course score is 3.2 or higher, you will pass the course and will not be required to resubmit assignments. Once your assignments have been graded you will receive course completion confirmation.
If you receive less than a 3.2 on any assignment and your overall course score is below 3.2, you will be given the opportunity to resubmit failed assignments. You may resubmit failed assignments only once. Internet students will receive notification when they have failed an assignment--they may then resubmit failed assignments on the web site. Internet students may view and print results for failed assignments from the web site. Students who submit by mail will receive a failing result letter and a new answer sheet for resubmission of each failed assignment.
After successfully completing this course, you will receive a letter of completion.
Errata are used to correct minor errors or delete obsolete information in a course. Errata may also be used to provide instructions to the student. If a course has an errata, it will be included as the first page(s) after the front cover. Errata for all courses can be accessed and viewed/downloaded at:
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We value your suggestions, questions, and criticisms on our courses. If you would like to communicate with us regarding this course, we encourage you, if possible, to use e-mail. If you write or fax, please use a copy of the Student Comment form that follows this page.
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If you are a member of the Naval Reserve, you will receive retirement points if you are authorized to receive them under current directives governing retirement of Naval Reserve personnel. For Naval Reserve retirement, this course is evaluated at 4 points. (Refer to Administrative Procedures for Naval Reservists on Inactive Duty, BUPERSINST 1001.39, for more information about retirement points.)
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NAVEDTRA: 14180 Date:
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Privacy Act Statement: Under authority of Title 5, USC 301, information regarding your military status is requested in processing your comments and in preparing a reply. This information will not be divulged without written authorization to anyone other than those within DOD for official use in determining performance.
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Learning objectives are stated at the beginning of each chapter. These learning objectives serve as a preview of the information you are expected to learn in the chapter. The comprehensive check questions are based on the objectives. By successfully completing the OCC/ECC, you indicate that you have met the objectives and have learned the information. The learning objectives are listed below.
Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define amplification and list several common uses; state two ways in which amplifiers are classified.
2. List the four classes of operation of, four methods of coupling for, and the impedance characteristics of the three configurations of a transistor amplifier.
3. Define feedback and list the two types of feedback.
4. Describe and state one use for a phase splitter.
5. State a common use for and one advantage of a push-pull amplifier.
This chapter is a milestone in your study of electronics. Previous modules have been concerned more with individual components of circuits than with the complete circuits as the subject. This chapter and the other chapters of this module are concerned with the circuitry of amplifiers. While components are discussed, the discussion of the components is not an explanation of the working of the component itself (these have been covered in previous modules) but an explanation of the component as it relates to the circuit.
The circuits this chapter is concerned with are AMPLIFIERS. Amplifiers are devices that provide AMPLIFICATION. That doesn't explain much, but it does describe an amplifier if you know what amplification is and what it is used for.
WHAT IS AMPLIFICATION?
Just as an amplifier is a device that provides amplification, amplification is the process of providing an increase in AMPLITUDE. Amplitude is a term that describes the size of a signal. In terms of a.c., amplitude usually refers to the amount of voltage or current. A 5-volt peak-to-peak a.c.signal would be larger in amplitude than a 4-volt peak-to-peak a.c. signal. "SIGNAL" is a general term used to refer to any a.c. or d.c. of interest in a circuit; e.g., input signal and output signal. A signal can be large or small, ac. or d.c., a sine wave or nonsinusoidal, or even nonelectrical such as sound or light. "Signal" is a very general term and, therefore, not very descriptive by itself, but it does sound more technical than the word "thing". It is not very impressive to refer to the "input thing" or the "thing that comes out of this circuit."
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Perhaps the concept of the relationship of amplifier-amplification-amplitude will be clearer if you consider a parallel situation (an analogy).  As such, it provides magnification which is an increase in the magnitude (size) of an object. This relationship of magnifier- magnification-magnitude is the same as the relationship of amplifier-amplification-amplitude. The analogy is true in one other aspect as well. The magnifier does not change the object that is being magnified; it is only the image that is larger, not the object itself. With the amplifier, the output signal differs in amplitude from the input signal, but the input signal still exists unchanged. So, the object (input signal) and the magnifier (amplifier) control the image (output signal).
An amplifier can be defined as a device that enables an input signal to control an output signal. The output signal will have some (or all) of the characteristics of the input signal but will generally be larger than the input signal in terms of voltage, current, or power.
Most electronic devices use amplifiers to provide various amounts of signal amplification. Since most signals are originally too small to control or drive the desired device, some amplification is needed.
For example, the audio signal taken from a record is too small to drive a speaker, so amplification is needed. The signal will be amplified several times between the needle of the record player and the speaker. Each time the signal is amplified it is said to go through a STAGE of amplification. The audio amplifier shown connected between the turntable and speaker system in figure 1-1 contains several stages of amplification.
Notice the triangle used in figure 1-1 to represent the amplifier. This triangle is the standard block diagram symbol for an amplifier.
Another example of the use of an amplifier is shown in figure 1-2. In a radio receiver, the signal picked up by the antenna is too weak (small) to be used as it is. This signal must be amplified before it is sent to the detector. (The detector separates the audio signal from the frequency that was sent by the transmitter. The way in which this is done will be discussed later in this training series.)
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The audio signal from the detector will then be amplified to make it large enough to drive the speaker of the radio.
Almost every electronic device contains at least one stage of amplification, so you will be seeing amplifiers in many devices that you work on. Amplifiers will also be used in most of the NEETS modules that follow this one.
Q-1. What is amplification?
Q-2. Does an amplifier actually change an input signal? Why or why not?
Q-3. Why do electronic devices use amplifiers?
Most electronic devices use at least one amplifier, but there are many types of amplifiers. This module will not try to describe all the different types of amplifiers. You will be shown the general principles of amplifiers and some typical amplifier circuits.
Most amplifiers can be classified in two ways. The first classification is by their function. This means they are basically voltage amplifiers or power amplifiers. The second classification is by their frequency response. In other words what frequencies are they designed to amplify?
If you describe an amplifier by these two classifications (function and frequency response) you will have a good working description of the amplifier. You may not know what the exact circuitry is, but you will know what the amplifier does and the frequencies that it is designed to handle.
All amplifiers are current-control devices. The input signal to an amplifier controls the current output of the amplifier. The connections of the amplifying device (electron tube, transistor, magnetic amplifier,
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etc.) and the circuitry of the amplifier determine the classification. Amplifiers are classified as voltage or power amplifiers.
A VOLTAGE AMPLIFIER is an amplifier in which the output signal voltage is larger than the input signal voltage. In other words, a voltage amplifier amplifies the voltage of the input signal.
A POWER AMPLIFIER is an amplifier in which the output signal power is greater than the input signal power. In other words, a power amplifier amplifies the power of the input signal. Most power amplifiers are used as the final amplifier (stage of amplification) and control (or drive) the output device. The output device could be a speaker, an indicating device, an antenna, or the heads on a tape recorder. Whatever the device, the power to make it work (or drive it) comes from the final stage of amplification which is a power amplifier.
Figure 1-3 shows a simple block diagram of a voltage amplifier with its input and output signals and a power amplifier with its input and output signals. Notice that in view (A) the output signal voltage is larger than the input signal voltage. Since the current values for the input and output signals are not shown, you cannot tell if there is a power gain in addition to the voltage gain.
In view (B) of the figure the output signal voltage is less than the input signal voltage. As a voltage amplifier, this circuit has a gain of less than 1. The output power, however, is greater than the input power. Therefore, this circuit is a power amplifier.
The classification of an amplifier as a voltage or power amplifier is made by comparing the characteristics of the input and output signals. If the output signal is larger in voltage amplitude than the input signal, the amplifier is a voltage amplifier. If there is no voltage gain, but the output power is greater than the input power, the amplifier is a power amplifier.
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In addition to being classified by function, amplifiers are classified by frequency response. The frequency response of an amplifier refers to the band of frequencies or frequency range that the amplifier was designed to amplify.
You may wonder why the frequency response is important. Why doesn't an amplifier designed to amplify a signal of 1000 Hz work just as well at 1000 MHz? The answer is that the components of the amplifier respond differently at different frequencies. The amplifying device (electron tube, transistor, magnetic amplifier, etc.) itself will have frequency limitations and respond in different ways as the frequency changes. Capacitors and inductors in the circuit will change their reactance as the frequency changes. Even the slight amounts of capacitance and inductance between the circuit wiring and other components (interelectrode capacitance and self-inductance) can become significant at high frequencies. Since the response of components varies with the frequency, the components of an amplifier are selected to amplify a certain range or band of frequencies.
NOTE: For explanations of interelectrode capacitance and self-inductance see NEETS Modules 2— Introduction to Alternating Current and Transformers; 6—Introduction to Electronic Emission, Tubes, and Power Supplies; and 7—Introduction to Solid-State Devices and Power Supplies.
The three broad categories of frequency response for amplifiers are AUDIO AMPLIFIER, RF AMPLIFIER, and VIDEO AMPLIFIER.
An audio amplifier is designed to amplify frequencies between 15 Hz and 20 kHz. Any amplifier that is designed for this entire band of frequencies or any band of frequencies contained in the audio range is considered to be an audio amplifier.
In the term rf amplifier, the "rf" stands for radio frequency. These amplifiers are designed to amplify frequencies between 10 kHz and 100,000 MHz. A single amplifier will not amplify the entire rf range, but any amplifier whose frequency band is included in the rf range is considered an rf amplifier.
A video amplifier is an amplifier designed to amplify a band of frequencies from 10 Hz to 6 MHz. Because this is such a wide band of frequencies, these amplifiers are sometimes called WIDE-BAND AMPLIFIERS. While a video amplifier will amplify a very wide band of frequencies, it does not have the gain of narrower-band amplifiers. It also requires a great many more components than a narrow-band amplifier to enable it to amplify a wide range of frequencies.
Q-4. In what two ways are amplifiers classified?
Q-5. What type of amplifier would be used to drive the speaker system of a record player?
Q-6. What type of amplifier would be used to amplify the signal from a radio antenna?
A transistor amplifier is a current-control device. The current in the base of the transistor (which is dependent on the emitter-base bias) controls the current in the collector. A vacuum-tube amplifier is also a current-control device. The grid bias controls the plate current. These facts are expanded upon in NEETS Module 6, Introduction to Electronic Emission, Tubes and Power Supplies, and Module 7, Introduction to Solid-State Devices and Power Supplies.
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You might hear that a vacuum tube is a voltage-operated device (since the grid does not need to draw current) while the transistor is a current-operated device. You might agree with this statement, but both the vacuum tube and the transistor are still current-control devices. The whole secret to understanding amplifiers is to remember that fact. Current control is the name of the game. Once current is controlled you can use it to give you a voltage gain or a power gain.
This chapter will use transistor amplifiers to present the concepts and principles of amplifiers. These concepts apply to vacuum-tube amplifiers and, in most cases, magnetic amplifiers as well as transistor amplifiers. If you wish to study the vacuum-tube equivalent circuits of the transistor circuits presented, an excellent source is the EIMB, NAVSEA 0967-LP-000-0120, Electronics Circuits.
The first amplifier concept that is discussed is the "class of operation" of an amplifier.
The class of operation of an amplifier is determined by the amount of time (in relation to the input signal) that current flows in the output circuit. This is a function of the operating point of the amplifying device. The operating point of the amplifying device is determined by the bias applied to the device. There are four classes of operation for an amplifier. These are: A, AB, B and C. Each class of operation has certain uses and characteristics. No one class of operation is "better" than any other class. The selection of the "best" class of operation is determined by the use of the amplifying circuit. The best class of operation for a phonograph is not the best class for a radio transmitter.
