LABORATORY 4 THE DIFFERENTIAL AMPLIFIER

OBJECTIVES 1. To understand how to amplify weak (small) signals in the presence of noise. 1. To understand how a differential amplifier rejects noise and common mode signals. 2. To evaluate the roles of the components of a differential amplifier. 3. To test the operation of a current source in place of an emitter resistor. 4. To simulate the dc conditions of various differential amplifier circuits using MicroCap software.

INFORMATION A differential amplifier is a basic building block seen as the first stage of an operational amplifier. Its importance to the success of the op-amp is paramount. A differential amplifier provides two input and two output terminals. The amplifier is powered by split supplies, also the norm for op-amps. Although the op-amp has two input terminals, the input to be amplified is usually connected between one input and circuit ground. The other input is used for feedback and other purposes. This experiment will consider the dc biasing and ac small signal aspects of differential amplifier operation, beginning with the circuit of Figure 4.1.
Icc Vcc Vo2 Rb1 Vs1 Ib1 Q1 Ie1 Re Iee Vee Q2 Ie2 Ib2 Rb1 Vs2

Rc1 Vo1

Ic1

Ic2

Rc2

Figure 4.1. Basic BJT differential amplifier circuit. Ideally both transistors Q1 and Q2 should have equal parameters, so the Equations (4.1) and (4.2) could describe the currents values in this circuit.
I c1 ! I c 2 ! I cc 2

Equation (4.1)

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I e1 ! I e 2 !

I ee 2

Equation (4.2)

A preferred simple circuit of a real differential amplifier is given in Figure 4.2 and it is using a current source (in the emitters) to DC bias Q1 and Q2. This current source is designed to overcome variations in the transistors parameters and for temperature compensation. The design of a current source is provided below.
Vcc

Ic1 Vo1

Rc1

Rc2 Vo2

Q1 Vs1 Rb1 R1 Vb3

Q2 Rb1 Vs2

Q3 R2 Iee Re Vee

Figure 4.2. Differential amplifier with a current source. For DC biasing of the differential amplifier shown in Figure 4.2 following equations could be used. Vcc ! I c1 Rc1  VCE1  VCE 3  I ee Re  Vee Equation (4.3) With some approximation the following equation could be used for dc biasing of this circuit:

Vb 3 ! V B

 I ee Re  Vee

Equation (4.4)

PRE-LABORATORY PREPARATION The lab preparation must be completed before coming to the lab. Show it to your TA for checking and grading (out of 15) at the beginning of the lab and get his/her signature.

1. Select the BJT pair You will be provided with four 2N3904 NPN transistors. You need to select two NPNs that are reasonably matched for the basic differential amplifier, and one NPNs for the 4-2

current source. Use the curve tracer software on the computer in ESB3108 to obtain the input and output characteristics for each of the transistors. Try to match two 2N3904 transistors to be used as the basic two transistors in the differential pair. A note of warning, do not damage one of the transistors in the differential pair. If you loose one you may have to start all over again! 2. Circuit design Use the circuit of Figure 4.2 as a model to design a differential amplifier with a current source. Set the DC power supply voltage at 10 VDC. Include a base resistance Rb1=Rb2=10 k in each input. Design the circuit such that VCE = 4.5 V for the two transistors in the differential pair. Similarly set VCE = 4.5 V for the current source (transistor Q3). Select IC1 = IC2 =2 mA through each transistor in the differential pair, the constant current source will then have to provide an ICC = IEE = 4 mA. Assume the DC hFE = 175 (unless you match two NPNs and have a different value), and VBE = 0.7 V. Set the voltage VB3 = -5V, using resistors R1 = R2 = 10 k . The Equations (4.3) and (4.4) should be of help in determining the RC1 = RC2 and Re component values. Remember the standard values for the resistors that are available in the box on the windowsill in ESB3107 and use only one resistor for each location. You may have somewhat different voltages and currents in the lab.

