Basic SOA Circuit Limiter Analysis

June 12, 2018 BASIC SOA PROTECTION CIRCUIT ANALYSIS / 576PINOY_TECH

Fig. 1 ‐ The target circuit as seen on red line circle

The SOA protection circuit also
known as VI Limiter is so simple to
analyze. Once all components are
rearranged and simplified then we
can easily read and understand its
operation. Application can be very
widely use particularly for Linear
Power Supply for Short Circuit
Protection. Hence for the amp, it
Fig. 2 ‐ The Simplification is used as a guard to clamp the
operation on its safe operating
limit, also for an output Short Circuit Proof. The protection circuit relies on load
resistance or impedance plus the extent of voltage feeding at the output. For the
sake of simple formulation, we will be using resistive load with dc analysis, then
apply basic ohms law presentations. By understanding the whole concept, we can
judge later‐on if the SOA circuit can really affect the normal behavior of the
amplifier as what many amp gurus have said. Could that be rumors after rumors and
hearsay after hearsay without valid technical support, you’ll be the judge of your
own. We can make a simple SOA adaptor monitor to determine if the amp that we
are assembling is really undergoing false action by the said SOA circuit. This could be
a sort of idea that nobody yet may think of.

As seen on figures above, R37 should set correctly in a way that Q14 should not turn
ON under normal operating condition. Once overload is detected, that’s the only
time that Q14 should react. Base and Emitter Electrodes of the said transistor are
noticeably connected across R31 which must be one of the major portions to focus
on our topic. The Vbe requires at least ideal voltage of 0.6 to 0.7V in order to switch
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Q14 ON. Furthermore, from junctions D5 and R37, polarity should be more positive
with respect to Q14’s Emitter which is obviously across R31. We will see later‐on
why D6 connection is in reversed mode and why it is so important on adding that
portion, it is somewhat acting as a free‐wheeling diode. C15 is for additional stability
and act as a stabilizer for sudden burst of impulse so that Q14 should not switch ON
accidentally from any leading edge false signal. Additionally, it also served as noise
absorber during ON/OFF mode function of D6. Any diode that switch ON/OFF
constantly are creating some sort of electrical noise due to OFF edge cutting, and to
surpass that phenomena, a parallel capacitor is worth enough to neutralize the noise
propagations. The above mentioned components are intended for high side
detection. The lower side is not need to specify as they are mirrored of the upper.

Fig. 3 ‐ Potential Difference Comparison 1

Before we proceed for the main subject, let us try to review few analogies so that
we can easily understand and refresh our minds from basic potential difference.

Figure‐3 at the left corner shows no difference at all because both point A & B are at
the same potential. This is also called no DC offset between the two which sounds
familiar to us when we are calibrating an amp right after we build our new DIY
projects. Isn’t it that we are correcting and measuring DC offset from the amplifier’s
output node versus ground before finalizing the project? Any huge offset means an
indication to review some stages to rectify the problem. Zero voltage is the target
and it is in the perfect equilibrium. So we are very much familiar in terms of
potential difference, often known as dc offset.

At the right portion of the same figure, point B now has a potential difference of ‐5V
with respect to point A. As we see, labeled batt4 has less than 5V compare to Batt2.
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The losses of Batt4 somewhat intentionally shifted to Batt3 just for the sake of
analysis. It is obvious that point B is more negative compare to point A, so the
polarity can be figured out easily by just comparing two different potentials and it is
very much significant for understanding the operation of our SOA clamping circuit.

Figure‐4 at the left shows a dramatic increased of voltage at Batt4 to 15V while
Batt3 decreases to 5V. Therefore at point B, +5V can be measured with respect to A.
Likewise the right portion shows ‐10V, not wondering because 15V Batt2 minus 5V
Batt4 equals 10V. Since point B is way lower than point A, polarity is obviously
negative. Again, this is with respect to point A.