A simple transistor amplifier that is operated class A is shown in figure 1-4. Since the output signal is a 100% (or 360º) copy of the input signal, current in the output circuit must flow for 100% of the input signal time. This is the definition of a class A amplifier. Amplifier current flows for 100% of the input signal.
The class A amplifier has the characteristics of good FIDELITY and low EFFICIENCY. Fidelity means that the output signal is just like the input signal in all respects except amplitude. It has the same
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shape and frequency. In some cases, there may be a phase difference between the input and output signal (usually 180º), but the signals are still considered to be "good copies." If the output signal is not like the input signal in shape or frequency, the signal is said to be DISTORTED. DISTORTION is any undesired change in a signal from input to output.
The efficiency of an amplifier refers to the amount of power delivered to the output compared to the power supplied to the circuit. Since every device takes power to operate, if the amplifier operates for 360º of input signal, it uses more power than if it only operates for 180º of input signal. If the amplifier uses more power, less power is available for the output signal and efficiency is lower. Since class A amplifiers operate (have current flow) for 360º of input signal, they are low in efficiency. This low efficiency is acceptable in class A amplifiers because they are used where efficiency is not as important as fidelity.
If the amplifying device is biased in such a way that current flows in the device for 51% - 99% of the input signal, the amplifier is operating class AB. A simple class AB amplifier is shown in figure 1-5.
Notice that the output signal is distorted. The output signal no longer has the same shape as the input signal. The portion of the output signal that appears to be cut off is caused by the lack of current through the transistor. When the emitter becomes positive enough, the transistor cannot conduct because the base- to-emitter junction is no longer forward biased. Any further increase in input signal will not cause an increase in output signal voltage.
Class AB amplifiers have better efficiency and poorer fidelity than class A amplifiers. They are used when the output signal need not be a complete reproduction of the input signal, but both positive and negative portions of the input signal must be available at the output.
Class AB amplifiers are usually defined as amplifiers operating between class A and class B because class A amplifiers operate on 100% of input signal and class B amplifiers (discussed next) operate on 50% of the input signal. Any amplifier operating between these two limits is operating class AB.
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As was stated above, a class B amplifier operates for 50% of the input signal. A simple class B amplifier is shown in figure 1-6.
In the circuit shown in figure 1-6, the base-emitter bias will not allow the transistor to conduct whenever the input signal becomes positive. Therefore, only the negative portion of the input signal is reproduced in the output signal. You may wonder why a class B amplifier would be used instead of a simple rectifier if only half the input signal is desired in the output. The answer to this is that the rectifier does not amplify. The output signal of a rectifier cannot be higher in amplitude than the input signal. The class B amplifier not only reproduces half the input signal, but amplifies it as well.
Class B amplifiers are twice as efficient as class A amplifiers since the amplifying device only conducts (and uses power) for half of the input signal. A class B amplifier is used in cases where exactly 50% of the input signal must be amplified. If less than 50% of the input signal is needed, a class C amplifier is used.
Figure 1-7 shows a simple class C amplifier. Notice that only a small portion of the input signal is present in the output signal. Since the transistor does not conduct except during a small portion of the input signal, this is the most efficient amplifier. It also has the worst fidelity. The output signal bears very little resemblance to the input signal.
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Class C amplifiers are used where the output signal need only be present during part of one-half of the input signal. Any amplifier that operates on less than 50% of the input signal is operated class C.
Q-7. What determines the class of operation of an amplifier?
Q-8. What are the four classes of operation of a transistor amplifier?
Q-9. If the output of a circuit needs to be a complete representation of one-half of the input signal, what class of operation is indicated?
Q-10. Why is class C operation more efficient than class A operation?
Q-11. What class of operation has the highest fidelity?
Earlier in this module it was stated that almost every electronic device contains at least one stage of amplification. Many devices contain several stages of amplification and therefore several amplifiers. Stages of amplification are added when a single stage will not provide the required amount of amplification. For example, if a single stage of amplification will provide a maximum gain of 100 and the desired gain from the device is 1000, two stages of amplification will be required. The two stages might have gains of 10 and 100, 20 and 50, or 25 and 40. (The overall gain is the product of the individual stages-10 × 100 = 20 × 50 = 25 × 40 = 1000.)
Figure 1-8 shows the effect of adding stages of amplification. As stages of amplification are added, the signal increases and the final output (from the speaker) is increased.
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Whether an amplifier is one of a series in a device or a single stage connected between two other devices (top view, figure 1-8), there must be some way for the signal to enter and leave the amplifier. The process of transferring energy between circuits is known as COUPLING. There are various ways of coupling signals into and out of amplifier circuits. The following is a description of some of the more common methods of amplifier coupling.
The method of coupling that uses the least number of circuit elements and that is, perhaps, the easiest to understand is direct coupling. In direct coupling the output of one stage is connected directly to the input of the following stage. Figure 1-9 shows two direct-coupled transistor amplifiers.
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Notice that the output (collector) of Q1 is connected directly to the input (base) of Q2. The network of R4, R5, and R6 is a voltage divider used to provide the bias and operating voltages for Q1 and Q2. The entire circuit provides two stages of amplification.
Direct coupling provides a good frequency response since no frequency-sensitive components (inductors and capacitors) are used. The frequency response of a circuit using direct coupling is affected only by the amplifying device itself.
Direct coupling has several disadvantages, however. The major problem is the power supply requirements for direct-coupled amplifiers. Each succeeding stage requires a higher voltage. The load and voltage divider resistors use a large amount of power and the biasing can become very complicated. In addition, it is difficult to match the impedance from stage to stage with direct coupling. (Impedance matching is covered a little later in this chapter.)
The direct-coupled amplifier is not very efficient and the losses increase as the number of stages increase. Because of the disadvantages, direct coupling is not used very often.
The most commonly used coupling in amplifiers is RC coupling. An RC-coupling network is shown in figure 1-10.
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The network of R1, R2, and C1 enclosed in the dashed lines of the figure is the coupling network. You may notice that the circuitry for Q1 and Q2 is incomplete. That is intentional so that you can concentrate on the coupling network.
R1 acts as a load resistor for Q1 (the first stage) and develops the output signal of that stage. Do you remember how a capacitor reacts to ac and dc? The capacitor, C1, "blocks" the dc of Q1's collector, but "passes" the ac output signal. R2 develops this passed, or coupled, signal as the input signal to Q2 (the second stage). This arrangement allows the coupling of the signal while it isolates the biasing of each stage. This solves many of the problems associated with direct coupling.
RC coupling does have a few disadvantages. The resistors use dc power and so the amplifier has low efficiency. The capacitor tends to limit the low-frequency response of the amplifier and the amplifying device itself limits the high-frequency response. For audio amplifiers this is usually not a problem; techniques for overcoming these frequency limitations will be covered later in this module.
Before you move on to the next type of coupling, consider the capacitor in the RC coupling. You probably remember that capacitive reactance (X C) is determined by the following formula:
This explains why the low frequencies are limited by the capacitor. As frequency decreases, XC increases. This causes more of the signal to be "lost" in the capacitor.
The formula for XC also shows that the value of capacitance (C) should be relatively high so that capacitive reactance (XC) can be kept as low as possible. So, when a capacitor is used as a coupling element, the capacitance should be relatively high so that it will couple the entire signal well and not reduce or distort the signal.
Impedance coupling is very similar to RC coupling. The difference is the use of an impedance device (a coil) to replace the load resistor of the first stage.
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Figure 1-11 shows an impedance-coupling network between two stages of amplification. L1 is the load for Q1 and develops the output signal of the first stage. Since the d.c. resistance of a coil is low, the efficiency of the amplifier stage is increased. The amount of signal developed in the output of the stage depends on the inductive reactance of L1. Remember the formula for inductive reactance:
The formula shows that for inductive reactance to be large, either inductance or frequency or both must be high. Therefore, load inductors should have relatively large amounts of inductance and are most effective at high frequencies. This explains why impedance coupling is usually not used for audio amplifiers.
The rest of the coupling network (C1 and R1) functions just as their counterparts (C1 and R2) in the RC-coupling network. C1 couples the signal between stages while blocking the d.c. and R1 develops the input signal to the second stage (Q2).
Figure 1-12 shows a transformer-coupling network between two stages of amplification. The transformer action of T1 couples the signal from the first stage to the second stage. In figure 1-12, the primary of T1 acts as the load for the first stage (Q1) and the secondary of T1 acts as the developing impedance for the second stage (Q2). No capacitor is needed because transformer action couples the signal between the primary and secondary of T1.
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The inductors that make up the primary and secondary of the transformer have very little dc resistance, so the efficiency of the amplifiers is very high. Transformer coupling is very often used for the final output (between the final amplifier stage and the output device) because of the impedance-matching qualities of the transformer. The frequency response of transformer-coupled amplifiers is limited by the inductive reactance of the transformer just as it was limited in impedance coupling.
Q-12. What is the purpose of an amplifier-coupling network?
Q-13. What are four methods of coupling amplifier stages?
Q-14. What is the most common form of coupling?
Q-15. What type coupling is usually used to couple the output from a power amplifier?
Q-16. What type coupling would be most useful for an audio amplifier between the first and second stages?
Q-17. What type of coupling is most effective at high frequencies?
It has been mentioned that efficiency and impedance are important in amplifiers. The reasons for this may not be too clear. You have been shown that any amplifier is a current-control device. Now there are two other principles you should try to keep in mind. First, there is no such thing as "something for nothing" in electronics. That means every time you do something to a signal it costs something. It might mean a loss in fidelity to get high power. Some other compromise might also be made when a circuit is designed. Regardless of the compromise, every stage will require and use power. This brings up the second principle-do things as efficiently as possible. The improvement and design of electronic circuits is an attempt to do things as cheaply as possible, in terms of power, when all the other requirements (fidelity, power output, frequency range, etc.) have been met.
This brings us to efficiency. The most efficient device is the one that does the job with the least loss of power. One of the largest losses of power is caused by impedance differences between the output of one circuit and the input of the next circuit. Perhaps the best way to think of an impedance difference (mismatch) between circuits is to think of different-sized water pipes. If you try to connect a one-inch water pipe to a two-inch water pipe without an adapter you will lose water. You must use an adapter. A
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impedance-matching device is like that adapter. It allows the connection of two devices with different impedances without the loss of power.
Figure 1-13 shows two circuits connected together. Circuit number 1 can be considered as an a.c. source (ES) whose output impedance is represented by a resistor (R1). It can be considered as an a.c. source because the output signal is an a.c. voltage and comes from circuit number 1 through the output impedance. The input impedance of circuit number 2 is represented by a resistor in series with the source. The resistance is shown as variable to show what will happen as the input impedance of circuit number 2 is changed.
The chart below the circuit shows the effect of a change in the input impedance of circuit number 2 (R2) on current (I), signal voltage developed at the input of circuit number 2 (ER2), the power at the output of circuit number 1 (PR1), and the power at the input to circuit number 2 (PR2).
Two important facts are brought out in this chart. First, the power at the input to circuit number 2 is greatest when the impedances are equal (matched). The power is also equal at the output of circuit number 1 and the input of circuit number 2 when the impedance is matched. The second fact is that the largest voltage signal is developed at the input to circuit number 2 when its input impedance is much larger than the output impedance of circuit number 1. However, the power at the input of circuit number 2
1-16
is very low under these conditions. So you must decide what conditions you want in coupling two circuits together and select the components appropriately.
