Physics: Lecture Notes
Physics: Lecture Notes
LECTURE NOTES
PHYS 395
ELECTRONICS
c D.M. Gingrich
University of Alberta
Department of Physics
1999
Preface
Electronics is one of the fastest expanding fields in research, application development and
commercialization. Substantial growth in the field has occured due to World War II, the
invention of the transistor, the space program, and now, the computer industry. The research
grants are high, jobs are available and there is much money to be made in areas related to
electronics. With the beginning of the “information superhighway” and computerized video
coming to your home, it is hard to imagine that electronics will not continue to expand in the
future. Electronics is everywhere in our lives.
It is difficult for the practicing engineer to stay informed of the most recent developments in
electronics. What is taught in this course could well be out of date by the time you actually go to
use it. However the physical concepts of circuit behavour will be largely applicable to any future
development.
The approach to electronics taken in this course will be a mixture of physical concepts and
design principles. The course will thus appear more qualitative and wordy compared to other
physics courses. Nevertheless, it is hoped that this course will become a useful tool for your
future physics laboratories and research.
We can not begin to scratch the surface of the field of electronics in a one term course.
Rather than cover a few topics in detail you will be exposed to most of the concepts and areas of
design. The knowledge you gain will hopefully allow you to communicate with design engineers
and technicians to enable them to design and build the electronics you require. You should also
be equipped to pursue any area of electronics that may interest you in the future. This will
include reading more detailed texts, the component data sheets and manuals. As well as,
understanding the popular literature, including manuals for your stereo, computer, etc.. But
above all I hope you find electronics interesting and enjoyable.
Contents
1
CONTENTS 2
2.6 Single-Term Approximations of H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
2.7 Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
3 Filter Circuits 44
4.1Energy Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
4.2The PN Junction and the Diode Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
4.2.1 Current in the Diode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
4.2.2 The PN Diode as a Circuit Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
4.2.3 The Zener Diode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
4.2.4 Light-Emitting Diodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
4.2.5 Light-Sensitive Diodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
4.3 Circuit Applications of Ordinary Diodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
4.3.1 Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
4.3.2 Rectification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
4.3.3 Power Supply Filtering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
4.3.4 Split Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
4.3.5 Voltage Multiplier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
4.3.6 Clamping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
4.3.7 Clipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
4.3.8 Diode Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
4.3.9 Diode Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
4.4 Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
5 Transistor Circuits 81
These lectures follow the traditional review of direct current circuits, with emphasis on two-
terminal networks and equivalent circuits. The idea is to bring you up to speed for what is to
come. The course will get less quantitative as we go along. In fact, you will probably find the
course gets easier as we go.
1.1.1 Current
The fundamental quantity in electronics is charge and at its basic level is due to the charge
properties of the fundamental particles of matter. For all intensive purposes it is the electron (or
lack of electrons) that matter. The role of the proton charge is negligible.
The aggregate motion of charges is called current I
I= dq
, (1.1)
dt
where dq is the amount of positive charge crossing a specified surface in a time dt. Be aware
that the charges in motion are actually negative electrons. Thus the electrons move in the
opposite direction to the current flow.
The SI unit for current is the ampere (A). For most electronic circuits the ampere is a rather
large unit so the mA unit is more common.
6
CHAPTER 1. DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUITS 7
dV = −E · dr. (1.2)
A positive charge will move from a higher to a lower potential. The potential is also referred
to as the potential difference or, incorrectly, as just voltage:
V dV. (1.3)
V =V21=V2−V1= 2
V1
Remember that current flowing in a conductor is due to a potential difference between its
ends. Electrons move from a point of less positive potential to more positive potential and the
current flows in the opposite direction.
The SI unit of potential difference is the volt (V).
where V = V2 −V1 is the voltage across the object, I is the current through the object, and R is a
proportionality constant called the resistance of the object. Resistance is a function of the
material and shape of the object, and has SI units of ohms (Ω). It is more common to find units
of kΩ and MΩ. The inverse of resistivity is conductivity.
Resistor tolerances can be as bad as ±20% for general-purpose resistors to ±0.1% for
ultra-precision resistors. Only wire-wound resistors are capable of ultra-precision
applications.
The concept of current through and potential across are key to the understanding of and
sounding intelligent about electronics.
Now comes the most useful visual tool of this course.
+
V I R
Figure 1.1: Common circuit elements encountered in DC circuits: a) ideal voltage source, b)
ideal current source and c) resistor.
1.2.2 Ground
A voltage must always be measured relative to some reference point. It is proper to speak of the
voltage across an electrical component but we often speak of voltage at a point. It is then
assumed that the reference voltage point is ground.
Under strict definition, ground is the body of the earth. It is an infinite electrical sink. It can
accept or supply any reasonable amount of charge without changing its electrical characteristics.
It is common, but not always necessary, to connect some part of the circuit to earth or
ground, which is taken, for convenience and by convention, to be at zero volts. Frequently, a
common (or reference) connection of the metal chassis of the instrument suffices. Sometimes
there is a common reference voltage that is not at 0 V. Figure 1.2 show some common ways of
depicting grounds on a circuit diagram.
When neither a ground nor any other voltage reference is shown explicitly on a schematic diagram, it is useful
for purposes of discussion to adopt the convention that the bottom line on a circuit is at zero potential.
CHAPTER 1. DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUITS 9
Figure 1.2: Some grounding circuit diagram symbols: a) earth ground, b) chassis ground and c)
common.
Vi = 0. (1.5)
i
Conservation of charge – zero algebraic sum of the currents Ik flowing into a point (total
charge in, equals total charge out)
Ik = 0. (1.6)
k
When applying these laws to solve for circuit unknowns we will find the following defini-
tions useful:
Using these definitions we can apply Kirchoff’s laws to a circuit to solve for the unknown
quantities. The general procedure is:
V = Vi = I R i, (1.7)
i i
R = (1.8)
eq R i.
i
If Rj Rk, where Rk are all the other resistors than Req ≈ Rj ; the largest resistor wins. Circuit
elements are connected in parallel when a common voltage is applied across each
element. The equivalent resistance Req of a combination of resistors Ri connected in parallel
is given by summing the current through each resistor
V
I = Ii = , (1.9)
i i Ri
1 I 1
= = , (1.10)
R V R
eq i i
R
R = i i . (1.11)
eq i R
j=i j
If Rj Rk, where Rk are all the other resistors than Req ≈ Rj ; the smallest resistor wins. The
following “divider” circuits are useful combinations of resistors. Believe it or not,
they are a super useful concept that will often be used in one form or another; learn it.
A
+
R1
V I R R I
in A
in 1 2 out
V
R2 out
B B
(a) (b)
Consider the voltage divider shown in figure 1.3a. The voltage across the input source is
Vin = (R1 +R2)I and the voltage across the output between terminals A and B is Vout = R2I.
The output voltage from the voltage divider in thus
CHAPTER 1. DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUITS 11
V = R V . (1.12)
out 2 in
R1+R2
Example: Determine an expression for the voltage V2 on the voltage divider in
figure 1.4.
R1
+
V2
V
R2 R3
We take the bottom line in figure 1.4 to be at ground and define the current
flowing between V2 and ground to be I. Ohm’s law gives
V2 = I R23, where R23 = R2R3 . (1.13)
R2+R3
Applying Kirchoff ’s voltage law for the input source gives
R R2R3
23
V2 = V= R2+R3
R R V (1.15)
R R1 +
2 3
R2+R3
= R2R3 V. (1.16)
R1R2 + R2R3 + R3R1
I R1 R2 R3 I3
V = R123I = R1R2R3 I
. (1.18)
R1R2 + R2R3 + R3R1
where V is the common voltage across the three parallel The current
resistors. through R3 is thus
V R1R2
I3 = = I. (1.19)
R3 R1R2 + R2R3 + R3R1
Now lets consider some general approaches to solving for unknowns in circuits.