Now let’s start to put some resistors with certain values and figure out the
differences between them. Figure 5 has been replaced with ordinary resistors
instead of battery symbols. The circuit sample is known to be a Wheatstone bridge
circuit. It can also interpret as Full Bridge circuit which we can see commonly on CW
& CCW DC motor driver. The portion at the left corner shows zero voltage again and
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it is pretty obvious because R1 to R2 are identical values which can be seen at row‐
A, likewise for the row‐B R3 & R4. On the right side portion, shows some different
values. The voltage at A to B is not known yet. To find the voltage easily, one way is
to measure their voltages across R2 and R4 then compare the potential differences
between the two. But wait a minute, we are in a black & white writing, there is no
way of measuring the actual voltages by any means unless we do it and put in real
work. So applying the basic ohms law calculation is the best and easy resort. There
are many ways of solving it mathematically, only thing we need to do is to choose
which one would suite for our understanding easily. One of the simplest which we
know very well is to find every current flowing at every string and multiply it to the
known resistor values. For example, total current at string A is equal to supply
voltage divided by total resistance which is Vin / (R1 + R2), which is equal to 20V /
(10k + 20k) = 667uA. Now to find out the voltage across R2 we just need to multiply
the current flowing to that resistor R2. So it will appear to be like this; VR2 is equal
to current flowing at R2 times value of R2 which is equal to 667uA x 20k = 13.34V. To
find at row B, we just need to replicate the same format as we did in row A. Hence
current at string B, Vin / (R3+R4) = 1mA. Then voltage across R4 now can be
determined and it is 5V. Therefore, we can find out the differences from voltage
across R2 and R4. In this case it is 13.34V minus 5V equals 8.34V. Important note is
to observe the polarity for the voltage difference. If the common point is A, while
point B has lesser voltage that means the polarity is negative.

Other shortcut method of determining the dc offset is just simply connects all
formulas together and computes them at once. Example, Vdiff = ((Vin / (R1 + R2)) *
R2) minus ((Vin / (R3 + R4)) * R4). Other way around of computing is thru this
formula; Vdiff = ((R2 / (R1+R2)) * Vin) ‐ ((R4 / (R3+R4)) * Vin)…

Now let’s try to bring the simplified figure from the
first page. Q18 express as CEJ is the main feeding of
voltage towards emitter. That incoming voltage
from main rails through CEJ is consistently changing
depending on how we adjust the settings of the
volume control according to our desire. Collector
Emitter Junction can categorize as variable
impedance in proportion to the incoming base
signals. We can imagine it as a huge variable
resistor concerning DC exploration and we will
escalate a little bit on that subject later. Assuming
we have a supply rail of +85V and let’s pretend that
Figure ‐ 6 we measured a voltage of 50V from emitter to
ground on actual unit. If we put a resistive load of
let say 8 ohms across RL then voltage across RL is; VRL = (RL / (R42 + RL)) * Ve, which
is equal to 48.662V. So point A to ground is already known so far, what about point
B to ground?

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Caution: we need to consider before assigning values for R37; It is not a plug and
play method and says okay we designed a best protection for our amplifier circuits
without us knowing if it can really protect or not! General speaking, there are many
individuals who just blindly put an estimated values according to prediction because
picking values of our own choice is somewhat a common judgment when we are not
sure what is going on, this could be part of shall we say negligence act and charge
the blame to experience.

Condition‐1. If we want to set R31 into equilibrium,
point B to ground must be equally the same voltage
as of A to gnd. To determine that, a set of voltage
drop assumption must be assigned to D5 in which it is
usually 0.7V, it is known to be a knee voltage across
common diodes and it is not always to be the same
depending on temperature and intensity of current
passing through it. But hey, why do we need to put
D5 over there? Why not just omit it and simply use
resistors instead of adding D5 which can cause few
errors on calculation. No, we cannot just remove D5
because amplifier has a zero crossing level and we
Figure ‐ 7
need D5 as a blocking component to insure that there
is no reversed current to pass through during negative cycles.