Two important points to remember about impedance matching are as follows. (1) Maximum power transfer requires matched impedance. (2) To get maximum voltage at the input of a circuit requires an intentional impedance mismatch with the circuit that is providing the input signal.
Now that you have seen the importance of impedance matching the stages in an electronic device, you may wonder what impedance characteristics an amplifier has. The input and output impedances of a transistor amplifier depend upon the configuration of the transistor. In Module 7, Introduction to Solid-State Devices and Power Supplies, you were introduced to the three transistor configurations; the common emitter, the common base, and the common collector. Examples of these configurations and their impedance characteristics are shown in figure 1-14.
NOTE: Only approximate impedance values are shown. This is because the exact impedance values will vary from circuit to circuit. The impedance of any particular circuit depends upon the device (transistor) and the other circuit components. The value of impedance can be computed by dividing the signal voltage by the signal current. Therefore:
1-17
The common-emitter configuration provides a medium input impedance and a medium output impedance. The common-base configuration provides a low input impedance and a high output impedance. The common-collector configuration provides a high input impedance and a low output impedance. The common-collector configuration is often used to provide impedance matching between a high output impedance and a low input impedance.
If the amplifier stage is transformer coupled, the turns ratio of the transformer can be selected to provide impedance matching. In NEETS Module 2, Introduction to Alternating Current and Transformers, you were shown the relationship between the turns ratio and the impedance ratio in a transformer. The relationship is expressed in the following formula:
As you can see, impedance matching between stages can be accomplished by a combination of the amplifier configuration and the components used in the amplifier circuit.
Q-18. What impedance relationship between the output of one circuit and the input of another circuit will provide the maximum power transfer?
Q-19. If maximum current is desired at the input to a circuit, should the input impedance of that circuit be lower than, equal to, or higher than the output impedance of the previous stage?
Q-20. What are the input- and output-impedance characteristics of the three transistor configurations?
Q-21. What transistor circuit configuration should be used to match a high output impedance to a low input impedance?
Q-22. What type of coupling is most useful for impedance matching?
1-18
Perhaps you have been around a public address system when a squeal or high-pitched noise has come from the speaker. Someone will turn down the volume and the noise will stop. That noise is an indication that the amplifier (at least one stage of amplification) has begun oscillating. Oscillation is covered in detail in NEETS Module 9, Introduction to Wave-Generation and Wave-Shaping Circuits. For now, you need only realize that the oscillation is caused by a small part of the signal from the amplifier output being sent back to the input of the amplifier. This signal is amplified and again sent back to the input where it is amplified again. This process continues and the result is a loud noise out of the speaker. The process of sending part of the output signal of an amplifier back to the input of the amplifier is called FEEDBACK.
There are two types of feedback in amplifiers. They are POSITIVE FEEDBACK, also called REGENERATIVE FEEDBACK, and NEGATIVE FEEDBACK, also called DEGENERATIVE FEEDBACK. The difference between these two types is whether the feedback signal is in phase or out of phase with the input signal.
Positive feedback occurs when the feedback signal is in phase with the input signal. Figure 1-15 shows a block diagram of an amplifier with positive feedback. Notice that the feedback signal is in phase with the input signal. This means that the feedback signal will add to or "regenerate" the input signal. The result is a larger amplitude output signal than would occur without the feedback. This type of feedback is what causes the public address system to squeal as described above.
Figure 1-16 is a block diagram of an amplifier with negative feedback. In this case, the feedback signal is out of phase with the input signal. This means that the feedback signal will subtract from or "degenerate" the input signal. This results in a lower amplitude output signal than would occur without the feedback.
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Sometimes feedback that is not desired occurs in an amplifier. This happens at high frequencies and limits the high-frequency response of an amplifier. Unwanted feedback also occurs as the result of some circuit components used in the biasing or coupling network. The usual solution to unwanted feedback is a feedback network of the opposite type. For example, a positive feedback network would counteract unwanted, negative feedback.
Feedback is also used to get the ideal input signal. Normally, the maximum output signal is desired from an amplifier. The amount of the output signal from an amplifier is dependent on the amount of the input signal. However, if the input signal is too large, the amplifying device will be saturated and/or cut off during part of the input signal. This causes the output signal to be distorted and reduces the fidelity of the amplifier. Amplifiers must provide the proper balance of gain and fidelity.
Figure 1-17 shows the way in which feedback can be used to provide the maximum output signal without a loss in fidelity. In view A, an amplifier has good fidelity, but less gain than it could have. By adding some positive feedback, as in view B, the gain of the stage is increased. In view C, an amplifier has so much gain and such a large input signal that the output signal is distorted. This distortion is caused by the amplifying device becoming saturated and cutoff. By adding a negative feedback system, as in view D, the gain of the stage is decreased and the fidelity of the output signal improved.
Figure 1-17A.-Feedback uses in amplifiers.
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Positive and negative feedback are accomplished in many ways, depending on the reasons requiring the feedback. A few of the effects and methods of accomplishing feedback are presented next.
As you have seen, positive feedback is accomplished by adding part of the output signal in phase with the input signal. In a common-base transistor amplifier, it is fairly simple to provide positive feedback. Since the input and output signals are in phase, you need only couple part of the output signal back to the input. This is shown in figure 1-18.
1-21
The feedback network in this amplifier is made up of R2 and C2. The value of C2 should be large so that the capacitive reactance (X C) will be low and the capacitor will couple the signal easily. (This is also the case with the input and output coupling capacitors C1 and C3.) The resistive value of R2 should be large to limit the amount of feedback signal and to ensure that the majority of the output signal goes on to the next stage through C3.
A more common configuration for transistor amplifiers is the common-emitter configuration. Positive feedback is a little more difficult with this configuration because the input and output signals are 180º out of phase. Positive feedback can be accomplished by feeding a portion of the output signal of the second stage back to the input of the first stage. This arrangement is shown in figure 1-19.
1-22
The figure shows that each stage of amplification has a 180º phase shift. This means that the output signal of Q2 will be in phase with the input signal to Q1. A portion of the output signal of Q2 is coupled back to the input of Q1 through the feedback network of C3 and R3. R3 should have a large resistance to limit the amount of signal through the feedback network. C3 should have a large capacitance so the capacitive reactance is low and the capacitor will couple the signal easily.
Sometimes positive feedback is used to eliminate the effects of negative feedback that are caused by circuit components. One way in which a circuit component can cause negative feedback is shown in figure 1-20.
In view (A) a common-emitter transistor amplifier is shown. An emitter resistor (R2) has been placed in this circuit to provide proper biasing and temperature stability. An undesired effect of this resistor is the development of a signal at the emitter in phase with the input signal on the base. This signal is caused by the changing current through the emitter resistor (R2) as the current through the transistor changes. You might think that this signal on the emitter is a form of positive feedback since it is in phase with the input signal. But the emitter signal is really negative feedback. Current through the transistor is controlled by the base-to-emitter bias. If both the base and emitter become more positive by the same amount at the same time, current will not increase. It is the difference between the base and emitter voltages that controls the current flow through the transistor.
To eliminate this negative feedback caused by the emitter resistor, some way must be found to remove the signal from the emitter. If the signal could be coupled to ground (decoupled) the emitter of the transistor would be unaffected. That is exactly what is done. A DECOUPLING CAPACITOR (C3 in view B) is placed between the emitter of Q1 and ground (across the emitter resistor). This capacitor should have a high capacitance so that it will pass the signal to ground easily. The decoupling capacitor (C3) should have the same qualities as the coupling capacitors (C1 and C2) of the circuit. Decoupling capacitors are also called bypass capacitors.
1-23
Regardless of the method used to provide positive feedback in a circuit, the purpose is to increase the output signal amplitude.
Negative feedback is accomplished by adding part of the output signal out of phase with the input signal. You have seen that an emitter resistor in a common-emitter transistor amplifier will develop a negative feedback signal. Other methods of providing negative feedback are similar to those methods used to provide positive feedback. The phase relationship of the feedback signal and the input signal is the only difference.
Figure 1-21 shows negative feedback in a common-emitter transistor amplifier. The feedback network of C2 and R2 couples part of the output signal of Q1 back to the input. Since the output signal is 180º out of phase with the input signal, this causes negative feedback.
1-24
Negative feedback is used to improve fidelity of an amplifier by limiting the input signal. Negative feedback can also be used to increase the frequency response of an amplifier. The gain of an amplifier decreases when the limit of its frequency response is reached. When negative feedback is used, the feedback signal decreases as the output signal decreases. At the limits of frequency response of the amplifier the smaller feedback signal means that the effective gain (gain with feedback) is increased. This will improve the frequency response of the amplifier.
Q-23. What is feedback?
Q-24. What are the two types of feedback?
Q-25. What type feedback provides increased amplitude output signals?
Q-26. What type feedback provides the best fidelity?
Q-27. If the feedback signal is out of phase with the input signal, what type feedback is provided?
Q-28. What type feedback is provided by an unbypassed emitter resistor in a common-emitter transistor amplifier?
An audio amplifier has been described as an amplifier with a frequency response from 15 Hz to 20 kHz. The frequency response of an amplifier can be shown graphically with a frequency response curve. Figure 1-22 is the ideal frequency response curve for an audio amplifier. This curve is practically "flat" from 15 Hz to 20 kHz. This means that the gain of the amplifier is equal between 15 Hz and 20 kHz. Above 20 kHz or below 15 Hz the gain decreases or "drops off" quite rapidly. The frequency response of an amplifier is determined by the components in the circuit.
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The difference between an audio amplifier and other amplifiers is the frequency response of the amplifier. In the next chapter of this module you will be shown the techniques and components used to change and extend the frequency response of an amplifier.
The transistor itself will respond quite well to the audio frequency range. No special components are needed to extend or modify the frequency response.
You have already been shown the purpose of all the components in a transistor audio amplifier. In this portion of the chapter, schematic diagrams of several audio amplifiers will be shown and the functions of each of the components will be discussed.
The first single-stage audio amplifier is shown in figure 1-23. This circuit is a class A, common-emitter, RC-coupled, transistor, audio amplifier. C1 is a coupling capacitor that couples the input signal to the base of Q1. R1 is used to develop the input signal and provide bias for the base of Q1. R2 is used to bias the emitter and provide temperature stability for Q1. C2 is used to provide decoupling (positive feedback) of the signal that would be developed by R2. R3 is the collector load for Q1 and develops the output signal. C3 is a coupling capacitor that couples the output signal to the next stage. VCC represents the collector-supply voltage. Since the transistor is a common-emitter configuration, it provides voltage amplification. The input and output signals are 180º out of phase. The input and output impedance are both medium.
1-26
There is nothing new presented in this circuit. You should understand all of the functions of the components in this circuit. If you do not, look back at the various sections presented earlier in this chapter.
The second single-stage audio amplifier is shown in figure 1-24. This circuit is a class A, common-source, RC-coupled, FET, audio amplifier. C1 is a coupling capacitor which couples the input signal to the gate of Q1. R1 is used to develop the input signal for the gate of Q1. R2 is used to bias the source of Q1. C2 is used to decouple the signal developed by R2 (and keep it from affecting the source of Q1). R3 is the drain load for Q1 and develops the output signal. C3 couples the output signal to the next stage. VDD is the supply voltage for the drain of Q1. Since this is a common-source configuration, the input and output signals are 180º out of phase.
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If you do not remember how a FET works, refer to NEETS Module 7 Introduction to Solid-State Devices and Power Supplies.