3. Small signal models of the circuit The DC operating point values for VCE, IC, and IB for each transistor in the circuit were given. Use the small signal model for the transistor and calculate the low frequency (1 kHz) voltage gain for the following case: 3.1. From the input of Q1 to the output of Q1 and Q2, with the input of Q2 connected to ground. 3.2. Similarly from the input of Q2 to the output of Q1 and Q2 with the input of Q1 connected to ground. Keep track of the phase angle in each situation. Use this value to compare with the simulation. 3.3. Connect the two inputs together to the same voltage source. Calculate the voltage gain from the input voltage to one or both outputs (Q1 and Q2). Compare your results with the simulation below. (Common mode signals and/or noise) 3.4. Calculate the input impedance at one input with the other input connected to ground. 4. MicroCap simulations 4. 1. Set the circuit in Figure 4.2 using calculated components values for resistors RC1 = RC2 and Re. 4.2. Determine the DC quiescent values for VCE, VBE and IC for each transistor Use a Table 4.1 to compare the experimental data, the calculated values and the results obtained from the simulation. 4.3. With the input signal connected to one input and the second input grounded, determine the frequency response of the voltage gain (magnitude in dB and phase) to the collectors of 4-3

Q1 and Q2. Use a frequency range from 50 Hz to 1 MHZ. Plot two separate sets of curves and bring them to your lab session. Attention: You must plot the Bode plots, i.e. the ratio of the output voltage over the input voltage, not the output voltage by setting the input voltage equal to 1.00r! MicroCap simulations tips: y To provide a power supply to the circuit use two Battery sources from the MicroCap library. Connect them as Vcc and Vee voltage sources with common ground and set them to a 10VDC. y To obtain the values of the all the bias currents and voltages on your schematic choose the Probe AC mode from Analysis menu and click on Node Voltages and Currents icons on the toolbar. y For a sine wave signal source (used for simulating the Vin), use a 1MHz Sinusoidal Source from the MicroCap library. Set the AC Amplitude to A= 0.02(V) in the model description area of the signal source. Note that A=0.02V corresponds to a magnitude of Vp-p=0.04V. y To obtain the gain and phase frequency response plots for this circuit you must run AC ANALYSIS. To get best results for your plots set the AC Analysis Limits as follows: Frequency Range: 1E6,10 which corresponds to a frequency range from 10 Hz to 1MHz Plot parameters: P* 1 2 3 4 X-Expression F F F F Y-Expression** dB(V(3)/V(1)) ph(V(3)/V(1)) dB(V(5)/V(1)) ph(V(5)/V(1)) X-Range 1e6,10,1k 1e6,10,1k 1e6,10,1k 1e6,10,1k Y-Range 30,0,5 200,60,20 30,0,5 10,-90,20

Voltage Gain Q1 Phase Q1 Voltage Gain Q2 Phase Q2 Note: * Set parameter P (plot #) to plot separate diagram for each curve **V(1), V(3) and V(5) are the AC voltages at corresponding nodes(1) at the input and (3) and (5) at the output of the simulation circuit set up. In your particular case they could have different numeration. 4.4. With the input signal connected to both inputs in parallel, determine the frequency response of the voltage gain (magnitude in dB and phase) to the collectors of Q1 and Q2. Use a frequency range from 50 Hz to 1 MHZ. Plot separate sets of curves and bring them to your lab session. y To get best results for your plots set the AC Analysis Limits as follows: Frequency Range: 1E6,10 which corresponds to a frequency range from 10 Hz to 1MHz Plot parameters: P* 1 2 3 4 X-Expression F F F F Y-Expression** dB(V(3)/V(1)) ph(V(3)/V(1)) dB(V(5)/V(1)) ph(V(5)/V(1)) X-Range 1e6,10,1k 1e6,10,1k 1e6,10,1k 1e6,10,1k Y-Range 0,-60,10 -100,-200,20 0,-60,10 -100,-200,20

Voltage Gain Q1 Phase Q1 Voltage Gain Q2 Phase Q2

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EQUIPMENT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Digital multimeter (Fluke 8010A, BK PRECISION 2831B) Digital oscilloscope Tektronix TDS 210 Function Generator Wavetek FG3B. PROTO-BOARD PB-503 (breadboard). BJT 2N3904 3. Resistors 10 k;