1. Label the current in each branch (do not worry about the direction of the actual current).
2. Obtain expressions for the voltage changes around each interior loop.
Depending on the problem, it may ultimately be necessary to algebraically sum two loop currents in order to
obtain the needed interior branch current for the final answer.
CHAPTER 1. DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUITS 13
Lets consider the example of the Wheatstone bridge circuit shown in figure 1.6. We wish to
calculate the currents around the loops. The three currents are identified as: Ia the clockwise
current around the large interior loop which includes the EMF, Ib the clockwise current around
the top equilateral triangle, and Ic the clockwise current around the bottom equilateral triangle.
The voltage loop expressions for the three current loops are
100 ohm
R2
=
90
=
ohm
R1
+ R5 = 2 ohm
V=25V A B
R3
110 ohm
=
80
=
ohm
R4
Moreover, if we number the individual currents through each resistor using the same scheme as
we have for each component (current through R1 is I1, R2 has I2, etc.) and identify I0 as the
current out of the battery, then
I0 = Ia = 0.267A (1.27)
I1 = Ia − Ib = 0.127A (1.28)
I2 = Ib = 0.140A (1.29)
I3 = Ia − Ic = 0.154A (1.30)
I4 = Ic = 0.113A (1.31)
I5 = Ib − Ic = 0.027A. (1.32)
These are the same currents that would be found using only Kirchoff’s equations; however,
here we had to handle only three simultaneous equations instead of six.
Example: Use the loop current method to determine the voltage developed
across the terminals AB in the circuit shown in figure 1.7.
A
R R
+
V1 R R
+
V2
Figure 1.7: Example circuit for analysis using the loop current method.
Consider the clockwise current loop I A through the two resistors and the two
potentials. Similarly consider the clockwise current I B around the other
internal loop consisting of the three resistors and V 2 . Kirchoff ’s law gives
Solving the above two equations for the unknown loop currents IA and IB gives
CHAPTER 1. DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUITS 15
(1.37)
,
≡R
V2 − R 3R IB I B
(1.38)
1 3/5 1/5
R −1 =
R 1/5 2/5 ,
1 3 1 1 3 2
(1.39)
IA = R 5 (V1 −V2)+ 5 V2 = R 5 V1 − 5 V2
1 1 2 1 1 1 (1.40)
IB = R 5 (V1 −V2)+ 5 V2 = R 5 V1 + 5 V 2 .
The voltage across AB is given simply by
(1.41)
VAB = IBR
1 (1.42)
= (V1 + V2).
5
R A
Th
A
+
I N RN
V
Th
B B
(a) (b)
An alternative to step 2 is to short all voltage sources, open all current sources, and calculate the
equivalent resistance remaining between A and B. We will use the latter approach whenever
manageable. To see if you understand equivalent circuits so far, convince yourself that RTh =
RN.
Lets now return to our Wheatstone bridge example shown in figure 1.6. We will calculate the
current through R5 by replacing the rest of the circuit by its Thevenin equivalent.
• R5 is removed and the open terminals are labeled V Th. The polarity assigned is
arbi-trary as will be verified in the calculations.
CHAPTER 1. DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUITS 17
The result is VTh = −2.64 V. The minus sign means only that the arbitrary choice of
polarity was incorrect.
100 90
100 90
A B A B
80 110
80 110
A
RTh
+
V
Th R
5
B
• The voltage source is shorted out and RTh is calculated (figure 1.9):
(100)(80) (90)(110)
RTh = + = 93.94Ω (1.53)
100 + 80 90 + 110
Note that when the source is shorted out, the resistors that were in series (R1 and R3; R2
and R4) become parallel combinations.
• The network is assembled in series as shown in figure 1.9 and the current through
R5 is calculated.
CHAPTER 1. DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUITS 18
I = V = −2.64 =− 0.027A (1.54)
Th
5
R + R 93.94 + 2
Th 5
Note that the numerical value of the current is the same as that in the preceding calculations, but
the sign is opposite. This is simply due to the incorrect choice of polarity of VTh for this
calculation. In fact, the current flow is in the same direction in both examples, as would be
expected.
Example: Find the Thevenin equivalent components V Th and RTh for the
circuit in figure 1.10.
R R
A
V
+
R
V
Figure 1.10: Example circuit for analysis using a Thevenin equivalent circuit.
1.5 Problems
1. Find the current in each resister in the circuit shown below. VA = 2 V, VB = 4 V,
R1 = 100 Ω, R2 = 500 Ω and R3 = 600 Ω. Hint: writing down the loop-current
equations in terms of the symbols will give you most of the marks.
R2
R1
VA R3 VB
+ +
2. Determine the Thevenin equivalent circuit of the circuit shown below. Hint: determine
Vth and Rth.
A
300ohm
600ohm
600ohm 300ohm
+
10V
+
V
A
R
R
V +
V +
4. Sketch the current through a load resistance as a function of VAB for the circuit shown
below. Label both intercepts and the slope.
2R
V R A B R
3R
5. Find the voltage, VL, across the 3 Ω load resistor for the circuit below by replacing the
remaining circuit by its Thevenin equivalent. Hint: You can check your answer by
direct analysis of the entire circuit.
6ohm 15A
->
1ohm A 2ohm B
+ | VL 3ohm
|
20V \/ 15A
b
Chapter 2
Alternating Current Circuits
We now consider circuits where the currents and voltages may vary with time (V = V (t), I = I(t)
(also Q = Q(t))). These lectures will concentrate on the special case in which the signals are
periodic, with time average values of zero ( v(t) = i(t) = 0). Circuits with these signals are
referred to as alternating current (AC) circuits. In general signals will have both DC and AC
properties (v(t) = VAC(t) + VDC). We will concentrate only on the AC components and assume
that the DC properties can be treated separately using the methods of the previous lectures.
The algebraic equations representing Kirchoff’s laws for DC circuits will take the form of
differential equations for AC circuits. So now is a good time to review your differential
equations and complex number theory because we will use it.
2.1.1 Capacitance
The fundamental property of a capacitor is that it can store charge and hence electric field
energy. The capacitance C between two appropriate surfaces is defined by
Q
V= , (2.1)
C
where V is the potential difference between the surfaces and Q is the magnitude of the charge
distributed on either surface.
21
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS 22
In terms of current, I = dQ/dt implies
dV 1 dQ I
= = . (2.2)
dt C dt C
In electronics we take I = ID (displacement current). In other words, the current flow-ing from or
to the capacitor is taken to be equal to the displacement current through the capacitor. You
should be able to show that capacitors add linearly when placed in parallel.
There are four principle functions of a capacitor in a circuit.
1. Since Q and E can be stored a capacitor can be used as a (non-ideal) source of I and
V.
2. Since a capacitor passes AC current but not DC current it can be used to connect parts of a
circuit that must operate at different DC voltage levels.
3. A capacitor and resistor in series will limit current and hence smooth sharp edges in
voltage signals.
4. Charging or discharging a capacitor with a constant current results in the capacitor having
a voltage signal with a constant slope, ie. dV /dt = I /C = constant if I is a constant.
Some capacitors (electrolytic) are asymmetric devices with a polarity that must be hooked-up
in a definite way. You will learn this in the lab. The SI unit for capacitance is farad (F). The
capacitance in a circuit is typically measured in µF or pF. Non-ideal cir-cuits will have stray
capacitance, leakage currents and inductive coupling at high frequency. Although important in
real circuit design we will slip over these nasties at this point.