The third single-stage audio amplifier is shown in figure 1-25. This is a class A, common-emitter, transformer-coupled, transistor, audio amplifier. The output device (speaker) is shown connected to the secondary winding of the transformer. C1 is a coupling capacitor which couples the input signal to the base of Q1. R1 develops the input signal. R2 is used to bias the emitter of Q1 and provides temperature stability. C2 is a decoupling capacitor for R2. R3 is used to bias the base of Q1. The primary of T1 is the collector load for Q1 and develops the output signal. T1 couples the output signal to the speaker and provides impedance matching between the output impedance of the transistor (medium) and the impedance of the speaker (low).
Sometimes it is necessary to provide two signals that are equal in amplitude but 180º out of phase with each other. (You will see one use of these two signals a little later in this chapter.) The two signals can be provided from a single input signal by the use of a PHASE SPLITTER. A phase splitter is a device that produces two signals that differ in phase from each other from a single input signal. Figure 1-26 is a block diagram of a phase splitter.
One way in which a phase splitter can be made is to use a center-tapped transformer. As you may remember from your study of transformers, when the transformer secondary winding is center-tapped, two equal amplitude signals are produced. These signals will be 180º out of phase with each other. So a transformer with a center-tapped secondary fulfills the definition of a phase splitter.
1-28
A transistor amplifier can be configured to act as a phase splitter. One method of doing this is shown in figure 1-27.
C1 is the input signal coupling capacitor and couples the input signal to the base of Q1. R1 develops the input signal. R2 and R3 develop the output signals. R2 and R3 are equal resistances to provide equal amplitude output signals. C2 and C3 couple the output signals to the next stage. R4 is used to provide proper bias for the base of Q1.
This phase splitter is actually a single transistor combining the qualities of the common-emitter and common-collector configurations. The output signals are equal in amplitude of the input signal, but are 180º out of phase from each other.
If the output signals must be larger in amplitude than the input signal, a circuit such as that shown in figure 1-28 will be used.
Figure 1-28 shows a two-stage phase splitter. C1 couples the input signal to the base of Q1. R1 develops the input signal and provides bias for the base of Q1. R2 provides bias and temperature stability for Q1. C2 decouples signals from the emitter of Q1. R3 develops the output signal of Q1. Since Q1 is configured as a common-emitter amplifier, the output signal of Q1 is 180º out of phase with the input signal and larger in amplitude. C3 couples this output signal to the next stage through R4. R4 allows only a small portion of this output signal to be applied to the base of Q2. R5 develops the input signal and provides bias for the base of Q2. R6 is used for bias and temperature stability for Q2. C4 decouples signals from the emitter of Q2. R7 develops the output signal from Q2. Q2 is configured as a common-emitter amplifier, so the output signal is 180º out of phase with the input signal to Q2 (output signal from Q1). The input signal to Q2 is 180º out of phase with the original input signal, so the output from Q2 is in phase with the original input signal. C5 couples this output signal to the next stage. So the circuitry shown provides two output signals that are 180º out of phase with each other. The output signals are equal in amplitude with each other but larger than the input signal.
1-29
Q-29. What is a phase splitter?
One use of phase splitters is to provide input signals to a single-stage amplifier that uses two transistors. These transistors are configured in such a way that the two outputs, 180º out of phase with each other, combine. This allows more gain than one transistor could supply by itself. This "push-pull" amplifier is used where high power output and good fidelity are needed: receiver output stages, public address amplifiers, and AM modulators, for example.
The circuit shown in figure 1-29 is a class A transistor push-pull amplifier, but class AB or class B operations can be used. Class operations were discussed in an earlier topic. The phase splitter for this amplifier is the transformer T1, although one of the phase splitters shown earlier in this topic could be used. R1 provides the proper bias for Q1 and Q2. The tapped secondary of T1 develops the two input signals for the bases of Q1 and Q2. Half of the original input signal will be amplified by Q-1, the other half by Q-2. T2 combines (couples) the amplified output signal to the speaker and provides impedance matching.
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Q-30. What is one use for a splitter?
Q-31. What is a common use for a push-pull amplifier?
Q-32. What is the advantage of a push-pull amplifier?
Q-33. What class of operation can be used with a push-pull amplifier to provide good fidelity output signals?
This chapter has presented some general information that applies to all amplifiers, as well as some specific information about transistor and audio amplifiers. All of this information will be useful to you in the next chapter of this module and in your future studies of electronics.
An AMPLIFIER is a device that enables an input signal to control an output signal. The output signal will have some (or all) of the characteristics of the input signal but will generally be larger than the input signal in terms of voltage, current, or power. A basic line diagram of an amplifier is shown below.
Amplifiers are classified by FUNCTION and FREQUENCY RESPONSE. Function refers to an amplifier being a VOLTAGE AMPLIFIER or a POWER AMPLIFIER. Voltage amplifiers provide voltage amplification and power amplifiers provide power amplification. The frequency response of an amplifier can be described by classifying the amplifier as an AUDIO AMPLIFIER, RF AMPLIFIER, or VIDEO (WIDE-BAND) AMPLIFIER. Audio amplifiers have frequency response in the range of 15 Hz to 20 kHz. An rf amplifier has a frequency response in the range of 10 kHz to 100,000 MHz. A video (wide-band) amplifier has a frequency response of 10 Hz to 6 MHz.
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The CLASS OF OPERATION of a transistor amplifier is determined by the percent of time that current flows through the transistor in relation to the input signal.
In CLASS A OPERATION, transistor current flows for 100% (360º) of the input signal. Class A operation is the least efficient class of operation, but provides the best fidelity.
In CLASS AB OPERATION, transistor current flows for more than 50% but less than 100% of the input signal.
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In CLASS B OPERATION, transistor current flows for 50% of the input signal.
In CLASS C OPERATION, transistor current flows for less than 50% of the input signal. Class C operation is the most efficient class of operation.
1-33
COUPLING is used to transfer a signal from one stage to another.
DIRECT COUPLING is the connection of the output of one stage directly to the input of the next stage. This method is not used very often due to the complex power supply requirements and impedance- matching problems.
RC COUPLING is the most common method of coupling and uses a coupling capacitor and signal-developing resistors.
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IMPEDANCE COUPLING uses a coil as a load for the first stage but otherwise functions just as RC coupling. Impedance coupling is used at high frequencies.
TRANSFORMER COUPLING uses a transformer to couple the signal from one stage to the next. Transformer coupling is very efficient and the transformer can aid in impedance matching.
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MAXIMUM POWER TRANSFER occurs between two circuits when the output impedance of the first circuit matches the input impedance of the second circuit.
A MAXIMUM VOLTAGE INPUT SIGNAL is present when the input impedance of the second circuit is larger than the output impedance of the first circuit (mismatched).
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The COMMON-EMITTER configuration of a transistor amplifier has MEDIUM INPUT and MEDIUM OUTPUT IMPEDANCE.
The COMMON-BASE configuration of a transistor amplifier has LOW INPUT and HIGH OUTPUT IMPEDANCE.
The COMMON-COLLECTOR (EMITTER FOLLOWER) configuration of a transistor amplifier as HIGH INPUT and LOW OUTPUT IMPEDANCE.
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FEEDBACK is the process of coupling a portion of the output signal back to the input of an amplifier.
POSITIVE (REGENERATIVE) FEEDBACK is provided when the feedback signal is in phase with the input signal. Positive feedback increases the gain of an amplifier.
NEGATIVE (DEGENERATIVE) FEEDBACK is provided when the feedback signal is 180º out of phase with the input signal. Negative feedback decreases the gain of an amplifier but improves fidelity and may increase the frequency response of the amplifier.
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The IDEAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE of an audio amplifier is equal gain from 15 Hz to 20 kHz with very low gain outside of those limits.
A PHASE SPLITTER provides two output signals that are equal in amplitude but different in phase from a single input signal. Phase splitters are often used to provide input signals to a push-pull amplifier.
A PUSH-PULL AMPLIFIER uses two transistors whose output signals are added together to provide a larger gain (usually a power gain) than a single transistor could provide. Push-pull amplifiers can be operated class A, class AB or class B.
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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS Q1. THROUGH Q33.
A-1. Amplification is the control of an output signal by an input signal so that the output signal has some (or all) of the characteristics of the input signal. The output signal is generally larger than the input signal in terms of voltage, current, or power.
A-2. No, the input signal is unchanged, the output signal is controlled by the input signal but does not effect the actual input signal.
A-3. To amplify the input signal to a usable level.
A-4. By function and frequency response.
A-5. An audio power amplifier.
A-6. An rf voltage amplifier.
A-7. The amount of time (in relation to the input signal) in which current flows in the output circuit.
A-8. A, AB, B, C.
A-9. Class B operation.
A-10. The amplifier operates (and therefore uses power) for less time in class C than in class A.
A-11. Class A operation.
A-12. To transfer energy (a signal) from one stage to another.
A-13. Direct, RC, impedance, and transformer coupling.
A-14. RC coupling.
A-15. Transformer coupling.
A-16. RC coupling.
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A-17. Impedance coupling.
A-18. Equal impedance.
A-19. Lower than.
A-20. Common emitter-medium input, medium output; common base-low input, high output; common collector-high input, low output.
A-21. Common collector.
A-22. Transformer coupling.
A-23. The process of coupling a portion of the output of a circuit back to the circuit input.
A-24. Positive and negative or regenerative and degenerative.
A-25. Positive (regenerative) feedback.
A-26. Negative (degenerative) feedback.
A-27. Negative (degenerative) feedback.
A-28. Negative (degenerative) feedback.
A-29. A device that provides two output signals that differ in phase from a single input signal.
A-30. A phase splitter is used to provide the input signals to a push-pull amplifier.
A-31. A push-pull amplifier is used when high power output and good fidelity are needed.
A-32. A push-pull amplifier provides more gain than a single transistor amplifier.
A-33. Class A, Class AB or Class B operation.
2-1
Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Define the term "bandwidth of an amplifier."
2. Determine the upper and lower frequency limits of an amplifier from a frequency-response curve.
3. List the factors that limit frequency response in an amplifier.
4. List two techniques used to increase the high-frequency response for a video amplifier.
5. State one technique used to increase the low-frequency response of a video amplifier.
6. Identify the purpose of various components on a schematic of a complete typical video amplifier circuit.
7. State the purpose of a frequency-determining network in an rf amplifier.
8. State one method by which an rf amplifier can be neutralized.
9. Identify the purpose of various components on a schematic of a complete typical rf amplifier.
In this chapter you will be given information on the frequency response of amplifiers as well as specific information on video and rf amplifiers. For all practical purposes, all the general information you studied in chapter 1 about audio amplifiers will apply to the video and rf amplifiers which you are about to study.
You may be wondering why you need to learn about video and rf amplifiers. You need to understand these circuits because, as a technician, you will probably be involved in working on equipment in which these circuits are used. Many of the circuits shown in this and the next chapter are incomplete and would not be used in actual equipment. For example, the complete biasing network may not be shown. This is done so you can concentrate on the concepts being presented without being overwhelmed by an abundance of circuit elements. With this idea in mind, the information that is presented in this chapter is real, practical information about video and rf amplifiers. It is the sort of information that you will use in working with these circuits. Engineering information (such as design specifications) will not be presented because it is not needed to understand the concepts that a technician needs to perform the job of circuit analysis and repair. Before you are given the specific information on video and rf amplifiers, you may be wondering how these circuits are used.
Video amplifiers are used to amplify signals that represent video information. (That’s where the term "video" comes from.) Video is the "picture" portion of a television signal. The "sound" portion is audio.