Hence, V across R35 is equal to VRL – VD5, which is 48.662V – 0.7V = 47.962V. Is that
all we need? No, we did not define yet the value of R37! This is the main component
to rely whether the voltage across R31 is at equilibrium or not. How do we
determine if it is at equilibrium? So easy, since voltage across R35 had already
known plus its resistance value is also given. Current flows can easily figure‐out and
that must be flowing also towards R37. Since R31 is assigned to be zero voltage, no
current should be passing there in any direction. Then the current flowing at R35 is
only concentrated towards R37. Now to find the resistance value for R37 is simple,
just subtract the Emitter voltage to the sum of VD5 + VR35 then divide the resulting
values to the known current flow which is 12.3mA; it comes to the equation like this,
(50V – (0.7V + 47.962V)) / 12.3mA = 108.78 ohms. By then, pick the closest available
value that we can produce from the market, 110 ohms could be the closest. By
substituting a little higher value than what is computed, point A&B has a little
amount of ambivalence. Just bear in mind that increasing value in that particular
part could cause to delay the switching ON of SOA sensor, don’t play that much or
else the detection could be out of range or totally not working at all. It wouldn’t be
happy for us if we are excited on riding a passenger’s bus that known to be in good
faith but found‐out later that the brake is not working while we thought it was!

Condition‐2. Under 8 ohms load, and as we defined the value for R37 as 110Ω, we
can see if the voltage across A&B can cause to turn Q14 ON from the minimum
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voltage range ‘till highest range. In our case 10V is selected as minimum range since
lower than 10V is almost negligible. Knowing the required voltage across A&B is
close to +0.7V, and for the sake of less complex calculation, we will just ignore the
value of R31 and replace with transistor Q14. At 10V output; VRL = (8/8.22)*10 =
9.732V;;; while VR35 = (3k9/4010)*(10‐0.7) = 9.04V. So, the difference between VRL
and VR35 is ((9.04+0.7) – (9.732) = positive 8mV. This only shows that Q14 is far
away from activation because 8mV is nothing for Q14’s control electrode.

Now let’s take a look at 80V which is the probable maximum voltage that Q18 could
offer. At 80V output; VRL = 77.858V while VR35 +
VD5 = 77.824V. So again, point A to B is negative
34mV. These calculations show that if this kind of
circuit is applied to the amp with proper
computations, under some circumstances, it
guarantees that the SOA protection circuit could not
cause any disturbance during the amp’s normal
operating condition. We can increase the value of
R37 a little bit more for better headroom so that any
variation on loads, the SOA circuit will remain
inactive. In case the output is going beyond
negative, then Diode D6 is somewhat start to switch
Figure ‐ 8
ON due to that negative offset. Remember on the
first page that I mentioned that we will see later why it is necessary to have D6 in
reverse mode? This is for that purposes, it will be in forward bias with respect to the
negative DC offset voltage. It simply clamps to protect Q14 during that moment. On
the other hand, if you disconnect the main RL while running, the path way will divert
to D6, D5, and R35. So, Q14 is not facing burdens during reversed bias.

Condition‐3. Since we already assigned the value for R37 and it is known to be
working pretty well at 8 ohms load, what loads should we need to put in order to
activate our SOA protection circuit? In this case, we need no insure that we get
+0.7V at point A&B. Since R35 & R37 have already preset as sample, point B to
ground can get easily. In case of 10V amp’s output, voltage across R35 is
(3.9k/(3.9k+110Ω))*(Ve‐0.7V) = 9.0048V, shall we say 9V. Voltage at point B to
ground is VD5 + VR35; Vbg = 0.7V+9V = 9.7V. Now if we say Point A to ground is also
same as B to ground means emitter to base of Q14 has zero voltage but as we said
we need to make sure that it should have +0.7V in order for Q14 to activate. So,
point A to ground should be 0.7V lowered than point B. In this case it should be 9V.
Do we see the logic? Easy! If the VRL is somewhat same as of VR35 then we hit the
mega jackpot for triggering point. Finding the resistance RL is simply divide RL’s
voltage to its current flow, but that current flow is not known yet so far. To
determine that current, we simply subtract 9V from 10V and the remaining voltage
must be divided to the series string which is 0.22 ohms. So 1V/0.22 = 4.55A… Now
the load that can activate our SOA circuit is 9V/4.55A = 1.98 ohms or shall we say 2
ohms, and this is for 10V output… Let’s now see at 80V; VR35 = (3.9k/4010)*79.3 =
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77V,,, then @ VRL of 77V, Vre = 3V,,, current flow means 13.6A,,, So RL is 77V/13.6A
= 5.6 ohms. This means 5.5 ohms and below is assumed to be not suitable to use.
However if we still pushes to use at these lower loads, protection circuit will take
care and limit the amp’s output to it’s safe operating range and this is how the SOA
protection works! So those amp’s believers who put the blame in SOA limiter, this
could be the score. It shouldn’t the limiter that being blamed but rather the
matching of loads that we put unto it or simply the mismatching values that being
installed based on maximum capabilities and combinations of dividing resistors. If let
say we use the amp at the lower impedance without SOA protection then disaster
may eventually happened along the way because 14A for a single pairs is extremely
fatal (of course 1 pair is just a sample).