2.1.2 Inductance
Faraday’s law applied to an inductor states that a changing current induces a back EMF that
opposes the change. Or
dI
V=V V = L . (2.3)
− BA dt
Where V is the voltage across the inductor and L is the inductance measured in henry (H).
The more common units encountered in circuits are µH and mH.
The inductance will tend to smooth sudden changes in current just as the capacitance smoothes sudden
changes in voltage. Of course, if the current is constant there will be no
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS 23
induced EMF. So unlike the capacitor which behaves like an open-circuit in DC circuits, an
inductor behaves like a short-circuit in DC circuits.
Applications using inductors are less common than those using capacitors, but inductors are
very common in high frequency circuits. We will again skip over the unpleasantness – that non-
ideal inductors have some resistance and some capacitance.
Inductors are never pure inductances because there is always some resistance in and
some capacitance between the coil windings. When choosing an inductor
(occasionally called a choke) for a specific application, it is necessary to consider the
value of the inductance, the DC resistance of the coil, the current-carrying capacity
of the coil windings, the breakdown voltage between the coil and the frame, and the
frequency range in which the coil is designed to operate. To obtain a very high
inductance it is necessary to have a coil of many turns. The inductance can be further
increased by winding the coil on a closed-loop iron or ferrite core. To obtain as pure
an inductance as possible, the DC resistance of the windings should be reduced to a
minimum. This can be done by increasing the wire size, which of course, increases
the size of the choke. The size of the wire also determines the current-handling
capacity of the choke since the work done in forcing a current through a resistance is
converted to heat in the resistance. Magnetic losses in an iron core also account for
some heating, and this heating restricts any choke to a certain safe operating current.
The windings of the coil must be insulated from the frame as well as from each
other. Heavier insulation, which necessarily makes the choke more bulky, is used in
applications where there will be a high voltage between the frame and the winding.
The losses sustained in the iron core increases as the frequency increases. Large
inductors, rated in henries, are used principally in power applications. The frequency
in these circuits is relatively low, generally 60 Hz or low multiples thereof. In high-
frequency circuits, such as those found in FM radios and television sets, very small
inductors (of the order of microhenries) are frequently used.
We will first consider the transient response. This will be one of the few times we consider
non-oscillating AC behaviour. Since Ohm’s law and Kirchoff’s laws are linear we can use
complex exponential signals and take real or imaginary parts in the end. This is not true for
power, since it is non-linear (product of signals).
2.2.1 RC Circuit
Consider the resistor R and capacitance C in the circuit loop in figure 2.1. Notice that there is no
source.
R C
The change in the voltage drop across the capacitor is given by our previous expression,
dVC = I . (2.7)
dt C
The change in the voltage drop across the resistor can be obtained from Ohm’s law
VR=RI⇒ dVR dI
=R . (2.8)
dt dt
Substituting these changes in voltage into Kirchoff’s equation gives
I dI
+R = 0, (2.9)
C dt
where the current due to the flow of charge on or off the capacitor is the same as through the
resistor.
Now we need some initial conditions. Notice that although the capacitor behaves as an open circuit to DC,
current must flow to charge or discharge the capacitor. Lets take the
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS 25
case where the capacitor is initially charged and then the circuit is closed and the charge is
allowed to drain off the capacitor (eg. closing a switch). The resulting current will flow through
the resistor.
Solving for the current we obtain
−t/RC (2.10)
I(t) = I0e ,
where I(t = 0) = I0 is the initial current given by Ohm’s law
I0 =V0 . (2.11)
R
Using a time dependent version of Ohm’s law we can solve for the voltage across the resistor
−t/τ (2.13)
V (t) = VB (1 − e ).
In the first case, current and voltage exponentially decay away with time constant τ when the
switch is closed. The charge flows off the capacitor and through the resistor. The energy initially
stored in the capacitor is dissipated in the resistor.
In the second case the capacitor charges to a voltage VB until no current flows and hence the
voltage drop across the resistor is zero. Energy from the battery is stored in the capacitor.
In both cases the characteristic RC time constant occurs. In general this is true of all resistor-
capacitor combinations and will be important throughout the course.
2.2.2 RL Circuit
The response of the RL circuit, shown in figure 2.2, is similar to that of the RC circuit.
There are however some significant differences.
R L
If a battery is inserted into the circuit the current raises quickly from zero to some finite
value. The EMF generated in the inductor impedes the current flow until it is constant.
The expression for the current in the RL circuit is
i(t) = VB (1 (2.14)
R
− e−tR/L)
where the time constant is now
L
τ = . (2.15)
R
The voltage across the resistor is an increasing exponential unlike the RC circuit in which
the voltage across the resistor decreased exponentially. Likewise, the voltage across the inductor
decreases with time while in the RC circuit the voltage across the capacitor increased with time.
There are other initial conditions we could work with in this circuit but these can now be
worked out by the student.
2.2.3 LC Circuit
Lets now consider the LC circuit in figure 2.3 which has no resistive element.
L C
where Q(t = 0) = Q0 is the initial charge on the capacitor and φ is an arbitrary phase constant.
Considering the cases of Q0 = Qmax, gives φ = 0. The angular frequency ω is totally determined
by the other parameters of the circuit
√ ω2 = 1/(LC) (2.20)
R L
Applying Kirchoff’s law around the loop and using I = dQ/dt gives
L dI Q
+RI+ = 0 and (2.25)
dt C
L d2 + R d +Q = 0. (2.26)
Q Q
2 dt C
dt
The solution will not only depend on the initial conditions but also the relative values of R,
C and L.
There are three possible solutions:
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS 28
2 −t/τ
1. under damped (R < 4L/C): Ae cos(ωt + φ),
2 −t/τ1 −t/τ2
2. over damped (R > 4L/C): A1e + A2e , and
2 −t/τ
3. critically damped (R = 4L/C): (A1 + A2t)e .
RCL circuits have a variety of properties, especially when driven by sinusoidal sources,
which will not be investigated here. My aim is simply to expose you to the area and get on to
more interesting topics. Driven oscillating systems also appear in other areas of physics and
hopefully you will encounter them there. The detailed considerations lead to discussions on
resonance and quality-factor Q.
Notice that I have now switched to lowercase symbols. Lowercase is generally used for AC
quantities while uppercase is reserved for DC values.
Now is the time to get into complex notation since it will make our discussion easier and is
encountered often in electronics. The above voltage and current signals can be written
v(t) = j(ωt+φ )
(2.29)
V0e V and
i(t) = j(ωt+φ ) (2.30)
I0e I .
To be cleaver we will define one EMF in the circuit to have φ = 0. In other words, we will
pick t = 0 to be at the peak of one signal. The vector notation is used to remind us that complex
numbers can be considered as vectors in the complex plane. Although not so common in physics,
in electronics we refer to these vectors as phasors. Hence you should now review complex
notation.
The presence of sinusoidal v(t) or i(t) in circuits will result in an inhomogeneous differen-tial
equation with a time-dependent source term. The solution will contain sinusoidal terms with the
source frequency.
The extension of Ohm’s law to AC circuits can be written as
leads to
v = Ri ⇒ ZR=R. (2.36)
C jωC
For DC circuits ω = 0 and hence ZC → ∞. The capacitor acts like an open circuit (infinite resistance) in
a DC circuit.
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS 30
For DC circuits ω = 0 and hence ZL = 0. There is no voltage drop across an inductor in DC (zero
resistance).
where R is the resistance and X is called the reactance (always a function of ω). For a
series combination of R, L and C
Example: An inductor and capacitor in parallel form the tank circuit shown in
figure 2.5.