2-2
Although the Navy uses television in many ways, video signals are used for more than television. Radar systems (discussed later in this training series) use video signals and, therefore, video amplifiers. Video amplifiers are also used in video recorders and some communication and control devices. In addition to using video amplifiers, televisions use rf amplifiers. Many other devices also use rf amplifiers, such as radios, navigational devices, and communications systems. Almost any device that uses broadcast, or transmitted, information will use an rf amplifier.
As you should recall, rf amplifiers are used to amplify signals between 10 kilohertz (10 kHz) and 100,000 megahertz (100,000 MHz) (not this entire band of frequencies, but any band of frequencies within these limits). Therefore, any device that uses frequencies between 10 kilohertz and 100,000 megahertz will most likely use an rf amplifier.
Before you study the details of video and rf amplifiers, you need to learn a little more about the frequency response of an amplifier and frequency-response curves.
AMPLIFIER FREQUENCY RESPONSE In chapter 1 of this module you were shown the frequency-response curve of an audio amplifier.
Every amplifier has a frequency-response curve associated with it. Technicians use frequency-response curves because they provide a "picture" of the performance of an amplifier at various frequencies. You will probably never have to draw a frequency-response curve, but, in order to use one, you should know how a frequency-response curve is created. The amplifier for which the frequency-response curve is created is tested at various frequencies. At each frequency, the input signal is set to some predetermined level of voltage (or current). This same voltage (or current) level for all of the input signals is used to provide a standard input and to allow evaluation of the output of the circuit at each of the frequencies tested. For each of these frequencies, the output is measured and marked on a graph. The graph is marked "frequency" along the horizontal axis and "voltage" or "current" along the vertical axis. When points have been plotted for all of the frequencies tested, the points are connected to form the frequency-response curve. The shape of the curve represents the frequency response of the amplifier.
Some amplifiers should be "flat" across a band of frequencies. In other words, for every frequency within the band, the amplifier should have equal gain (equal response). For frequencies outside the band, the amplifier gain will be much lower.
For other amplifiers, the desired frequency response is different. For example, perhaps the amplifier should have high gain at two frequencies and low gain for all other frequencies. The frequency-response curve for this type of amplifier would show two "peaks." In other amplifiers the frequency-response curve will have one peak indicating high gain at one frequency and lower gain at all others.
Note the frequency-response curve shown in figure 2-1. This is the frequency-response curve for an audio amplifier as described in chapter 1. It is "flat" from 15 hertz (15 Hz) to 20 kilohertz (20 kHz).
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Notice in the figure that the lower frequency limit is labeled f1 and the upper frequency limit is labeled f2. Note also the portion inside the frequency-response curve marked "BANDWIDTH." You may be wondering just what a "bandwidth" is. BANDWIDTH OF AN AMPLIFIER
The bandwidth represents the amount or "width" of frequencies, or the "band of frequencies," that the amplifier is MOST effective in amplifying. However, the bandwidth is NOT the same as the band of frequencies that is amplified. The bandwidth (BW) of an amplifier is the difference between the frequency limits of the amplifier. For example, the band of frequencies for an amplifier may be from 10 kilohertz (10 kHz) to 30 kilohertz (30 kHz). In this case, the bandwidth would be 20 kilohertz (20 kHz). As another example, if an amplifier is designed to amplify frequencies between 15 hertz (15 Hz) and 20 kilohertz (20 kHz), the bandwidth will be equal to 20 kilohertz minus 15 hertz or 19,985 hertz (19,985 Hz). This is shown in figure 2-1.
Mathematically:
You should notice on the figure that the frequency-response curve shows output voltage (or current) against frequency. The lower and upper frequency limits (f1 and f2) are also known as HALF-POWER POINTS. The half-power points are the points at which the output voltage (or current) is 70.7 percent of the maximum output voltage (or current). Any frequency that produces less than 70.7 percent of the maximum output voltage (or current) is outside the bandwidth and, in most cases, is not considered a useable output of the amplifier.
The reason these points are called "half-power points" is that the true output power will be half (50 percent) of the maximum true output power when the output voltage (or current) is 70.7 percent of the maximum output voltage (or current), as shown below. (All calculations are rounded off to two decimal places.)
As you learned in NEETS, Module 2, in an a.c. circuit true power is calculated using the resistance (R) of the circuit, NOT the impedance (Z). If the circuit produces a maximum output voltage of 10 volts across a 50-ohm load, then:
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When the output voltage drops to 70.7 percent of the maximum voltage of 10 volts, then:
As you can see, the true power is 50 percent (half) of the maximum true power when the output voltage is 70.7 percent of the maximum output voltage. If, instead, you are using the output current of the above circuit, the maximum current is
The calculations are:
At 70.7 percent of the output current (.14 A):
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limits of the amplifier. In this case, the limits are 15 hertz (15 Hz) and 20 kilohertz (20 kHz). You should now see how a frequency-response curve can enable you to determine the frequency limits and the bandwidth of an amplifier.
READING AMPLIFIER FREQUENCY-RESPONSE CURVES Figure 2-2 shows the frequency-response curves for four different amplifiers. View (A) is the same
frequency-response curve as shown in figure 2-1. View (B) is the frequency-response curve of an amplifier that would also be classified as an audio amplifier, even though the curve is not "flat" from 15 hertz to 20 kilohertz and does not drop off sharply at the frequency limits. From the curve, you can see that the lower frequency limit of this amplifier (f1) is 100 hertz. The upper frequency limit (f 2) is 10 kilohertz. Therefore, the bandwidth of this amplifier must be 10 kilohertz minus 100 hertz or 9900 hertz. Most amplifiers will have a frequency-response curve shaped like view (B) if nothing is done to modify the frequency-response characteristics of the circuit. (The factors that affect frequency response and the methods to modify the frequency response of an amplifier are covered a little later in this chapter.)
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Now look at view (C). This frequency-response curve is for an rf amplifier. The frequency limits of this amplifier are 100 kilohertz (f1) and 1 megahertz (f2); therefore, the bandwidth of this amplifier is 900 kilohertz.
View (D) shows another audio amplifier. This time the frequency limits are 30 hertz (f1) and 200 hertz (f2). The bandwidth of this amplifier is only 170 hertz. The important thing to notice in view (D) is that the frequency scale is different from those used in other views. Any frequency scale can be used for a frequency-response curve. The scale used would be determined by what frequencies are most useful in presenting the frequency-response curve for a particular amplifier.
Q-1. What is the bandwidth of an amplifier? Q-2. What are the upper and lower frequency limits of an amplifier? Q-3. What are the upper and lower frequency limits and the bandwidth for the amplifiers that have
frequency-response curves as shown in figure 2-3?
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response. Now you will see why this is true.
You should recall that the frequency response of an a.c. circuit is limited by the reactive elements (capacitance and inductance) in the circuit. As you know, this is caused by the fact that the capacitive and inductive reactances vary with the frequency. In other words, the value of the reactance is determined, in part, by frequency. Remember the formulas:
If you ignore the amplifying device (transistor, electron tube, etc.), and if the amplifier circuit is made up of resistors only, there should be no limits to the frequency response. In other words, a totally resistive circuit would have no frequency limits. However, there is no such thing as a totally resistive circuit because circuit components almost always have some reactance. In addition to the reactance of other components in the circuit, most amplifiers use RC coupling. This means that a capacitor is used to couple the signal in to and out of the circuit. There is also a certain amount of capacitance and inductance in the wiring of the circuit. The end result is that all circuits are reactive. To illustrate this point, figure 2-4 shows amplifier circuits with the capacitance and inductance of the wiring represented as "phantom" capacitors and inductors. The reactances of the capacitors (XC) and the inductors (XL) are shown as "phantom" variable resistors. View (A) shows the circuit with a low-frequency input signal, and view (B) shows the circuit with a high-frequency input signal.
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The actual circuit components are: C1, C2, C3, R1, R2, R3, and Q1. C1 is used to couple the input signal. R1 develops the input signal. R2, the emitter resistor, is used for proper biasing and temperature stability. C2 is a decoupling capacitor for R2. R3 develops the output signal. C3 couples the output signal to the next stage. Q1 is the amplifying device.
The phantom circuit elements representing the capacitance and inductance of the wiring are: L1, L2, C4, and C5. L1 represents the inductance of the input wiring. L2 represents the inductance of the output wiring. C4 represents the capacitance of the input wiring. C5 represents the capacitance of the output wiring.
In view (A) the circuit is shown with a low-frequency input signal. Since the formulas for capacitive reactance and inductive reactance are:
You should remember that if frequency is low, capacitive reactance will be high and inductive reactance will be low. This is shown by the position of the variable resistors that represent the reactances. Notice that XL1 and XL2 are low; therefore, they do not "drop" very much of the input and output signals. XC4 and XC5 are high; these reactances tend to "block" the input and output signals and keep them from going to the power supplies (VBB and VCC). Notice that the output signal is larger in amplitude than the input signal.
Now look at view (B). The input signal is a high-frequency signal. Now XC is low and XL is high. XL1 and XL2 now drop part of the input and output signals. At the same time XC4 and XC5 tend to "short" or "pass" the input and output signals to signal ground. The net effect is that both the input and output signals are reduced. Notice that the output signal is smaller in amplitude than the input signal.
Now you can see how the capacitance and inductance of the wiring affect an amplifier, causing the output of an amplifier to be less for high-frequency signals than for low-frequency signals.
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In addition to the other circuit components, an amplifying device (transistor or electronic tube), itself, reacts differently to high frequencies than it does to low frequencies. In earlier NEETS modules you were told that transistors and electronic tubes have interelectrode capacitance. Figure 2-5 shows a portion of the interelectrode capacitance of a transistor and the way in which this affects high- and low-frequency signals.
In view (A) a transistor is shown with phantom capacitors connected to represent the interelectrode capacitance. CEB represents the emitter-to-base capacitance. CBC represents the base-to-collector capacitance.
For simplicity, in views (B) and (C) the capacitive reactance of these capacitors is shown by variable resistors R1 (for CEB) and R2 (for CBC). View (B) shows the reactance as high when there is a low-frequency input signal. In this case there is very little effect from the reactance on the transistor. The transistor amplifies the input signal as shown in view (B). However, when a high-frequency input signal is applied to the transistor, as in view (C), things are somewhat different. Now the capacitive reactance is low (as shown by the settings of the variable resistors). In this case, as the base of the transistor attempts to go positive during the first half of the input signal, a great deal of this positive signal is felt on the emitter (through R1). If both the base and the emitter go positive at the same time, there is no change in emitter-base bias and the conduction of the transistor will not change. Of course, a small amount of change does occur in the emitter-base bias, but not as much as when the capacitive reactance is higher (at low frequencies). As an output signal is developed in the collector circuit, part of this signal is fed back to the base through R2. Since the signal on the collector is 180 degrees out of phase with the base signal, this tends to drive the base negative. The effect of this is to further reduce the emitter-base bias and the conduction of the transistor.During the second half of the input signal, the same effect occurs although the polarity is reversed. The net effect is a reduction in the gain of the transistor as indicated by the small output signal. This decrease in the amplifier output at higher frequencies is caused by the interelectrode capacitance. (There are certain special cases in which the feedback signal caused by the interelectrode capacitance is in phase with the base signal. However, in most cases, the feedback caused by interelectrode capacitance is degenerative and is 180 degrees out of phase with the base signal as explained above.)
Q-4. What are the factors that limit the frequency response of a transistor amplifier?
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Q-5. What type of feedback is usually caused by interelectrode capacitance? Q-6. What happens to capacitive reactance as frequency increases? Q-7. What happens to inductive reactance as frequency increases?