Failures to realize by many? We made calculations according to a single pair output
transistor just for sake of simplification. What does it mean? There is something that
many of us do not pay attention. What is it then? “Number of output pairs”. Yes it
affect the current flow to the emitter resistor that causing Re’s not to built higher
voltage that supposed to sustain the required needs of SOA detector circuit which is
0.7V when needed. Values of Re’s, quality of transistors, and number of pairs are the
most important in terms of SOA adaptation. When SOA dividing resistors are
computed accordingly to a limited number of pairs while some individuals used to
apply modifications by commonly increasing number of output pairs and changing
supply rail to their desired limits, then SOA protection circuit could not serve its
purpose correctly and it tends to jeopardize the amp for overload or heavier load
protection. It probably may activate only at short‐circuit condition but for lower
loads like less than 4 ohms to 1 ohm or so, it may probably dull or totally not
working even at short circuit. Let’s see if we can figure it out.

Assuming that we already
assigned the value for R37 and
computed it to run at 8 ohm load
with a rail of say +85V just for a
sample, while at previous
calculation was taken at single
pair just to simplify the
computations. Then at this figure
9, it is noticeably seen a
dramatic increased of number of
pairs into 10 power transistors,
likewise Re’s with same values as
Figure ‐ 9 0.22 ohms. Assuming R37 value
is retained, which is at early calculation is 110 ohms. Pretending that this amp is
capable to run at 4 ohms load now due to its significant increased of power
transistors. In other words, it should somewhat protect at lower than 4 ohms, shall
we say 3 ohms and below. Let us see if it is capable to handle the protection for that
lower resistance or it can be activated only during short circuit condition. Pay
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attention now on load which is 4 ohms as specified. When we have a maximum
voltage across load of let say 80V then total current flowing to 4 ohms load is 80/4 =
20 Amperes. Total current is the sum of all those currents flowing at R42 to R78
branches, thus each of them is contributing 2A to gather the total of 20A towards
load. That 2 Ampere current on the other hand can push 0.22Ω resistor to produce a
voltage dropped of 0.44V independently [((VRL/RL)/pairs)*0.22]. By then, base to
emitter junction of Q14 is receiving negative 1.75V. Simplified equation;
(((((((VRL/RL)/# of pairs)*Re)+VRL) – VD5)/(R37+R35))*R35)+VD5) minus (VRL) =
((77.5526 + 0.7) – 80 = ‐1.75V). So this only shows that at 4 ohms range, the SOA
protection circuit is remaining inactive. No reaction or no any sort of interfering to
any co‐adjacent circuits whatsoever. If SOA detector is running smoothly at 4 ohms,
how much more for the higher impedance load, isn’t it wise? But here is the
problem started. If we say at 3 ohms and below, the SOA should do its job to protect
the amplifier from heavier loads. This may probably not happen. Why? Because we
did not calculate the protection to work at specified range and we just did a copy
paste method for the entire old SOA circuit while we increased number of pairs!

If we increase the number of pairs
from original 1 to 10 while the
emitter resistor is remaining the
same values, means the imaginary
resistance now for 0.22Ω became 
0.22/10 = 22mΩ. This indicates that
if we have an output of 80V across
lower load of say 1Ω, the generated
voltage across 0.022Ω is 1.72V.
Looking at simplified bridge circuit
at figure 10, then A&B voltage is just
negative 0.4636. This is too far to
switch our SOA to limit the current
Figure ‐ 10 output to bring into safe operating
zone… [Point B to ground minus
point A to ground equals; VR35+VD5 = (((R35/(R35+R37))*(Vin‐0.7))+0.7V) minus
VRL, = 79.5364 – 80, = ‐0.4636V]

When does Q14 should switch ON if 110Ω resistance had already defined at R37?
Simple, if at 1 ohms load the SOA is not activating yet, definitely a matter of
milliohms is the activating point but that is too dangerous for the amp, huge current
will be builds at emitter resistors through CE junctions and so many components
could face fatal damages once shorting the output node to ground.

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Basic Setting of an SOA Limit
Figure eleven is part of a basic exercise but lots of us are just keeping it aside
knowing it is for elementary
electronics and ignore its
importance. The sample circuit
shows a voltage source of 85V
with a load of 3 different
resistors namely R1, R2, and R3
which are connected in series.
Definitely each of the resistors
has a voltage drop and because
they are in different values from
each other, voltages across them
are also divided differently.
Likewise, heat dissipations are
obviously not equal to each
Figure ‐ 11
other. Furthermore, current
flowing to that loop is equal to all resistors because they are connected in series. So
let’s start the basic review.
 Total current is equal to Vin / (R1+R2+R3), = 85V/755Ω = 112.58mA
 VR1 = IT x R1 = 37.489V;;; Pd = 4.2W  Recomd. R size x3 or more
 VR2 = IT x R2 = 2.476V;;; Pd = 278mW Assuming it is high W naturally.
 VR3 = IT x R3 = 45.032V;;; Pd = 5.1W  Assuming it is high W naturally.
As we see, the resistor which has a highest resistance value is dissipating a lot of
heat than any other resistors connected in series because it consumed a lot of
voltage than any other resistors connected on same string. It is very much obvious
that when lowering resistance means less generating heat because voltage dropped
across it is also less. If we will interpret the computed power dissipations into real
sizes of resistors, they should NOT be less than twice the sizes of real resistors. Trice
or more is much appropriate and it can only determine through actual dimension.
On the sample figure 11, assuming R2 & R3 are naturally high wattage by itself and it
can handle much more current while R1 is presumed to be under size. This means
R1 will suffer a lot of heat and it will eventually damage in the long run. Just one
important thing to bear in mind, even at lesser wattage capability the current
flowing to the entire loop is merely the same.

If let say R1 has been replaced by different values, let’s pretend it is now the lowest
among all. As what we seen on computation, less resistance means less heat
dissipations. Though a decreased of R1 resistance means a huge increased of total
current flow, R1 can SURVIVE because now the current handling capability of that
resistor is suit enough for its resistance! On the other hand, increasing resistance
further than the other two means heat goes more unto it. And to resolve the
heating issue, either we add some parallel resistors across R1 of identical values to
distribute the heat evenly or simply increase its size to carry its generating heat.
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R1 at figure 12 has been replaced by Q1 and it is known to be an NPN bipolar
transistor. As we know, Collector Emitter Junction is varying widely depending on
control signal applied to its base
electrode. When no signal, CEJ
impedance is high and it goes as
high as it can, known to be closer
to cut‐off region. On the other
hand, an increase of signal to its
base means the CE region is going
towards saturation. In between of
them is the Q‐operating point.
Cut‐off region is occurring when
there is no bias or poor bias is
applied to its base. The transistor
Fig‐12. Replacing R1 with Q1. is said to be at SatMode when
there is no more reaction to the
collector current while there is still an increase on base current. Since Q1 is originally
R1 on previous part, we can imaginary interpret CEJ as a role of variable resistor. The
only problem is that we don’t know its equivalent resistance but every problem has
some solutions. Transistor has an individual characteristic and the manufacturers
are used to test every transistor and put them in a record known as datasheet.
Fig‐13. Safe Operating Area

The figure 13 is one of the samples and it is an important part of datasheet for most
of the power transistors, known to be an SOA chart. One of the transistor’s
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specifications said, it is 230V/150W/15A. At first glance, the numerous markings are
very much attractive. Many readers used to think of its higher voltage and current
capability. A 230V/15A is robust and that’s all many have thoughts about it! But
wait, think a bit deeply! What are those numbers? Why it is mentioned 150W only?
Isn’t it that 150W/15A = 10V? This meant up to 10V is guaranteed stable and higher
than that is already derated. Check it yourself and see several datasheets. Specs of
130W@15A is stabled only up to 8.6V, and so for 200W@17A is up to 12V.
Examples, 2N3055 115W/15A = 7.6V,,, 2SC2922 200W/17A = 11.7V,,, 2SC3281
150W/15A = 10V, etc… There are some confusing only on some datasheets
declarations like MJE15032 and pairs, it said 50W/8A but the graph shows more
than 20V while if you compare the close similar components like MJE15031 and
E15034, then you will see it’s okay! If we have no datasheet for SOA chart in hand,
up to about few percentage of its maximum voltage can use the I=P/V formula.
What does it mean? In case of known the wattage of let say 150W specs then
150/50V = 3A. If we will see the chart, it will be pretty close. At least better than just
assumption. The higher the voltages, the power derating is greater. The declared
150W is dramatically falling to about 50W and lesser. So, we cannot rely that much,
charts shows otherwise!

Looking back at figure 12, when a certain amount of voltage is feed through CEJ,
current also pass through it. In case 10V is passing, that means R2 & R3 are dividing
those voltages and the remaining voltage will be absorbed by the CEJ. So, 9.48V goes
to 4 ohms and 0.52V goes to 0.22 ohms while the remaining 75V goes to CEJ of Q1.
Pretending 0.22 ohms & 4 ohms are known by us that they are capable of handling
higher wattages by itself, we do not worried about their heat dissipations as they
are stronger due to bigger muscles. What we need now to focus is for the Q1.
Considering we know that the current
flowing is 2.37A, Q1 suffered a lot of
heat (75V*2.37A = 178W of heat
dissipation). Looking at SOA chart, Locus
for Vce fall under 75V and the
equivalent collector current at that 75V
is around 1A. Knowing the total current
flow towards R2 & R3 is 2.37A, meaning
that Q1 is shortage of about 1.37A to
sustain the needs of R2 & R3. Q1 on that
situation requires additional support to
feed the necessity for the said loads. So
adding more transistors in parallel would
eventually increase the handling current
capability. If SOA chart shows that
Fig‐14, Finding R1 equivalent
collector current is 1A at 75 Vce locus
chart, then 3 pieces is supposed to be enough. But wait, are we forgetting the rule of
heat dissipation as we exercised in basic ohm’s law concerning series resistances. If
178W is divided into 3 transistors only, means each of them will handle about 59W.
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We know from the fact that if we just assign the actual wattage dissipation versus
wattage handling capability of components into just 1:1 ratio, there is big potential
to damage the parts in the long run. At least x2 or more ratios are required, plus its
HS should be suitable enough to compensate the heat. (By the way, can we touch
the tip of 15W soldering iron once it is in maximum heat?) At 75V/1A, the imaginary
equivalent resistance for the Q1 CEJ is 70Ω. If we will draw an schematic of 3 series
resistors like what is drawn in figure 14 with one of them is unknown resistance
while two of them are given 0.22Ω + 4Ω with also known voltages and current, then
an easy equation to find the remaining resistance, (85V‐10V) / 2.37A = 32Ω …

Fig‐15. SOA Matrix Chart for 8 & 4 ohms loads.

The figure 15 is a manually encoded SOA matrix chart. The first and second columns
from the left side are derived from SOA chart in 5V Vce deviations. The Collector’s
equivalent current are noted and write accordingly in conjunction to the Vce Locus
from 1V up to 85V. As we can see on chart, it is manifested that from 1V up to 10V,
current is stable and this is where that 150W/15A is accounted for. This mean,
above 10V the current handling capabilities are derated and the amount of declining
sloop is noticeably seen at the SOA graph. If we will use this kind of transistor as an
electronic power switch with a collector supply of say 24V and the load is 25W, say
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VceSat is 1V then this transistor is just dissipating a heat of about 1W, isn’t it
peanut! Ever wonder why high power amplifiers are running pretty cool like Class D?
Because transistors are in switching mode, from basis of full switch ON and OFF, the
conducting region is closing as it can that’s why less generating heat even at high
voltage rail particularly MOSFET wherein RDS ON is just a matter of mΩ. Linear class
amplifiers are different, transistor’s conducting region is very much variable and the
junction is suffering too much during moderate conduction than when it is closer to
saturation. It can be express as higher impedance during cut‐off region and lower
during saturation mode. So current handling is greater during lower impedance and
vice‐ganda, este‐versa. Remember the figure 11 above?

Extra recall, just an insertion…. No wonder at low supply rail of say 35V, during
earlier times, the amps are usually builds at lower supply and output pairs are not
that much like pairs of two, but they are capable of handling low impedance loads.
That is because the CE voltage drop is also very less and because of less Vdrop the
heat dissipation is not that much. Example 2N3055 2 pairs at 4 ohms, if the amp is
feeding an output of say 25V, then Vce has 10V drop and it falls somewhere close to
11A locus as seen on chart, so 2 pairs means 22A. The output of say 4Ω will only
consume about 6.25A, therefore an extra tolerance is still available on part of
transistors while their heat dissipations are only matters of 31W each. See the logic,
2pairs is suitable enough for 4Ω at lower supply because Pd is within tolerable range!
In this particular basis, class H has similar comparisons in terms of Pd. So they do not
required large quantity of pairs just to divide heat dissipations. The step switch is
then added to resolve that heat dissipating issue.

Fig‐16, 2N3055 SOA Chart 115W/15A=7.6V stabled

Back to topic based on fig 15… when we have an input of say 85V to the collector,
and assuming that we have an output of say 45V, this 45V goes to the load and the
remaining voltage retain at CE region. It is noticeably more than half of the total
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voltage is feed out by transistor and the total current flowing to the loop is 5A if we
have an 8Ω load. Since 5 Ampere is already known current flow towards load, time
for us to see the transistor’s current capability. Considering that 40V is already feed
out, this means that the transistor junction now squeezes its Vce range. To take a
look at the chart, it is falling under 45V Locus. At that location, collector current’s
equivalent is 2.75A, this mean if the load is requiring 5A while collector current is
capable only up to just 2.75A, then there is a big deficiency and the transistor will
defuses if we will insist to use the same ratio. From that scenario, it is very obvious
that it requires at least minimum of 2pcs to supply the demand. But 5A load
multiplied to 45V Vce means 225W of heat dissipation. So, if we just divide it into
two means each of them will handle at least 112W, it is still too hot! If we intend to
put at least 6pcs transistors, means each of them now will handle around 38W. By
then, time to select an appropriate heatsink to cool down the temperature to some
more degrees. Note, we select the portion where the amount of heat is more
generating and we can just figure it out thoroughly if we will create a similar matrix
chart like that. By doing so, we can rest assure that all range will be under its
operating limit. The columns that are highlighted orange at the chart are the range
where the most heating phenomena is occurring, noticed at 4 & 8 ohms load, they
are in similar level, that is around half of the total rails but might not always be the
same case.

So if you are in favor to this and you analyze that it is most likely pretty close to
reality, then we can define some sort of equations from the fundamental of basic
analysis, and here it goes like these;
o # of pairs based on Ic = IRL / Ic based on Vce SOA Locus chart
o # of pairs based on Pd = ((VRL)/RL)* Squeezed Vce) / Target Pd