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS 31
L
A B
ZL = jωL; ZC = 1 . (2.48)
jωC
Combining the impedances in parallel gives
Z = 1 −1 1 1 −1
ZC ZL
Z = Z +Z = (2.49)
i i L C ZC +ZL
= (1/(jωC))(jωL) = −jL/C (2.50)
1/(jωC) + jωL ωL − 1/(ωC)
= jωL . (2.51)
2
1 − ω LC
√ ?
2. What is the impedance when ω = 1/ LC
Substituting this value for ω into the above result gives
L
L
j√ LC
j C
Z = LC = (2.52)
0
1− LC
→ ∞. (2.53)
Example: The tank circuit schematic shown in figure 2.6 results from the use
of a real inductor.
L R
A B
-> C ->
i i
The resistor and inductor are in series and this combination of impedance is in parallel with
the capacitor. Combining the impedances gives
1 1 −1
ZC (ZL + ZR)
1 −1
Z = = + = (2.55)
Z Z
i i ZL+ZR C ZC +ZR+ZL
= (1/(jωC))(jωL + R) (2.56)
1/(jωC) + R + jωL
= L/C − jR/(ωC) . (2.57)
R + j(ωL − 1/(ωC))
L/C − jR L/C L −j L
Z= =RC C (2.58)
R + j( L/C −
L/C)
Z = 1 −j 1 (2.59)
2 −8 −8
10 × 10 10
6 4
= (10 − j10 )Ω (2.60)
= (100 − j) × 104Ω. (2.61)
Z ≈ −jR/(ωC) (2.62)
−j/(ωC)
= R. (2.63)
At ω = 105 rad/s.
105 (2.76)
φ = tan−1 1 − 10−8(102)2 − 10−8(1)2(105)2 102
=
−1
tan [103(1 − 10
−4
− 102)] (2.77)
−1
≈ tan (−10 )
5 (2.78)
≈ −π/2. (2.79)
L
v(t)
A
v
R AB(t)
B
Applying Ohm’s law v(jω) = Ri(jω) across the resistor gives (cf. a voltage divider)
where H(jω) is known as the transfer function in the frequency domain. We have changed
independent variables from ω to jω for convenience.
We define
H(jω) = vAB (jω) = R . (2.83)
v(jω)R + j(ωL − 1/(ωC))
H(jω) contains all the information needed to characterize the circuit. In exponential form
jφ(ω) (2.84)
H(jω) = H(jω)e ,
where
R
H(jω) = (2.85)
2 2
R + (ωL − 1/(ωC))
and
1/(ωC) − ωL
−1 . (2.86)
φ(ω) = tan R
√
H(jω) has a maximum (resonance) given by ωL − 1/(ωC) = 0. Or ω = 1/ LC ≡ ωr is the
resonant frequency.
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS 35
Example: Consider the series LCR circuit (figure 2.8) driven by a voltage pha-
sor v(t) = v0 exp(jωt).
C L
S -> R
G v(t)
3. Algebraically and with a sketch on the complex plane, show that the
complex voltage sum around the closed loop is zero.
The three voltage phasors are
vR = v 0 v0 [cos( π/4) + j sin( π/4)] (2.98)
√ e−jπ/4 = √
v02 2 − −
= (2.99)
2 (1 − j)
vL = √ √ 2v0[cos(π/4) + j sin(π/4)] (2.100)
2 v0 e jπ/4 =
= v0(1 + j) (2.101)
vC = v0 v0 3π/4) + j sin( 3π/4)] (2.102)
√ e−j3π/4 = √ [cos(
2 2 − −
v
0
= (1 + j) (2.103)
− 2
Around the closed loop v = v − vR − v L − v this expression is zero
i i . If
at t = 0 it will be zero for all time. v
C v0 j v0 j
Therefore 0
− 2(1 − ) − (1 + )+
v0 (1 + j) = 0.
2
Im
vL
1
v
−0.5 1 Re
−0.5
vC vR
Figure 2.9: Complex voltage sum around the closed loop of the driven LCR circuit.
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS 37
Example: Sketch simplified versions of the circuit shown in figure 2.10 that
would be valid at:
R C
2L
100R
S ->
Vs
G
R
1. ω=0;
ω=0⇒ZC→∞;ZL→0.
v vs
L
A
R
100R 2L
v vs
R
Figure 2.12: Example circuit for very low frequencies but not ω = 0.
R
100R 2L
v vs
R
Figure 2.13: Example circuit for very high frequencies but not ω = ∞.
4. ω=∞.
ω = ∞ ⇒ ZC = 1/jωC → 0; ZL = jωL → ∞.
Example: For the circuit shown in figure 2.15 plot |Zeq| as a function of fre-
6
quency over the range ω = 1 rad/s to ω = 10 rad/s.
The equivalent impedance for the three components in parallel is
Z = ZRZLZC (2.107)
eq
ZLZR + ZLZC + ZC ZR
= (R)(jωL)(1/jωC) (2.108)
1
(jωL)(R) + (jωL)( jωC ) + ( jωC1 )(R)
= RL/C (2.109)
L 1
C + jR(ωL − ω )
C
R 100R
v vs R
1016 + 108(ω − ω )2
10
= 107 . (2.113)
6
10
108+(ω− ω )2
A table of values and its plot follows.
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS 40
H= Z2 . (2.114)
Z1+Z2
Thus
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS 41
H(jω) = n = Pn
Pn(jω) Pn
(jω)(n−m) = ω(n−m)ej(n−m)π/2 and (2.118)
Qm(jω)
m Q Q
m m
Pn (n−m)
|H(jω)| = ω . (2.119)
Qm
We define log ≡ log10 and plot
log |H(jω)| = log P + (n − m) log ω,
n
(2.120)
Qm
which is a straight line on a log-log plot with integer slope.
As an example, consider our RCL circuit:
H(jω) = R
(2.121)
R + j(ωL − 1/(ωC))
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS log |Hhigh(jω)|
log(ωr /Q) − lo
which
has a
A Z C
1 slope
of −1.
Z
2
B D
= 1
1 + j(ωL/R − 1/(ωRC))
= 1
1 + j(ωQ/ωr − ωr Q/ω)
= 1 ,
1 − jQωr /ω Qωr
ω
|Hlow(jω)| = .
Qωr
On a log-log plot
(2.122)
(2.123)
(2.124)
(2.125)
(2.126)
(2.127)
(2.128)
(2.129)
(2.130)
CHAPTER 2. ALTERNATING CURRENT CIRCUITS 43
2.7 Problems
1. Consider the following circuit:
Input Output
2. Consider a circuit consisting of an inductor (L), a capacitor (C) and a resistor (R) in series
jωt
with a voltage source v(t) = v0e . Let ω = 1 krad/s, R = 1 kΩ, L = 1 H and C=10µF.
3. Derive the transfer function for the four-terminal network shown below.
R1
Vin C1
R2 C2 Vout
Chapter 3
Filter Circuits
Lets now apply our knowledge of AC circuits to some practical applications. We will first look
at some simple passive filters (skipping active filters) and then an amplifier model. Again we
will rely on complex variables.
Figure 3.1 shows some ideal transfer functions. If H(jω) = H ≡ A is a real constant then we
call the network an ideal amplifier. If H(jω) = Θ(j(ω − ω0)) is a heavyside step function we refer
to the circuit as an ideal low-pass filter, and if H(jω) = 1 − Θ(j(ω − ω0)) an ideal high-pass filter.
1 1 1
44
CHAPTER 3. FILTER CIRCUITS 45
H H
1 1
(a) (b)
omega c omega
Figure 3.1: a) Ideal amplifier, b) Ideal low-pass filter, c) ideal high-pass filter, d) low-pass filter
and e) high-pass filter.
n n (3.7)
|H(jω)| ∝ |(jω) | = ω ,
and if ω1 and ω2 are not too different
dB = 20 log ω2
n = n20 log ω .