As you have seen, a transistor amplifier is limited in its frequency response. You should also remember from chapter 1 that a VIDEO AMPLIFIER should have a frequency response of 10 hertz (10 Hz) to 6 megahertz (6 MHz). The question has probably occurred to you: How is it possible to "extend" the range of frequency response of an amplifier?
use as a video amplifier, some means must be found to overcome the limitations of the audio amplifier. As you have seen, the capacitance of an amplifier circuit and the interelectrode capacitance of the transistor (or electronic tube) cause the higher frequency response to be limited.
In some ways capacitance and inductance can be thought of as opposites. As stated before, as frequency increases, capacitive reactance decreases, and inductive reactance increases. Capacitance opposes changes in voltage, and inductance opposes changes in current. Capacitance causes current to lead voltage, and inductance causes voltage to lead current.
Since frequency affects capacitive reactance and inductive reactance in opposite ways, and since it is the capacitive reactance that causes the problem with high-frequency response, inductors are added to an amplifier circuit to improve the high-frequency response. This is called HIGH-FREQUENCY COMPENSATION. Inductors (coils), when used for high-frequency compensation, are called PEAKING COILS. Peaking coils can be added to a circuit so they are in series with the output signal path or in parallel to the output signal path. Instead of only in series or parallel, a combination of peaking coils in series and parallel with the output signal path can also be used for high-frequency compensation.
As in all electronic circuits, nothing comes free. The use of peaking coils WILL increase the frequency response of an amplifier circuit, but it will ALSO lower the gain of the amplifier.
The use of a peaking coil in series with the output signal path is known as SERIES PEAKING. Figure 2-6 shows a transistor amplifier circuit with a series peaking coil. In this figure, R1 is the input-signal-developing resistor. R2 is used for bias and temperature stability of Q1. C1 is the bypass capacitor for R2. R3 is the load resistor for Q1 and develops the output signal. C2 is the coupling capacitor which couples the output signal to the next stage. "Phantom" capacitor COUT represents the output capacitance of the circuit, and "phantom" capacitor CIN represents the input capacitance of the next stage.
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You know that the capacitive reactance of COUT and CIN will limit the high-frequency response of the circuit. L1 is the series peaking coil. It is in series with the output-signal path and isolates COUT from CIN. R4 is called a "swamping" resistor and is used to keep L1 from overcompensating at a narrow range of frequencies. In other words, R4 is used to keep the frequency-response curve flat. If R4 were not used with L1, there could be a "peak" in the frequency-response curve. (Remember, L1 is called a peaking coil.) Shunt Peaking
If a coil is placed in parallel (shunt) with the output signal path, the technique is called SHUNT PEAKING. Figure 2-7 shows a circuit with a shunt peaking coil. With the exceptions of the "phantom" capacitor and the inductor, the components in this circuit are the same as those in figure 2-6. R1 is the input-signal-developing resistor. R2 is used for bias and temperature stability. C1 is the bypass capacitor for R2. R3 is the load resistor for Q1 and develops the output signal. C2 is the coupling capacitor which couples the output signal to the next stage.
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The "phantom" capacitor, CT, represents the total capacitance of the circuit. Notice that it tends to couple the output signal to ground.
L1 is the shunt peaking coil. While it is in series with the load resistor (R3), it is in parallel (shunt) with the output-signal path.
Since inductive reactance increases as frequency increases, the reactance of L1 develops more output signal as the frequency increases. At the same time, the capacitive reactance of CT is decreasing as frequency increases. This tends to couple more of the output signal to ground. The increased inductive reactance counters the effect of the decreased capacitive reactance and this increases the high-frequency response of the amplifier.
You have seen how a series peaking coil isolates the output capacitance of an amplifier from the input capacitance of the next stage. You have also seen how a shunt peaking coil will counteract the effects of the total capacitance of an amplifier. If these two techniques are used together, the combination is more effective than the use of either one alone. The use of both series and shunt peaking coils is known as COMBINATION PEAKING. An amplifier circuit with combination peaking is shown in figure 2-8. In figure 2-8 the peaking coils are L1 and L2. L1 is a shunt peaking coil, and L2 is a series peaking coil.
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The "phantom" capacitor CT represents the total capacitance of the amplifier circuit. "Phantom" capacitor CIN represents the input capacitance of the next stage. Combination peaking will easily allow an amplifier to have a high-frequency response of 6 megahertz (6 MHz).
Q-8. What is the major factor that limits the high-frequency response of an amplifier circuits? Q-9. What components can be used to increase the high-frequency response of an amplifier? Q-10. What determines whether these components are considered series or shunt? Q-11. What is the arrangement of both series and shunt components called?
megahertz (6 MHz), you should realize that it is only necessary to extend the low-frequency response to 10 hertz (10 Hz) in order to have a video amplifier.
Once again, the culprit in low-frequency response is capacitance (or capacitive reactance). But this time the problem is the coupling capacitor between the stages.
At low frequencies the capacitive reactance of the coupling capacitor (C2 in figure 2-8) is high. This high reactance limits the amount of output signal that is coupled to the next stage. In addition, the RC network of the coupling capacitor and the signal-developing resistor of the next stage cause a phase shift in the output signal. (Refer to NEETS, Module 2, for a discussion of phase shifts in RC networks.) Both of these problems (poor low-frequency response and phase shift) can be solved by adding a parallel RC network in series with the load resistor. This is shown in figure 2-9.
2-16
The complete circuitry for Q2 is not shown in this figure, as the main concern is the signal-developing resistor (R5) for Q2. The coupling capacitor (C2) and the resistor (R5) limit the low-frequency response of the amplifier and cause a phase shift. The amount of the phase shift will depend upon the amount of resistance and capacitance. The RC network of R4 and C3 compensates for the effects of C2 and R5 and extends the low-frequency response of the amplifier.
At low frequencies, R4 adds to the load resistance (R3) and increases the gain of the amplifier. As frequency increases, the reactance of C3 decreases. C3 then provides a path around R4 and the gain of the transistor decreases. At the same time, the reactance of the coupling capacitor (C2) decreases and more signal is coupled to Q2.
Because the circuit shown in figure 2-9 has no high-frequency compensation, it would not be a very practical video amplifier.
There are many different ways in which video amplifiers can be built. The particular configuration of a video amplifier depends upon the equipment in which the video amplifier is used. The circuit shown in figure 2-10 is only one of many possible video-amplifier circuits. Rather than reading about what each component does in this circuit, you can see how well you have learned about video amplifiers by answering the following questions. You should have no problem identifying the purpose of the components because similar circuits have been explained to you earlier in the text.
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The following questions refer to figure 2-10.
Q-12. What component in an amplifier circuit tends to limit the low-frequency response of the amplifier? Q-13. What is the purpose of L3? Q-14. What is the purpose of C1? Q-15. What is the purpose of R4? Q-16. What is the purpose of L2? Q-17. What is the purpose of R5? Q-18. What component(s) is/are used for high-frequency compensation for Q1? Q-19. What component(s) is/are used for low-frequency compensation for Q2?
may be wondering about radio-frequency (rf) amplifiers. Do they use the same techniques? Are they just another type of broadband amplifier?
The answer to both questions is "no." Radio-frequency amplifiers use different techniques than video amplifiers and are very different from them.
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Before you study the specific techniques used in rf amplifiers, you should review some information on the relationship between the input and output impedance of an amplifier and the gain of the amplifier stage.
You should remember that the gain of a stage is calculated by using the input and output signals. The formula used to calculate the gain of a stage is:
Voltage gain is calculated using input and output voltage; current gain uses input and output current; and power gain uses input and output power. For the purposes of our discussion, we will only be concerned with voltage gain.
Figure 2-11 shows a simple amplifier circuit with the input- and output-signal-developing impedances represented by variable resistors. In this circuit, C1 and C2 are the input and output coupling capacitors. R1 represents the impedance of the input circuit. R2 represents the input-signal-developing impedance, and R3 represents the output impedance.
R1 and R2 form a voltage-divider network for the input signal. When R2 is increased in value, the input signal to the transistor (Q1) increases. This causes a larger output signal, and the gain of the stage increases.
Now look at the output resistor, R3. As R3 is increased in value, the output signal increases. This also increases the gain of the stage.
As you can see, increasing the input-signal-developing impedance, the output impedance, or both will increase the gain of the stage. Of course there are limits to this process. The transistor must not be overdriven with too high an input signal or distortion will result.
With this principle in mind, if you could design a circuit that had maximum impedance at a specific frequency (or band of frequencies), that circuit could be used in an rf amplifier. This FREQUENCY- DETERMINING NETWORK could be used as the input-signal-developing impedance, the output impedance, or both. The rf amplifier circuit would then be as shown in figure 2-12.
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In this "semi-block" diagram, C1 and C2 are the input and output coupling capacitors. R1 represents the impedance of the input circuit. The blocks marked FDN represent the frequency-determining networks. They are used as input-signal-developing and output impedances for Q1. FREQUENCY-DETERMINING NETWORK FOR AN RF AMPLIFIER
What kind of circuit would act as a frequency-determining network? In general, a frequency- determining network is a circuit that provides the desired response at a particular frequency. This response could be maximum impedance or minimum impedance; it all depends on how the frequency- determining network is used. You will see more about frequency-determining networks in NEETS, Module 9—Introduction to Wave-Generation and Shaping Circuits. As you have seen, the frequency- determining network needed for an rf amplifier should have maximum impedance at the desired frequency.
Before you are shown the actual components that make up the frequency-determining network for an rf amplifier, look at figure 2-13, which is a simple parallel circuit. The resistors in this circuit are variable and are connected together (ganged) in such a way that as the resistance of R1 increases, the resistance of R2 decreases, and vice versa.
If each resistor has a range from 0 to 200 ohms, the following relationship will exist between the individual resistances and the resistance of the network (RT). (All values are in ohms, RT rounded off to two decimal places. These are selected values; there are an infinite number of possible combinations.)
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R1 R2 RT 0 200 0.00
10 190 9.50 25 175 21.88 50 150 37.50 75 125 46.88
100 100 50.00 125 75 46.88 150 50 37.50 175 25 21.88 190 10 9.50 200 0 0.00
As you can see, this circuit has maximum resistance (RT) when the individual resistors are of equal value. If the variable resistors represented impedances and if components could be found that varied their impedance in the same way as the ganged resistors in figure 2-13, you would have the frequency- determining network needed for an rf amplifier.
There are components that will vary their impedance (reactance) like the ganged resistors. As you know, the reactance of an inductor and a capacitor vary as frequency changes. As frequency increases, inductive reactance increases, and capacitive reactance decreases.
At some frequency, inductive and capacitive reactance will be equal. That frequency will depend upon the value of the inductor and capacitor. If the inductor and capacitor are connected as a parallel LC circuit, you will have the ideal frequency-determining network for an rf amplifier.
The parallel LC circuit used as a frequency-determining network is called a TUNED CIRCUIT. This circuit is "tuned" to give the proper response at the desired frequency by selecting the proper values of inductance and capacitance. A circuit using this principle is shown in figure 2-14 which shows an rf amplifier with parallel LC circuits used as frequency-determining networks. This rf amplifier will only be effective in amplifying the frequency determined by the parallel LC circuits.
In many electronic devices, such as radio or television receivers or radar systems, a particular frequency must be selected from a band of frequencies. This could be done by using a separate rf amplifier for each frequency and then turning on the appropriate rf amplifier. It would be more efficient if a single rf amplifier could be "tuned" to the particular frequency as that frequency is needed. This is what
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happens when you select a channel on your television set or tune to a station on your radio. To accomplish this "tuning," you need only change the value of inductance or capacitance in the parallel LC circuits (tuned circuits).
