ECET 2310 (Electronics II) Laboratory Exercise 6 Differential Amplifier

In this investigation you will predict the dc and ac performance of a differential amplifier. During the lab session you will build a differential amplifier and measure the actual performance of your circuit. You should expect reasonable agreement between the predicted performance and the actual performance.

PROCEDURE Part A. - Preliminary Calculations:

For this part, assume that Q1 and Q2 are perfectly matched and have the following specifications: (Note: some of these specifications may not be needed to perform the required calculations) hFE = hfe = 500 VBE = 0.6 V hib = 26 mV/IE hoe = 10 S

1. Assuming that the bases of Q1 and Q2 are both grounded, determine the following predicted dc voltages and currents for the differential amplifier circuit shown in Figure 1: VE1 = _______ VE2 = _______ VC1 = _______ VC2 = _______ IC1 = ______ IC2 = ______

2. Determine the single-ended output difference-mode gain (relative to vo1) of the circuit shown in Figure 1. Ad (single-ended output) = ______ 3. Determine the single-ended output common-mode gain (relative to vo1) of the circuit shown in Figure 1. Acm (single-ended output) = ______ 4. Determine the CMRR dB for the circuit shown in Figure 1, utilizing the results of steps 2 & 3, Part A. CMRR dB = ______
+15 V 10 k Vo1 Vi1 Q1 Q2 10 k Vo2 Vi2

100 k

-15 V

Figure 1

Part B. - Performance of the practical differential amplifier:

1. Build the circuit shown in Figure 1. Connect the bases of Q1 and Q2 to ground and measure the following dc voltages: VE1 = _______ VE2 = _______ VC1 = _______ VC2 = _______

2. Leave the base of Q2 connected to ground but remove the ground connection from the base of Q1. Set vi1 = 0.01 sin (6283t) V. In order to set vi1 to the specified amplitude a resistive voltage divider may be required between the sinewave generator and vi1. Sketch and completely label the waveforms vi1, vo1 and vo2.
V i1 V o1 Vo2

t 0 t 0 t

3. Determine the single-ended output difference-mode gain (relative to vo1) utilizing the results of step 2, Part B. Ad (single-ended output) = ________ 4. Remove the ground connection from the base of Q2 and instead ground the base of Q1. Set vi2 = 0.01 sin (6283t) V. Sketch and completely label the waveforms vi2, vo1 and vo2.
V i2 V o1 Vo2

t 0 t 0 t

5. Determine the single-ended output difference-mode gain (relative to vo1) utilizing the results of step 4, Part B. Ad (single-ended output) = ________ 6. Remove the ground connection from the base of Q1. Increase the amplitude of the sinewave generator in order to set vi1 = vi2 = 1.0 sin (6283t) V. Sketch and completely label the waveforms vi1, vo1 and vo2.
V i1 V o1 Vo2

t 0 t 0 t

7. Determine the single-ended output common-mode gain (relative to vo1) utilizing the results of step 6, Part B. Acm (single-ended output) = ______

3
+15 V 10 k Vo1 Vi1 Q1 Q2 10 k Vo2 Vi2

100 k

-15 V 4.7 k 4.7 k (7) +15 V

(2)

(3) LM741 (4)

(6) -15 V

Figure 2

8. Adjust the amplitude of the sinewave generator in order to set vi1 = 0.01 sin (6283t) V and remove the sinewave generator from the base of Q2. Connect the unity gain inverter (constructed with the LM741 op-amp IC and the two 4.7 k resistors) to the differential amplifier as shown in Figure 2. Sketch and completely label the waveforms vi1, vi2, vo1 and vo2.
V i1 & V i2 V o1 Vo2

t 0 t 0 t

9. Determine the single-ended output difference-mode gain (relative to vo1) utilizing the results of step 8, Part B. Ad (single-ended output) = ________ 10. Determine the CMRR dB for the circuit constructed, utilizing the results of steps 3 & 7, Part B. CMRR dB = ________

Calculations and Results:

1. Compare the calculated dc voltages (from step 1, Part A) and the measured dc voltages (from step 1, Part B). Describe the possible sources of error. 2. Compare the calculated difference-mode gain (from step 2, Part A) to the measured difference-mode gains (from steps 3, 5 and 9 of Part B). Describe the possible sources of error. 3. Compare the calculated common-mode gain (from step 3, Part A) and the measured common-mode gain (from step 7, Part B). Describe the possible sources of error. 4. Compare the calculated CMRR dB (from step 4, Part A) and the measured CMRR dB (from step 10, Part B). Describe the possible sources of error. 5. Determine the value of Rx in the transistor constant-current source circuit shown in Figure 3, in order that it can be used to replace the 100 k resistive current source in the differential amplifier of Figure 1.
10 k

1 k

Rx -15 V

Figure 3
6. Describe the advantage(s) of replacing the 100 k resistive current source with the transistor constant-current source described in Calculations and Results #5. 7. Describe the advantage(s) and disadvantage(s) of adding equal-valued resistors in series with the emitters of Q1 and Q2 in the differential amplifier shown in Figure 1.

Approved by ________________________ Results due _________ Formal Report?

date _________ Yes No

(rev 5/99 - WRH)