2
n
(3.8)
ω1 ω1
By definition an octave interval is when ω2 = 2ω1 and hence
R H
A C
corner
C 1
slope = -1
-1
B D omega
Mathematically we have
1/(jωC)
v = (3.11)
R + 1/(jωC) vin.
out
H(jω) ≡ vout = 1 .
v (3.12)
1 + jωRC
in
The approximations are
RCωc
Therefore
ωc = 1 (3.17)
R
C
is the corner frequency of the filter. At the corner frequency
H(jωc) = 1 = 1 = 1−j , (3.18)
1+j 2
1 + jωcRC
1
|H(jωc)| = √ . (3.19)
2
√
We say that the output is down by 1/ 2 at the corner frequency.
C
Thus the low-pass filter integrates at high frequencies but also attenuates the signal by 1/
(RC).
CHAPTER 3. FILTER CIRCUITS 48
C
A C H
1
omega
R slope = 1
D omega
omega c
B
and therefore
1. (3.28)
ωc =
RC
dt
We define
1H .
H = jω = low
differentiate (3.31)
RC
Again the filter attenuates the signal by 1/(RC).
CHAPTER 3. FILTER CIRCUITS 49
Example: Write the transfer function H(jω) for the network in figure 3.4 and
from it find:
1. the corner frequency,
Treating the circuit like a voltage divider, the transfer function is
1/(jωC) = 1 . (3.32)
H(jω) =
1/(jωC) + jωL 1−
ω2LC
−1
2
ω LC .
1= 1 2 1
For ω ≈ 0 ⇒ H(jω) → 1.
2
ωC LC =LC .
⇒ ωC
For large ω ⇒ H(jω) →
For the corner
frequency Therefore
ωC = √ 1 = 1 = 1 × 103rad/s. (3.33)
LC
(1
×
10−6)1 /2
1 H
1 microF
H(jωC ) = 1 → ∞. (3.34)
1−1
3. How many degrees of phase shift are introduced by this network just
below and just above the corner frequency?
Since H(jω) is always real there is no phase shift.
s = σ + jω, (3.35)
where σ is an inverse time constant.
CHAPTER 3. FILTER CIRCUITS 50
H(s) = sRC s
= (3.40)
1 + sRC s + 1/(RC)
and it has one pole at −1/(RC) and one zero at 0. We refer to these two types of filters as single-
pole filters.
There is a general rule that there must be at least as many reactive elements as poles. Based
on the location of the poles we are able to deduce the general response properties of the filter.
We will not do this here.
+5
−5 +5
−5
1 + jωRC 1 + jω/ωH
For a low-pass filter the corner frequency is ωL = 1/(RC) and
1 = 1
H = . (3.45)
low 1 + jωRC 1 + jω/ωL
We may build a two-section low-pass filter by requiring R2 > R1 and 1/C2 > 1/C1, as shown
in figure 3.7, so that
CHAPTER 3. FILTER CIRCUITS 53
R
A 1 R
2 C H
1
slope = -1
C C
1 2
slope = -2
D w omega
B L1 w L2
Figure 3.7: Two-section low-pass filter.
1
Hlow = . (3.46)
(1 + jω/ωL1 )(1 + jω/ωL2 )
A special case occurs when R1C1 = R2C2 ⇒ ωL1 = ωL2 and we obtain one corner frequency but
−2
the slope of the filter is ω .
The results are similarly for a two-section high-pass filter.
A band-pass filter can be built from one low-pass filter and one high-pass filter, as shown in
figure 3.8. The order of the filter sections does not matter as long as the impedance rule is
obeyed.
R1 C2
A C H
1 slope = -1
slope = +1
C1 R2
D omega
w H w L
B
= 1 6dB/octave.
(3.50)
d(log10 ω)
ω 1. (3.54)
→∞; H H=
→ H √
We notice a zero in the transfer function at ω0 = 1/ LC. In the low-medium frequency
range
1 ∝ ω−1,
ω<ω0; H→HLM= (3.55)
jωRC
for high-medium frequencies
ω > ω ; H→ H = −ω2LC = jωL ∝ ω+1. (3.56)
0 HM jωRC R
Solving for the corner frequencies we have
CHAPTER 3. FILTER CIRCUITS 55
L R C R
A C A C
(a) C (b) L
D B D
B
C R
L C
A A C
R C
(c)
(d)
D L
B
B D
√ √ .
ω0 = 1/ LC = ω1ω2 (3.59)
Example: Sketch |H(jω)| for the LCR circuit shown in figure 3.10 for the two
conditions R = 0.5 L/C and R = 2 L/C. In each case, determine the values of |
H| at ω = 0, ∞, and ωc, and label these points on the sketches.
The transfer function is
R + jωL
H(jω) = 1 . (3.60)
R + jωL + jωC
For ω small
H(jω) ≈ R
= jωRC (3.61)
1/(jωC)
|H(jω)| = ωRC. (3.62)
CHAPTER 3. FILTER CIRCUITS 56
C L
Figure 3.10: LCR circuit with two components across the output.
H = 2 LC; ωC = √ .
low LC
R + 2j
H(jωC ) = L/C R + 4jR
= (3.63)
R + 2j L/C − j/2 L/C R + 4jR − jR
= 1 + 4j = (1 + 4j)(1 − 3j) = 13 + j (3.64)
1 + 3j 1+9 10
Hlow = 2ω LC; ωC = √ LC
2
R + j/2
H(jωC ) = L/C = 2 + j/2 (3.66)
R + j/2 L/C − 2j L/C 2 + j/2 − 2j
4 + j(4 + j)(4 + 3j) 13 + 16j
= = = (3.67)
4 − 3j 16+9 25
2 2 √
|H(jωC )| = 13 + 16 = 425 = 0.825. (3.68)
252 25
Figure 3.11 is a sketch of the transfer functions.
Example:
1. Write an expression for the transfer function of the circuit shown in fig-
ure 3.12.
Figure 3.11: Sketch of the transfer functions for the above circuit.
jωL 1
H(jω) = 2
1−ω CL
jωL
= 2
(3.70)
R+ 2
1−ω CL 1 − jR/(ωL)(1 − ω CL)
= 1 . (3.71)
1R
1 + j ωRC − ω L
2. What phase shift is introduced by this filter at very small and very large
frequencies?
1 −j −1
For large ω H(jω) ≈ jωRC = RC ω
1 →φH=− π . (3.72)
H = ω e −1 −jπ/2
high RC 2
For small ω H(jω) ≈ 1 = jω L
(−j/ω)(R/L) R
L π
H = φL=+ . (3.73)
low R 2
ωejπ/2 →
3. On a log-log scale, sketch |H(jω)| and the phase shift as a function of ω .
2 R 1
For the corner frequency ω RC = L →ωC= √ LC .
C
H(jωC ) = 1; φC = 0.
CHAPTER 3. FILTER CIRCUITS 58
-> ->
Vin R Vout
L
C
Notice that vout is with respect to ground while vin is a voltage difference. For a typical
6
operational amplifier |H| ≈ 10 at ω = 0. As ω → ∞, A(ω) < A(ω = 0) due to internal
capacitance, ie. the amplifier behaves like a low-pass filter.
Figure 3.13: Transfer function and phase shift for the above circuit.
v + A
in - v
out
+ v3 = A v2
v2 A
- v3
+ v1
v4 F v3
v4 = F v3
3.8 Problems
1. In the following circuit, the input signal is v = v0 exp(jωt), and the components have been
chosen such that L = R/ω and C = 3/(ωR). The output is at the terminals AB.
A
R
C
v(t) S L
2. (a) Draw a passive LCR low-pass filter and write down the transfer function of your four-
terminal network.
(b) Determine approximations to the transfer function and filter corner frequency(s).