In most cases, the capacitance is changed by the use of variable capacitors. The capacitors in the input and output portions of all the rf amplifier stages are ganged together in order that they can all be changed at one time with a single device, such as the tuning dial on a radio. (This technique will be shown on a schematic a little later in this chapter.)
Q-20. If the input-signal-developing impedance of an amplifier is increased, what is the effect on the gain?
Q-21. If the output impedance of an amplifier circuit is decreased, what is the effect on the gain? Q-22. What is the purpose of a frequency-determining network in an rf amplifier? Q-23. Can a parallel LC circuit be used as the frequency-determining network for an rf amplifier? Q-24. How can the frequency be changed in the frequency-determining network?
Figure 2-14 and the other circuits you have been shown use capacitors to couple the signal in to and out of the circuit (C1 and C4 in figure 2-14). As you remember from chapter 1, there are also other methods of coupling signals from one stage to another. Transformer coupling is the most common method used to couple rf amplifiers. Transformer coupling has many advantages over RC coupling for rf amplifiers; for example, transformer coupling uses fewer components than capacitive coupling. It can also provide a means of increasing the gain of the stage by using a step-up transformer for voltage gain. If a current gain is required, a step-down transformer can be used.
You should also remember that the primary and secondary windings of a transformer are inductors. With these factors in mind, an rf amplifier could be constructed like the one shown in figure 2-15.
In this circuit, the secondary of T1 and capacitor C1 form a tuned circuit which is the input-signal- developing impedance. The primary of T2 and capacitor C2 are a tuned circuit which acts as the output impedance of Q1. (Both T1 and T2 must be rf transformers in order to operate at rf frequencies.)
The input signal applied to the primary of T1 could come from the previous stage or from some input device, such as a receiving antenna. In either case, the input device would have a capacitor connected
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across a coil to form a tuned circuit. In the same way, the secondary of T2 represents the output of this circuit. A capacitor connected across the secondary of T2 would form a parallel LC network. This network could act as the input-signal-developing impedance for the next stage, or the network could represent some type of output device, such as a transmitting antenna.
The tuned circuits formed by the transformer and capacitors may not have the bandwidth required for the amplifier. In other words, the bandwidth of the tuned circuit may be too "narrow" for the requirements of the amplifier. (For example, the rf amplifiers used in television receivers usually require a bandwidth of 6 MHz.)
One way of "broadening" the bandpass of a tuned circuit is to use a swamping resistor. This is similar to the use of the swamping resistor that was shown with the series peaking coil in a video amplifier. A swamping resistor connected in parallel with the tuned circuit will cause a much broader bandpass. (This technique and the theory behind it are discussed in more detail in NEETS, Module 9.)
Another technique used to broaden the bandpass involves the amount of coupling in the transformers. For transformers, the term "coupling" refers to the amount of energy transferred from the primary to the secondary of the transformer. This depends upon the number of flux lines from the primary that intersect, or cut, the secondary. When more flux lines cut the secondary, more energy is transferred.
Coupling is mainly a function of the space between the primary and secondary windings. A transformer can be loosely coupled (having little transfer of energy), optimumly coupled (just the right amount of energy transferred), or overcoupled (to the point that the flux lines of primary and secondary windings interfere with each other).
Figure 2-16, (view A) (view B) (view C), shows the effect of coupling on frequency response when parallel LC circuits are made from the primary and secondary windings of transformers.
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In view (A) the transformer is loosely coupled; the frequency response curve shows a narrow bandwidth. In view (B) the transformer has optimum coupling; the bandwidth is wider and the curve is relatively flat. In view (C) the transformer is overcoupled; the frequency response curve shows a broad bandpass, but the curve "dips" in the middle showing that these frequencies are not developed as well as others in the bandwidth.
Optimum coupling will usually provide the necessary bandpass for the frequency-determining network (and therefore the rf amplifier). For some uses, such as rf amplifiers in a television receiver, the bandpass available from optimum coupling is not wide enough. In these cases, a swamping resistor (as mentioned earlier) will be used with the optimum coupling to broaden the bandpass. COMPENSATION OF RF AMPLIFIERS
Now you have been shown the way in which an rf amplifier is configured to amplify a band of frequencies and the way in which an rf amplifier can be "tuned" for a particular band of frequencies. You have also seen some ways in which the bandpass of an rf amplifier can be adjusted. However, the frequencies at which rf amplifiers operate are so high that certain problems exist.
One of these problems is the losses that can occur in a transformer at these high frequencies. Another problem is with interelectrode capacitance in the transistor. The process of overcoming these problems is known as COMPENSATION.
As you recall from NEETS, Module 1, the losses in a transformer are classified as copper loss, eddy-current loss, and hysteresis loss. Copper loss is not affected by frequency, as it depends upon the resistance of the winding and the current through the winding. Similarly, eddy-current loss is mostly a function of induced voltage rather than the frequency of that voltage. Hysteresis loss, however, increases as frequency increases.
Hysteresis loss is caused by the realignment of the magnetic domains in the core of the transformer each time the polarity of the magnetic field changes. As the frequency of the a.c. increases, the number of shifts in the magnetic field also increases (two shifts for each cycle of a.c.); therefore, the "molecular friction" increases and the hysteresis loss is greater. This increase in hysteresis loss causes the efficiency of the transformer (and therefore the amplifier) to decrease. The energy that goes into hysteresis loss is taken away from energy that could go into the signal.
RF TRANSFORMERS, specially designed for use with rf, are used to correct the problem of excessive hysteresis loss in the transformer of an rf amplifier. The windings of rf transformers are wound onto a tube of nonmagnetic material and the core is either powdered iron or air. These types of cores also reduce eddy-current loss.
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The problem of interelectrode capacitance in the transistor of an rf amplifier is solved by NEUTRALIZATION. Neutralization is the process of counteracting or "neutralizing" the effects of interelectrode capacitance.
Figure 2-17 shows the effect of the base-to-collector interelectrode capacitance in an rf amplifier. The "phantom" capacitor (CBC) represents the interelectrode capacitance between the base and the collector of Q1. This is the interelectrode capacitance that has the most effect in an rf amplifier. As you can see, CBC causes a degenerative (negative) feedback which decreases the gain of the amplifier. (There are some special cases in which CBC can cause regenerative (positive) feedback. In this case, the technique described below will provide negative feedback which will accomplish the neutralization of the amplifier.)
As you may recall, unwanted degenerative feedback can be counteracted (neutralized) by using positive feedback. This is exactly what is done to neutralize an rf amplifier.
Positive feedback is accomplished by the use of a feedback capacitor. This capacitor must feed back a signal that is in phase with the signal on the base of Q1. One method of doing this is shown in figure 2-18.
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In figure 2-18, a feedback capacitor (C4) has been added to neutralize the amplifier. This solves the problem of unwanted degenerative feedback. Except for capacitor C4, this circuit is identical to the circuit shown in figure 2-17. (When CBC causes regenerative feedback, C4 will still neutralize the amplifier. This is true because C4 always provides a feedback signal which is 180 degrees out of phase with the feedback signal caused by CBC.)
Q-25. What is the most common form of coupling for an rf amplifier? Q-26. What are two advantages of this type of coupling? Q-27. If current gain is required from an rf amplifier, what type of component should be used as an
output coupling element?
Q-28. What problem is caused in an rf amplifier by a loosely coupled transformer? Q-29. How is this problem corrected? Q-30. What problem is caused by overcoupling in a transformer? Q-31. What method provides the widest bandpass? Q-32. What two methods are used to compensate for the problems that cause low gain in an rf amplifier? Q-33. What type of feedback is usually caused by the base-to-collector interelectrode capacitance? Q-34. How is this compensated for?
As a technician, you will see many different rf amplifiers in many different pieces of equipment. The particular circuit configuration used for an rf amplifier will depend upon how that amplifier is used. In the final part of this chapter, you will be shown some typical rf amplifier circuits.
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Figure 2-19 is the schematic diagram of a typical rf amplifier that is used in an AM radio receiver. In figure 2-19, the input circuit is the antenna of the radio (L1-a coil) which forms part of an LC circuit which is tuned to the desired station by variable capacitor C1. L1 is wound on the same core as L2, which couples the input signal through C2 to the transistor (Q1). R1 is used to provide proper bias to Q1 from the base power supply (VBB). R2 provides proper bias to the emitter of Q1, and C3 is used to bypass R2. The primary of T1 and capacitor C4 form a parallel LC circuit which acts as the load for Q1. This LC circuit is tuned by C4, which is ganged to C1 allowing the antenna and the LC circuit to be tuned together. The primary of T1 is center-tapped to provide proper impedance matching with Q1.
You may notice that no neutralization is shown in this circuit. This circuit is designed for the AM broadcast band (535 kHz - 1605 kHz).
At these relatively low rf frequencies the degenerative feedback caused by base-to-collector interelectrode capacitance is minor and, therefore, the amplifier does not need neutralization.
Figure 2-20 is a typical rf amplifier used in a vhf television receiver. The input-signal-developing circuit for this amplifier is made up of L1, C1, and C2. The inductor tunes the input-signal-developing circuit for the proper TV channel. (L1 can be switched out of the circuit and another inductor switched in to the circuit by the channel selector.) R1 provides proper bias to Q1 from the base supply voltage (VBB). Q1 is the transistor. Notice that the case of Q1 (the dotted circle around the transistor symbol) is shown to be grounded. The case must be grounded because of the high frequencies (54 MHz - 217 MHz) used by the circuit. R2 provides proper bias from the emitter of Q1, and C3 is used to bypass R2. C5 and L2 are a parallel LC circuit which acts as the load for Q1. The LC circuit is tuned by L2 which is switched in to and out of the LC circuit by the channel selector. L3 and C6 are a parallel LC circuit which develops the signal for the next stage. The parallel LC circuit is tuned by L3 which is switched in to and out of the LC circuit by the channel selector along with L1 and L2. (L1, L2, and L3 are actually part of a bank of inductors. L1, L2, and L3 are in the circuit when the channel selector is on channel 2. For other channels, another group of three inductors would be used in the circuit.) R3 develops a signal which is fed through C4 to provide neutralization. This counteracts the effects of the interelectrode capacitance from the base to the collector of Q1. C7 is used to isolate the rf signal from the collector power supply (VCC).
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The following questions refer to figure 2-21.
Q-35. What components form the input-signal-developing impedance for the amplifier? Q-36. What is the purpose of R1?
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Q-37. What is the purpose of R2? Q-38. If C4 were removed from the circuit, what would happen to the output of the amplifier? Q-39. What components form the load for Q1? Q-40. How many tuned parallel LC circuits are shown in this schematic? Q-41. What do the dotted lines connecting C1, C2, C5, and C6 indicate? Q-42. What is the purpose of C3?
This chapter has presented information on video and rf amplifiers. The information that follows summarizes the important points of this chapter.
A FREQUENCY-RESPONSE CURVE will enable you to determine the BANDWIDTH and the UPPER and LOWER FREQUENCY LIMITS of an amplifier.
The BANDWIDTH of an amplifier is determined by the formula:
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The UPPER-FREQUENCY RESPONSE of an amplifier is limited by the inductance and capacitance of the circuit.
The INTERELECTRODE CAPACITANCE of a transistor causes DEGENERATIVE FEEDBACK at high frequencies.
VIDEO AMPLIFIERS must have a frequency response of 10 hertz to 6 megahertz (10 Hz - 6 MHz). To provide this frequency response, both high- and low-frequency compensation must be used.