PROCEDURE 1. Connect the differential amplifier shown in Figure 4.3 using calculated values of RC1 = RC2 and Re. You will obtain better results if you match the two transistors in the differential pair using the curve tracer output characteristics. 2. Use a dual voltage Power Supply and connect its POS terminal as Vcc, NEG terminal as Vee and COM terminal as a common ground. Set the power supply voltage to 10V DC. Measure the DC quiescent point values. Use a Table 4.1 to compare the voltages and currents from your calculations and from the simulation with the experimental data. If your results are significantly different (more than 15%) from your calculated and simulated values, try to find out and eliminate the reason for that discrepancy. Q1 VBE Q2 VBE Q3 VBE

VCE Calculation Simulation Experiment Table 4.1.

IC

VCE

IC

VCE

IC

CH1

CH2

CH1

CH2

PHASE METER

OUT

cc

Rc
INPUT

FG

0k 3

10k

Re Vee

Figure 4.3. Differential amplifier frequency response measurements.

4-5

0k

Rc

10k

3. Connect the signal generator (FG) to the Q1 input with the Q2 input connected to ground as it is shown in Figure 4.3. Increase the input signal to one input (Q1). Determine the maximum output signal the circuit will produce without distortion. Use a frequency of 1 kHz. Compare this result with the VCE of the two transistors in the differential pair and with VCC. 4. Set the frequency at 1 kHz and determine the input resistance as seen at Q1 with the input of Q2 connected to common ground. 5. With the input signal connected to one input and the second input grounded, determine the frequency response of the voltage gain (magnitude in dB and phase) to the collectors of Q1 and Q2. Set the amplitude of the Function Generator (FG) to 50mV. Sweep a frequency range from 50 Hz to 1 MHz and collect all data in Table 4.2. 6. Connect both Ch1 of the oscilloscope and the Phase meter in parallel to the input signal. Connect both Ch2 of the oscilloscope and the Phase meter in parallel to the output 1 (Q1) signal. Read the both instruments and then switch the out measurement terminal to the output 2 (Q2) signal. Change the frequency of the signal generator and repeat the measurements for both outputs. Note which output provides the inverting output and which one the non-inverting output. 7. Calculate the voltage gain AQ1[dB] and AQ2[dB] for both outputs of the differential amplifier, using Equation (4.5).
AV ( dB ) ! 20 log Vout Vin

Equation (4.5).

f[Hz] 50 100 200 500 800 1k 10k 50k 100k 200k 500k 800k 1M

Vin [V]

5?deg] 5?deg] AQ1[dB] VO2 [V]              Table 4.2 Frequency response of a differential amplifier.

VO1 [V]

AQ2[dB]

8. Plot obtained voltage gain and phase data on top of your simulated Bode plots and compare the results. 9. Set the frequency at 1 kHz and interchange the two input connections. Determine the voltage gain to the collectors of Q1 and Q2.

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10. Connect both inputs to the same voltage source as it is shown in Figure 4.4 and make the necessary measurements to plot the frequency response of the common mode signal. Increase the input signal up to 6-7 V to be able to measure the output voltage. Vary the frequency from 50 Hz to 1 MHZ and fill all data in a table similar to the Table 4.2. These results will give you an indication how well the differential amplifier rejects the common signal. 11. Plot obtained voltage gain and phase data on top of your simulated Bode plots and compare the results.
CH1 CH2

CH1

CH2

PHASE METER
OUT

Vcc Rc1
INPUT

Rc2 10k Q2 Q3

10k Q1 10k 10k

Vo1

Vo2

Vs1

Re Vee

FG

Figure 4.4. The common mode signal frequency response measurements.

REPORT Your Lab report is due one week later. Please submit it to your TA in the beginning of your next lab session.

Note: You must copy/print the Signature and Marking Sheet from your manual
before coming to the lab session.

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SIGNATURE AND MARKING SHEET LAB 4

To complete y TA during the lab session Student Name:____________________ Student # : _____________________
Check boxes Task Max. Granted TA Marks Marks Signature

TA Name:___________________

Pre-lab completed Diff. Amplifier DC bias Test completed Diff. Amplifier Test completed Common Mode Test completed Overall Report Preparation TOTAL MARKS

15 15 15 10 45 100

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