√
(c) Write the resonance frequency, ωr = 1/ LC, in terms of the corner frequency(s).
3. Write down the transfer function, H(jω), for the network shown below, and from it find:
CHAPTER 3. FILTER CIRCUITS 62
Vin R Vout
L
R R R
input C C C output
So far we have only considered passive circuit elements. Now we will consider our first reactive
circuit element, the diode. Hopefully things will start to get a little more interesting.
Along with the diode there is the transistor, which will be discussed in future lectures. These
circuit elements are commonly made from a semiconductor basic material. Semicon-ductors
along with the passive circuit elements are often integrated onto a single electronics chip. If a
hundred or so transistors are on a chip it is referred to as an integrated circuit or IC. Large-scale
integrated circuits, LSI, contain thousands of transistors. And today even very-large-scale
integrated circuits, VLSI, exist, with hundreds of thousands of transistors.
Now lets talk physics.
64
CHAPTER 4. DIODE CIRCUITS 65
semiconductor has the valence band close to the conduction band – separated by about a 1 eV
gap. Conductors on the other hand have the conduction and valence bands overlapping.
The interesting property of a semiconductor is that thermally excited electrons can move
from the valence band to the conduction band and conduct current. Silicon and germanium have
thermally excited electrons at room temperature and hence their common use in diodes and
transistors.
When an electron has been excited into the conduction band, the hole left behind in the
valence band is also free to move through the crystal. A quantum mechanical treatment of this
effect puts the hole on an approximately equal footing with the electron. Temperature causes the
thermal generation of electron-hole pairs. One of the components of the pair will add a little to
the majority charge carriers. The other component of the electron-hole pair will become the
minority charge carrier. Minority charge carriers limit ideal performance and increase with
increasing temperature.
A common method for generating even more charge carriers in a semiconductor is by
doping. That is, replacing a few atoms of the base material with atoms of a different element.
These impurities will contribute an excess electron or hole which is loosely bound and hence can
be excited into the conduction band by thermal energy. In N-type semiconductors the majority of
free charge carriers are negative, while in a P-type semiconductor the majority are positive.
Slope
is E
E V Electron
P−TYPE N−TYPE
Energy
+ −
++ −−
++ − 0
++ −−
+ −
−
Majority Deplection Majority Good Poor Good
Initially both semiconductors are totally neutral. The concentration of positive and negative
carriers are quite different on opposite sides of the junction and the thermal energy-powered
diffusion of positive carriers into the N-type material and negative carriers into the P-type
material occurs. The N-type material acquires an excess of positive charge near the junction and
the P-type material acquires an excess of negative charge. Eventually diffuse charges build up
and an electric field is created which drives the minority charges and eventually equilibrium is
reached. A region develops at the junction called the depletion region. This region is essentially
un-doped or just intrinsic silicon.
To complete the diode conductor, leads are placed at the ends of the PN junction.
+ +
I r I f
P N P N
a) b)
Figure 4.2: Diode circuit connections: a) reversed biased and b) forward biased.
An approximation to the current in the PN junction region is given by (shown in fig-ure 4.3a)
V /V (4.1)
I = I0(e T − 1),
where both I0 and VT are temperature dependent. This equation gives a reasonably accurate
prediction of the current-voltage relationship of the PN junction itself – especially the tem-
perature variation – and can be improved somewhat by choosing I0 and VT empirically to fit
CHAPTER 4. DIODE CIRCUITS 67
a particular diode. However, for a real diode, other factors are also important: in particular, edge
effects around the border of the junction cause the actual reverse current to increase slightly with
reverse voltage, and the finite conductivity of the doped semi-conductor ulti-mately restricts the
forward current to a linear increase with increasing applied voltage. A better current-voltage
curve for the real diode is shown in the figure 4.3b.
I I
V/V
I (e T−1)
0
slope = 1/Rf
V VPN V
slope = 1/Rr
a) b)
Figure 4.3: Current versus voltage a) in the PN junction region and b) for an actual PN diode.
Various regions of the curve can be identified: the linear region of forward-biasing, a non-
linear transition region, a turn-on voltage (VP N ) and a reverse-biased region. We can assign a
dynamic resistance to the diode in each of the linear regions: Rf in the forward-biased region and
Rr in the reverse-biased region. These resistances are defined as the inverse slope of the curve:
1/R = ∆I /∆V . The voltage VP N , represents the effective voltage drop across a forward-biased
PN junction (the turn-on voltage). For a germanium diode, VP N is approximately 0.3 V, while
for a silicon diode it is close to 0.6 V.
I
If
conduction
region
V
non−conduction
a) region
b)
Figure 4.4: a) Schematic symbol for a diode and b) current versus voltage for an ideal diode.
+ -
If Ir
VPN Rf
ideal
diodes
Rr
Rf
V
R Z VZ
+
Z
V
I Z
Rr I Z
a) b) c)
RZ
Figure 4.6: a) Current versus voltage of a zener diode, b) schematic symbol for a zener diode and
c) equivalent circuit model of a zener diode in the reverse-bias direction.
respond quickly to changes in current (10 MHz). LEDs have applications in optical-fiber
communication and diode lasers. They produce a narrow spectrum of coherent red or infrared
light that can be well collimated.
As an electron in the conduction band recombines with a hole in the valence band, the
electron makes a transition to a lower-lying energy state and releases energy in an amount equal
to the band-gap energy. Normally the energy heats the material. In an LED this energy goes into
emitted infrared or visible light.
power is to transform, rectify, filter and regulate an AC line voltage. Power supplies make use of
simple circuits which we will discuss presently.
DC power supplies are often constructed using a common inexpensive three-terminal
regulator. These regulators are integrated circuits consisting of several solid state devices and are
designed to provide the desirable attributes of temperature stability, output current limiting and
thermal overload protection.
In power supply applications it is common to use a transformer to isolate the power supply
from the 110 V AC line. A rectifier can be connected to the transformer secondary to generate a
DC voltage with little AC ripple. The object of any power supply is to reduce the ripple which is
the periodic variation in voltage about the steady value.
4.3.2 Rectification
Figure 4.7 shows a half-wave rectifier circuit. The signal is exactly the top half of the input
voltage signal, and for an ideal diode does not depend at all on the size of the load resistor.
V0
S Vs R
G
+V
G GROUND
-V
4.3.6 Clamping
When a signal drives an open-ended capacitor the average voltage level on the output termi-nal
of the capacitor is determined by the initial charge on that terminal and may therefore be quite
unpredictable. Thus it is necessary to connect the output to ground or some other reference
voltage via a large resistor. This action drains any excess charge and results in an average or DC
output voltage of zero.
A simple alternative method of establishing a DC reference for the output voltage is by using
a diode clamp as shown in figure 4.11. By conducting whenever the voltage at the output
terminal of the capacitor goes negative, this circuit builds up an average charge on the terminal
that is sufficient to prevent the output from ever going negative. Positive charge on this terminal
is effectively trapped.
C V0
S ->
Vs
G
4.3.7 Clipping
A diode clipping circuit can be used to limit the voltage swing of a signal. Figure 4.12 shows a
diode circuit that clips both the positive and negative voltage swings to references voltages.
S ->
G Vs +V1 -V2
+
+12V
to
+15V
+15V
- +
12V
Example: For each circuit in figure 4.14 sketch the output voltage as a function of
time if vs(t) = 10 cos(2000πt) V. Assume that the circuit elements are ideal.
1 kohm
1 kohm
S ->
Vs
S -> 1 kohm S -> Vz = 6 V
Vs G Vs
G G B
C
A
Vz = 6 V
0.1 microF
S ->
1 kohm S ->
G Vs Vs
G
D
E
The forward and reverse biased approximations for the circuit in figure 4.14a
are shown in figure 4.15 and the output voltage is sketched in figure 4.20a.