PEAKING COILS are used in video amplifiers to overcome the high-frequency limitations caused by the capacitance of the circuit.
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SERIES PEAKING is accomplished by a peaking coil in series with the output-signal path.
SHUNT PEAKING is accomplished by a peaking coil in parallel (shunt) with the output-signal path.
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COMBINATION PEAKING is accomplished by using both series and shunt peaking.
LOW-FREQUENCY COMPENSATION is accomplished in a video amplifier by the use of a parallel RC circuit in series with the load resistor.
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A RADIO-FREQUENCY (RF) AMPLIFIER uses FREQUENCY-DETERMINING NETWORKS to provide the required response at a given frequency.
The FREQUENCY-DETERMINING NETWORK in an rf amplifier provides maximum impedance at the desired frequency. It is a parallel LC circuit which is called a TUNED CIRCUIT.
TRANSFORMER COUPLING is the most common form of coupling in rf amplifiers. This coupling is accomplished by the use of rf transformers as part of the frequency-determining network for the amplifier.
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ADEQUATE BANDPASS is accomplished by optimum coupling in the rf transformer or by the use of a SWAMPING RESISTOR.
NEUTRALIZATION in an rf amplifier provides feedback (usually positive) to overcome the effects caused by the base-to-collector interelectrode capacitance.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS Q1. THROUGH Q42. A-1. The difference between the upper and lower frequency limits of an amplifier. A-2. The half-power points of a frequency-response curve. The upper and lower limits of the band f
frequencies for which the amplifier is most effective. A-3. (A) f2 = 80 kHz, f1 = 30 kHz, BW = 50 kHz (B) f2 = 4 kHz, f1 = 2 kHz, BW = 2 kHz A-4. The capacitance and inductance of the circuit and the interelectrode capacitance of the transistor. A-5. Negative (degenerative) feedback. A-6. It decreases.
A-7. It increases.
A-8. The capacitance of the circuit. A-9. Peaking coils.
A-10. The relationship of the components to the output-signal path. A-11. Combination peaking.
A-12. The coupling capacitor (C3).
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A-13. A shunt peaking coil for Q2. A-14. A decoupling capacitor for the effects of R2. A-15. A part of the low-frequency compensation network for Q1. A-16. A series peaking coil for Q1. A-17. A swamping resistor for L2. A-18. L1, L2, and R5.
A-19. R9 and C5.
A-20. The gain increases.
A-21. The gain decreases.
A-22. To provide maximum impedance at the desired frequency. A-23. Yes.
A-24. By changing the value.
A-25. Transformer coupling. A-26. It uses fewer components than capacitive coupling and can provide an increase in gain. A-27. A step-down transformer. A-28. A too-narrow bandpass.
A-29. By using an optimumly-coupled transformer. A-30. Low gain at the center frequency. A-31. A swamping resistor in parallel with the tuned circuit.
A-32. RF transformers are used and the transistor is neutralized. A-33. Degenerative or negative.
A-34. By neutralization such as the use of a capacitor to provide regenerative (positive) feedback. A-35. C2 and the secondary of T1. A-36. R1 provides the proper bias to the base of Q1 from VBB . A-37. R2 provides the proper bias to the emitter of Q1. A-38. The output would decrease. (C4 decouples R2 preventing degenerative feedback from R2.) A-39. C5 and the primary of T2. A-40. Four.
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A-41. The dotted lines indicate that these capacitors are "ganged" and are tuned together with a single control.
A-42. C3 provides neutralization for Q1.
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Upon completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
1. Describe the basic operation of a differential amplifier.
2. Describe the operation of a differential amplifier under the following conditions:
a. Single Input, Single Output
b. Single input, differential output
c. Differential input, differential output
3. List the characteristics of an operational amplifier.
4. Identify the symbol for an operational amplifier.
5. Label the blocks on a block diagram of an operational amplifier.
6. Describe the operation of an operational amplifier with inverting and noninverting configurations.
7. Describe the bandwidth of a typical operational amplifier and methods to modify the bandwidth.
8. Identify the following applications of operational amplifiers:
a. Adder
b. Subtractor
9. State the common usage for a magnetic amplifier.
10. Describe the basic operation of a magnetic amplifier.
11. Describe various methods of changing inductance.
12. Identify the purpose of components in a simple magnetic amplifier.
If you were to make a quick review of the subjects discussed in this module up to this point, you would see that you have been given a considerable amount of information about amplifiers. You have been shown what amplification is and how the different classes of amplifiers affect amplification. You also have been shown that many factors must be considered when working with amplifiers, such as
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impedance, feedback, frequency response, and coupling. With all this information behind you, you might ask yourself "what more can there be to know about amplifiers?"
There is a great deal more to learn about amplifiers. Even after you finish this chapter you will have only "scratched the surface" of the study of amplifiers. But, you will have prepared yourself for the remainder of the NEETS. This, in turn, should prepare you for further study and, perhaps, a career in electronics.
As in chapter 2, the circuits shown in this chapter are intended to present particular concepts to you. Therefore, the circuits may be incomplete or not practical for use in an actual piece of electronic equipment. You should keep in mind the fact that this text is intended to teach certain facts about amplifiers, and in order to simplify the illustrations used, complete operational circuits are not always shown.
In this chapter three types of special amplifiers are discussed. These are: DIFFERENTIAL AMPLIFIERS, OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS, and MAGNETIC AMPLIFIERS. These are called special amplifiers because they are used only in certain types of equipment.
The names of each of these special amplifiers describe the operation of the amplifier, NOT what is amplified. For example, a magnetic amplifier does not amplify magnetism but uses magnetic effects to produce amplification of an electronic signal.
A differential amplifier is an amplifier that can have two input signals and/or two output signals. This amplifier can amplify the difference between two input signals. A differential amplifier will also "cancel out" common signals at the two inputs.
One of the more interesting aspects of an operational amplifier is that it can be used to perform mathematical operations electronically. Properly connected, an operational amplifier can add, subtract, multiply, divide, and even perform the calculus operations of integration and differentiation. These amplifiers were originally used in a type of computer known as the "analog computer" but are now used in many electronic applications.
The magnetic amplifier uses a device called a "saturable core reactor" to control an a.c.output signal. The primary use of magnetic amplifiers is in power control systems.
These brief descriptions of the three special amplifiers are intended to provide you with a general idea of what these amplifiers are and how they can be used. The remaining sections of this chapter will provide you with more detailed information on these special amplifiers.
A differential amplifier has two possible inputs and two possible outputs. This arrangement means that the differential amplifier can be used in a variety of ways. Before examining the three basic configurations that are possible with a differential amplifier, you need to be familiar with the basic circuitry of a differential amplifier.
Before you are shown the operation of a differential amplifier, you will be shown how a simpler circuit works. This simpler circuit, known as the DIFFERENCE AMPLIFIER, has one thing in common
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with the differential amplifier: It operates on the difference between two inputs. However, the difference amplifier has only one output while the differential amplifier can have two outputs.
By now, you should be familiar with some amplifier circuits, which should give you an idea of what a difference amplifier is like. In NEETS, Module 7, you were shown the basic configurations for transistor amplifiers. Figure 3-1 shows two of these configurations: the common emitter and the common base.
In view (A) of figure 3-1 a common-emitter amplifier is shown. The output signal is an amplified version of the input signal and is 180 degrees out of phase with the input signal. View (B) is a common- base amplifier. In this circuit the output signal is an amplified version of the input signal and is in phase with the input signal. In both of these circuits, the output signal is controlled by the base-to-emitter bias. As this bias changes (because of the input signal) the current through the transistor changes. This causes the output signal developed across the collector load (R2) to change. None of this information is new, it is just a review of what you have already been shown regarding transistor amplifiers.
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NOTE: Bias arrangements for the following explanations will be termed base-to-emitter. In other publications you will see the term emitter-to-base used to describe the same bias arrangement.
If you combine the common-base and common-emitter configurations into a single transistor amplifier, you will have a circuit like the one shown in figure 3-2. This circuit is the two-input, single-output, difference amplifier.
In figure 3-2, the transistor has two inputs (the emitter and the base) and one output (the collector). Remember, the current through the transistor (and therefore the output signal) is controlled by the base-to-emitter bias. In the circuit shown in figure 3-2, the combination of the two input signals controls the output signal. In fact, the DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE INPUT SIGNALS determines the base-to-emitter bias.
For the purpose of examining the operation of the circuit shown in figure 3-2, assume that the circuit has a gain of -10. This means that for each 1-volt change in the base-to-emitter bias, there would be a 10-volt change in the output signal. Assume, also, that the input signals will peak at 1-volt levels (+1 volt for the positive peak and -1 volt for the negative peak). The secret to understanding this circuit (or any transistor amplifier circuit) is to realize that the collector current is controlled by the base-to-emitter bias. In other words, in this circuit the output signal (the voltage developed across R3) is determined by the difference between the voltage on the base and the voltage on the emitter.
Figure 3-3 shows this two-input, single-output amplifier with input signals that are equal in amplitude and 180 degrees out of phase. Input number one has a positive alternation when input number two has a negative alternation and vice versa.
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The circuit and the input and output signals are shown at the top of the figure. The lower portion of the figure is a comparison of the input signals and the output signal. Notice the vertical lines marked "T0" through "T8." These represent "time zero" through "time eight." In other words, these lines provide a way to examine the two input signals and the output signal at various instants of time.
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In figure 3-3 at time zero (T0) both input signals are at 0 volts. The output signal is also at 0 volts. Between time zero (T0) and time one (T1), input signal number one goes positive and input signal number two goes negative. Each of these voltage changes causes an increase in the base-to-emitter bias which causes current through Q1 to increase. Increased current through Q1 results in a greater voltage drop across the collector load (R3) which causes the output signal to go negative.
By time one (T1), input signal number one has reached +1 volt and input signal number two has reached - 1 volt. This is an overall increase in base-to-emitter bias of 2 volts. Since the gain of the circuit is - 10, the output signal has decreased by 20 volts. As you can see, the output signal has been determined by the difference between the two input signals. In fact, the base-to-emitter bias can be found by subtracting the value of input signal number two from the value of input signal number one.
Between time one (T1) and time two (T2), input signal number one goes from +1 volt to 0 volts and input signal number two goes from - 1 volt to 0 volts. At time two (T2) both input signals are at 0 volts and the base-to-emitter bias has returned to 0 volts. The output signal is also 0 volts.
Between time two (T2) and time three (T3), input signal number one goes negative and input signal number two goes positive. At time three (T3), the value of the base-to-emitter bias is - 2 volts.
This causes the output signal to be +20 volts at time three (T3). Between time three (T3) and time four (T4), input signal #1 goes from - 1 volt to 0 volts and input
signal #2 goes from +1 volt to 0 volts. At time four (T4) both input signals are 0 volts, the bias is 0 volts, and the output is 0 volts.
During time four (T4) through time eight (T8), the circuit repeats the sequence of events that took place from time zero (T0) through time four (T4).
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You can see that when the input signals are equal in amplitude and 180 degrees out of phase, the output signal is twice as large (40 volts peak to peak) as it would be from either input signal alone (if the other input signal were held at 0 volts).
Figure 3-4 shows the two-input, single-output, difference amplifier with two input signals that are equal in amplitude and in phase.
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Notice, that the output signal remains at 0 volts for the entire time (T0 - T8). Since the two input signals are equal in amplitude and in phase, the difference between them (the base-to-emitter bias) is always 0 volts. This causes a 0-volt output signal.
If you compute the bias at any time period (T0 - T8), you will see that the output of the circuit remains at a constant zero.
For example: