Multi-stage Amplifiers

Single stage limitations

Multi-stage amplifiers
Feedback
Single Stage Amplifier Limitations
C OUT
m
IN
C m
IN
OUT
R r
g
r
R g
v
v
=
=
=
|
High gain high g
m
and R
C

High r
IN
low g
m

Low r
OUT
low R
C

Simple 2 Stage Amplifier
To increase the
gain, use two
amplifiers instead
of one.
Gain is not just
the product of
the individual
gains though
Input and output
impedances must
be accounted for
Equivalent Circuit
1 2
2
1 2
OUT IN
IN
IN IN
r r
r
v A v
+
=
2 2 IN OUT
v A v =
1 2
2
1 2
OUT IN
IN
IN
OUT
r r
r
A A
v
v
+
=
Coupling
In the simple 2 stage design, the stages are
linked by coupling capacitors
This means that the biasing networks for
each stage can be designed independently
It also means that d.c. operation is impossible
To do this:
The capacitors must go
Each stage supplies the bias current for the
following stage
Differential Input 2 Stage Amplifier
Good points
Q
1
and Q
2
form a
standard differential
amplifier
R
C1
forms the collector
resistor for Q
2
and
provides base bias
current for Q
3

Q
3
forms a common-
emitter amplifier
Bad point
v
OUT
cant go below 0V
BAD DESIGN!
I
B3
Using PNP Transistors
Analysis of PNP based circuit is almost identical to
NPN
Only real difference is that the currents in a PNP
transistor all flow in the opposite direction
0.5 V
0.5 V
Practical Two Stage Amplifier
Q
3
and R
C2
form a
common emitter
amplifier again
Base bias current for Q
3

is provided by Q
2

collector
Output voltage can vary
almost right up to V
S

Multi-stage amplifiers
are usually made up
from alternating NPN
and PNP stages
Example 1. Quiescent Conditions
With v
IN
= 0, we know
that:
A 50
2
100
2 1
= = =
C C
I I
mA 8
50000
5 . 0
10 50 200
5 . 0
6
1
2 3 3
=
(

=
(

C
C C
R
I I |
3
3
1
3 1 2
5 . 0
|
C
C
B RC C
I
R
I I I + = + =
0.5 V
Example 2. Differential Stage
50 50000
10 25
10 50
2
1
2
1
2
1
3
6
1
2
1
2
=

=
= =

C
T
C
C m
IN
C
R
V
I
R g
v
v
O = =
= =
k 200
25 / 05 . 0
200
2
2
1 m B
IN
IN
g i
v
r
|
O = k 50
OUT
r
Example 3. Common Emitter
320 1000
25
8
2
3
= =
=
C m
B
OUT
R g
v
v
O = = = 625
25 / 8
200
m
IN
g
r
|
O = k 1
OUT
r
Example 4. Overall Response
200
50000 625
625
320 50
1 2
2
1 2
=
+
=
+
=
OUT IN
IN
IN
OUT
r r
r
A A
v
v
O = = k 200
1 IN IN
r r
O = = k 1
2 OUT OUT
r r
Predictability and Distortion
Problems
I
C3
I
C3
depends on current
gain of Q
3

This is unpredictable
Therefore, gain and
quiescent v
OUT
are also
unpredictable
Linearity
To get near the
maximum possible
output, amplifier goes
into the non-linear
region
Using Feedback
In exactly the same way as with the operational
amplifier, non-ideal properties of the multi-stage
amplifier can be compensated for using negative
feedback.
E.g.
Gain can be made predictable
Quiescent output level can be corrected (offset voltage
removed)
Frequency response extended (constant gain-bandwidth
product)
Explore these ideas during lab session 3.
Transistors vs. Op-Amps
Operational Amplifiers
Very simple to use easy calculations
Near ideal properties
Transistors
Better frequency response
Lower noise
Todays Summary
Multi-stage amplifiers can be considered as
many separate amplifiers connected together
Use of the equivalent circuits for the
amplifiers eases analysis
Direct coupling enables low-frequency use
Negative feedback can improve linearity and
bandwidth
2B1 Analogue Electronics Summary
Practical Op-Amp Design
How negative feedback works
GB Product, Slew Rate, Saturation etc.
Non-Linear Op-Amp Applications
Comparators, Schmitt Triggers, Precision Rectifiers
Transistor Amplifiers
Common Emitter Amplifier
Differential Amplifier
Multi-stage amplifiers
Design and analysis of all the above