1 kohm 1 kohm
The forward and reverse biased approximations for the circuit in figure 4.14b
are shown in figure 4.16 and the output voltage is sketched in figure 4.20b.
The forward and reverse biased approximations for the circuit in figure 4.14c
are shown in figure 4.17 and the output voltage is sketched in figure 4.20c.
CHAPTER 4. DIODE CIRCUITS 75
1 kohm
1 kohm
+ S -> v=0
S -> Vz = 6 V
G Vs v>Vz Vs
G
The forward and reverse biased approximations for the circuit in figure 4.14d
are shown in figure 4.18 and the output voltage is sketched in figure 4.20d.
The forward and reverse biased approximations for the circuit in figure 4.14e
are shown in figure 4.20 and the output voltage is sketched in figure 4.20e.
CHAPTER 4. DIODE CIRCUITS 76
Vz = 6 V
S -> 1 kohm v=Vs S -> 1 kohm v<-Vz
G Vs G Vs
D
Example: Assuming that the diodes in the circuit below are ideal, write
expres-sions for the voltage at points A and B.
Consider when the current flows in the clockwise direction (figure 4.22). V A =
VB = V0 in the steady state because the charge just builds (it has nowhere to
“drain” to).
Consider when the current flows in the anti-clockwise direction (figure 4.23).
VA = V0 cos ωt, since this is just the output terminal of the voltage source. V B =
V0 in the steady state, again since the charge cannot go anywhere.
Thus by superposition
V = V + V0 cos ωt (4.2)
A 0
V = V + V0 = 2V0. (4.3)
B 0
CHAPTER 4. DIODE CIRCUITS 77
A B
C
S
C
G
V0 cos(omega t)
B
C
S
C
G
V0 cos(omega t)
A
B
C
S C
G
V0 cos(omega t)
4.4 Problems
1. (a) Make a sketch showing the current through an ideal diode as a function of the applied
voltage. Also sketch the current through a real signal diode as a function of voltage.
(b) Make a sketch showing the current drawn through a Zener diode as a function of the
applied voltage. Show how to determine the forward resistance (Rf ), the reverse
resistance (Rr ) and the Zener resistance (RZ ) from your sketch. Label the voltages
VP N and VZ .
A 6.3V B
C D
5V
3V
3. The Zener diode in the following circuit is characterized by VP N = 0.6 V and |VZ | = 4.8
V. Terminal B is at ground and there is no external load resistor.
A
10kohm
+
13.2V
B
CHAPTER 4. DIODE CIRCUITS 80
4. The effects of a Zener diode in a circuit can be treated analytically by using an equiv-alent
circuit model of the reverse-biased condition. In the low voltage region, before breakdown,
the Zener diode can be treated like any other reverse-biased diode. How-ever, the Zener
diode is normally operated in the breakdown region.
(a) Write down an equivalent linear-circuit model in the breakdown voltage region.
(b) Replace the Zener diode in the following voltage reference circuit by your equiv-
alent circuit model.
Vs R VL
I Iz IL RL
(c) Determine the contribution of the of Zener diode to this voltage reference circuit by
calculating the elements of a Thevenin equivalent circuit representation.
(d) Show that for small Zener diode effective resistance the Thevenin equivalent volt-age
is close to the Zener breakdown voltage and thus is insensitive to changes in the
source voltage.
(e) Show that for small Zener diode effective resistance, the Thevenin equivalent resistor
gives the voltage source a reasonably small output impedance.
(f) The combined results show a voltage reference that is insensitive to voltage changes
in the original EMF and to changes in the load current. State the as-sumptions under
which this result is valid.
Chapter 5
Transistor Circuits
The circuits we have encountered so far are passive and dissipate power. Even a transformer that
is capable of giving a voltage gain to a circuit is not an active element. Active elements in a
circuit increase the power by controlling or modulating the flow of energy or power from an
additional power supply into the circuit.
Transistors are active circuit elements and are typically made from silicon or germanium and
come in two types. The bipolar transistor controls the current by varying the number of charge
carriers. The field effect transistor (FET) varies the current by varying the shape of the
conducting volume.
Before starting we will define some notation. The voltages that are with respect to ground are
indicated by a single subscript. Voltages with repeated letters are power supply voltages. And
voltages between two terminals are indicated by a double subscript.
81
CHAPTER 5. TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS 82
C C
B B
E E
a) b)
B
+V C E
N P N
C E
B
a) Depletion b)
Region
Figure 5.2: a) NPN transistor with collector, base and emitter shorted together, and b) voltage
levels developed within the shorted semiconductor.
When the transistor is biased for normal operation as in figure 5.3a, the base terminal is
slightly positive with respect to the emitter (about 0.6 V for silicon), and the collector is
positive by several volts. When properly biased, the transistor acts to make IC IB . The depletion
region at the reverse-biased base-collector junction grows and is able to support the increased
electric potential change indicated in the figure 5.3b.
For a typical transistor, 95% to 99% of the charge carriers from the emitter make it to
CHAPTER 5. TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS 83
V
V
CB EB C
V
CE
IC + B +
IB
E
N P N
V B
C E CB BE V
V > V
IC>IB CE BE
Figure 5.3: a) NPN transistor biased for operation and b) voltage levels developed within the
biased semiconductor.
the collector and constitute almost all the collector current IC . IC is slightly less than IE and we
may write α = IC /IE , where from above α = 0.95 to 0.99.
The behaviour of a transistor can be summarized by the characteristic curves shown in figure
5.4. Each curve starts from zero in a nonlinear fashion, rises smoothly, then rounds a knee to
enter a region of essentially constant IC . This flat region corresponds to the condition where the
depletion region at the base-emitter junction has essentially disappeared. To be useful as a linear
amplifier, the transistor must be operated exclusively in the flat region, where the collector
current is determined by the base current.
A small current flow into the base controls a much larger current flow into the collector. We
can write
IC = βIB = hF E IB , (5.1)
where β is the DC current gain and hF E is called the static forward-current transfer ratio. From
the previous definition of α and the conservation of charge, IE = IC + IB , we have
β= α
. (5.2)
1−α
For α = 0.99 we have β = 99 and the transistor is a current amplifying device.
knees I
constant IC B
I
C IB3
IB2
IB1
non−linear region
V
CE V
PN V
BE
the collector and emitter, whereas small changes in the collector-emitter voltage have little effect
on the base. The result is that the base is always part of the input to a four-terminal network.
There are three common configurations: common emitter (CE), common collector (CC) and
common base (CB), as shown in figure 5.5.
C C C E C
B
B
E E B B
E
b) c)
a)
Figure 5.5: Transistor basic circuit configurations: a) common emitter (CE), b) common
collector (CC) and c) common base (CB).
The operating characteristics of the different circuit configurations are shown in table 5.1.
Characteristic CE CC CB
power gain yes yes yes
voltage gain yes no yes
current gain yes yes no
input resistance 3.5 kΩ 580 kΩ 30 Ω
output resistance 200 kΩ 35Ω 3.1 MΩ
voltage phase change yes no no
dt ∂IB dt ∂VCE dt
where the partial derivatives are evaluated at a particular IB and VCE – the operating point. hf e ≡
∂IC /∂IB |IB,VCE is the forward current transfer ratio and describes the vertical spacing ∆IC /∆IB
between the curves. The output admittance (inverse resistance) is hoe ≡ ∂IC /∂VCE |IB,VCE and
describes the slope ∆IC /∆VCE of one of the curves as it passes through the operating point.