We have calculated and define the specs on 8 ohms load. Now the case scenario is
what will happen if we will use it to a heavier load of say 4Ω? Considering the
maximum pairs of let say 6 is already enough for the setup at 8Ω. At 4Ω load the
anticipated pairs is requiring at least 11 while the installed quantity is only 6 pairs.
So at around 15V output, every transistor is dissipating around 41W; Power
Dissipation = ((Vout)/(Re+RL))*(Vin‐Vout))/# of pairs. If there is enough cooling, it
will survive but for higher outputs with heavier loads, heat dissipation is most likely
severe. So Vi limiter circuit can come‐up to assign several limits. But is it really
protecting? Since the output pairs is said to be worth for 6 pairs at 8 ohms which
was previously calculated at max dissipation under 225W and assigned proper
heatsink accordingly, then if let say we need to limit the operation at 4 ohms for
equivalent 6 pairs level only which can fall at close to 262W of Pd, then maximum
output limitation is supposed to limit only up to 15V peak as seen on matrix. Within
this output, whatever we do to set the combination resistors, the Wheatstone
circuit cannot avail to switch ON the limiter due to less Vdrop acquired at Emitter
resistor because the Re’s values wasn’t adjusted correctly. If we are not aware of
Re’s then limiter will remain dull for the rest of heavier loads and may probably
Page 14 of 16


activate only at close to short circuit condition which is already a sort of knocking
punch to the transistors.

Fig‐17, DIY VI Limiter Monitoring

To be able to conduct an observation, a set of SOA monitoring circuit can be design.
Since the circuit operation was already pictured‐out at some figures earlier, then it is
easy for us to create our own independent Vi limiter tester which has a hook‐up LED
to monitor if the SOA is activating within several range. The circuit can be modify
using comparator also for better sensitivity but the only problem is that mostly
comparator IC’s have limited input voltage capability which about close to +/‐30V
only while amp’s output can go as high as the highest rail that we commonly used
nowadays as part of curiosity or could be insanity as well! Observe the wattages of
the all resistors as they are directly hooked‐up to the output of amplifier. What
voltage we can measure at the output will also passing to those series resistors, so
sizes are important. Figure 17 left seems to be okay but it can possibly contribute DC
offset, so optocoupler on the right is a bit better but the light transmitter is required
higher voltage compared to the Vbe of bipolar transistor. However B+ for LED does
not need to hook up on higher potential as the switching output is isolated from
voltage reference. There is one important thing need to be remembered, the circuit
is just meant for monitoring purposes only and no connection for any limiting at co‐
adjacent circuits like the SOA and OCP, if
the output is accidentally short circuited
to ground while it is delivering higher
output voltage, then light transmitter of
PC1 could face severe damage because
huge amount of current will pass
through it. An additional R3 and D2 are
just to add extra breeze but it will not
completely protect Tx led.

The OCP circuit from our 4n1, 6n1 and
the similar design has a little difference
Fig‐18 Difference at OCP ckt
from the basic principle which we have
Page 15 of 16


in Vi limiter. Since the collector of VI limiter is hooked up to the higher potential,
there will be no issue regarding the turning ON of sensing transistor compared to
our 4n1 because the collector of OCP sensor is hooked to the base of Q5 which has a
lower voltage potential than the output of amp during higher volume adjustments.
Assuming the collector of Q1 has a potential of only 6V while the output of the
amplifier is 20V, this mean that the output of amplifier is way higher than collector
of the sensing transistor. In that case, even the base of Q1 has already received a go
signal to turn Q1 ON while emitter voltage is higher than its collector, the transistor
is said to be OFF by any means. The only way to turn that transistor ON is to lower
its emitter potential than the collector and the way to that is to short the output to
ground.

Fig‐19 Using Op‐Amp ckt Fig‐20 PSU Application

The circuit at figures 19 & 20 are basically the same as of our OCP circuit but the
input detection is more sensitive so that even small value for emitter resistor,
voltage detection is not a big deal. The operation is exactly the same, once point A is
lower than point B, the IC which is configured as comparator became active. In case
on monitoring, the maximum input voltage is limited only as per datasheet said. I
will not hesitate to give it a try on higher ones.

Figure 20 is good for power supply application. Notice of removing D5, it is not
necessary now because no more zero crossing involvement in the operation of the
circuit. Again, when RL is accidentally short circuited to ground inverting input
became more negative, thus IC became active. The amount of sensitivity is again
relies on all values being assigned on resistors forming Wheatstone bridge circuit.

Page 16 of 16

Basic SOA Circuit Limiter Analysis

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June 12, 2018 BASIC SOA PROTECTION CIRCUIT ANALYSIS / 576PINOY_TECH

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