Using these definitions we may write
dIC = hf e dIB + hoe dVCE . (5.5)
dt dt dt
The input signal VBE is also related to IB and VCE , and a similar argument to the above
gives
dVBE = hie dIB + hre dVCE , (5.6)
dt dt dt
where hie is the input impedance and hre is the reverse voltage ratio.
The differential equations are linear only in the limit of small AC signals, where the h
parameters are effectively constant. The h parameters are in general functions of the variables IB
and VCE . We arbitrarily picked IB and VCE as our independent variables. We could have picked
any two of VBE , VCE , IB and IC . Because the current and voltage variables are mixed the h
parameters are known as hybrid parameters.
In general the current and voltage signals will have both DC and AC components. The time
derivatives involve only the AC component and if we restrict ourselves to sinusoidal AC signals,
we may replace the time derivatives by the signals themselves (using complex
notation). Our hybrid equations become
iC = hf eiB + hoevCE and (5.7)
v = h i + h v . (5.8)
BE ie B re CE
CHAPTER 5. TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS 86
The hybrid parameters are often used as the manufacturer’s specification of a transistor, but
there are large variations between samples. Thus one should use the actual measured parameters
in any detailed calculation based on this model. Table 5.2 shows typical values for the hybrid
parameters.
The relationship between the voltages and currents for a transistor in the common emitter
configuration is shown in figure 5.6.
vC C
vBE = vB - vE
vCE = vC - vE
iC
B vB
iC = hfe iB
+ hie vCE
Rs iB RL
S
VS
G
vE vE
E E
We now make a few approximations to our hybrid parameter model to get an intuitive feel
for how transistors behave in circuits. The voltage across the load resistor is
vE − vC = iC RL, (5.9)
1 + hoeRL
CHAPTER 5. TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS 87
If hoeRL 1 (good to about 10%) we can write
iC = hf eiB , (5.13)
v =− h Rh h . (5.14)
BE ie − L f e ie
v = − h RL, (5.15)
BE ie
which is the AC voltage gain.
1. The base and emitter are at the same AC voltage (vB = vE ). They differ only by a constant
DC potential VP N .
2. The collector current is equal to the emitter current and proportional to the base current (iE
= iC , IE = IC , iC = hf eiB and IC = hF E iB ).
We now turn to the description of some simple amplifiers that use a single bipolar tran-sistor.
Our goal will be to estimate the voltage gains, current gains, input impedances, output
impedances and corner frequencies of the amplifiers. The characteristics of a perfect amplifier
are as follows:
5.2.1 DC Biasing
DC biasing is setting up a circuit to operate a transistor at a desired operating point on its
characteristic curve. Three bias networks for the common emitter amplifier are shown in figure
5.7.
In figure 5.7a the only path for DC bias current into the base is through RB . VCC is a power
supply voltage which is generally greater than 10 V such that VP N can be ignored. The DC
voltage at the collector should be large enough to provide at least a 2 V drop between collector
and emitter and clearly must be less than VCC . In the absence of other circuit requirements, a
convenient algebraic choice for VC is VCC /2. DC circuit analysis results in the following
relative sizes of the two resistors:
RB = 2hF E RC . (5.19)
Although the circuit works reasonably well, the fact that hF E is quite variable among
samples leads to a bad design. A well-designed circuit should have an operating point that is less
dependent on this parameter.
Figure 5.7b shows a network with the base-biasing resistor connected to the collector instead
of VCC . RF acts as a negative feedback resistor since it feeds the collector current back into the
base. Analysis gives
RF = hF E RC . (5.20)
Therefore a change in hF E has only half the effect of the previous design.
A more common bias stabilization technique employs a series resistor between the emitter
and ground. This circuit has about the same sensitivity to changes in hF E as the previous circuit.
CHAPTER 5. TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS 89
Vcc
Rc Vcc
RB
IB Vc Rc
Vc
a) Ic
VB~VE
Vcc
VE
Rc IR = Ic + IB I2 RB2 RE
RF ~ Ic
IB Vc c)
VB~0 Ic = hFE IB
b)
v
B h
ie
CHAPTER 5. TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS 90
Vcc
Rc
vc
C
RB vc
Rs C vB hfeiB
B hie B'
vB B ic Vcc
Rc
S vs is iB
iB
is
E RB
G
a) b)
Figure 5.8: a) Basic CE amplifier and b) AC equivalent circuit drawn using an ideal transistor
symbol with hie shown explicitly.
o
The minus sign indicates that the voltage signal at the collector is 180 out of phase with the
signal at the base.
The input impedance to this amplifier circuit is just the parallel combination of RB and hie,
and since hie is usually much smaller than RB , the input impedance generally reduces to just the
input impedance of the transistor itself, namely, hie. The circuit output impedance is the collector
resistance RC .
The high-frequency operation of the common emitter amplifier is limited by the parasitic
capacitance between the collector and base. This capacitance provides a path by which the large
and inverted signal at the collector drives a feedback current into the base. The base-to-collector
voltage gain of this amplifier looks like a low-pass filter.
vC =−A=− h R . (5.22)
fe C
vB h + h R
ie fe E
vB hie vc
iC
iB vE Rc
RE
For small input signals it is often desirable to retain the large voltage gain of the basic CE
amplifier even though an emitter resistor is used for DC stability. This can be done if a large
capacitor CE is used to bypass the AC signal around the emitter resistor. CE shorts out the
emitter bias resistor RE for AC signals. The magnitude of the resulting transfer function is
similar to a high-pass filter, with RE setting the gain (A = RC /RE ) at low frequencies and the
capacitor maximizing the gain (A = hf eRC /hie) at high frequencies.
Example: Determine values for RB and RC that will yield the operating point
shown in the circuit in figure 5.10 (VCC = +20 V ) under the assumption that:
1. VBE = 0.
VBE=0⇒VB=0.
V I
IB= CC= C.
R h
B FE
Therefore
R = h V =100 × 20 = 2 × 106 Ω
CC
B FE −3 (5.24)
IC 1 × 10
= 2M Ω. (5.25)
2. VBE = 0.6 V.
VBE = 0.6V ⇒ VB = 0.6V .
V −V I
I = CC B = C .
B
RB hF E
Therefore
RB = h V V = 100 × (20 − 0.6)
FE CC − B (5.28)
−3
IC 1 × 10
= 1.94M Ω. (5.29)
CHAPTER 5. TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS 92
RC = VCC − VC (5.30)
IC
= 10kΩ. (5.31)
V = 0.6V = = 1.55M Ω .
BE 1×10−3
Vcc=+20V
Ic=1mA
RC
RB
Vc=10V
hFE=100
Example:
1. If hF E = 100, determine an expression for the base-biasing resistor R B
that will result in a DC operating point V C = VCC /2 for the circuit in figure
5.11. Now hF E = 100. The voltage drop across the bias resistor is V CC =
RB I1 + 100RI2. Charge conservation (I1 = I2 + IB ) gives
I2 = 1 + 1/hF E IC .
(5.35)
100
Substituting equation 5.35 into equation 5.33 gives
VCC = RB + (RB + 100R) 1 + 1/hF E IC . (5.36)
h 100
FE
CHAPTER 5. TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS 93
2. If the circuit is built with the R B just found, what will be the operating
point if hF E = 50?
VCC−VC .
If RB = 447R and hF E = 50, VCC − VC = 5RIC ⇒ IC = 5R
Substitution into equation 5.36 gives
5RVCC = RB + (RB + 100R) 1 + 1/hF E (5.43)
h 100
VCC − VC FE
5 447 1 + 1/50
= + (447 + 100) (5.44)
1 − VC /VCC 50 100
= 14.5194 (5.45)
V = 1− 5 V (5.46)
C CC
14.5194
= 0.66VCC . (5.47)
Vcc
Ic
5R
I1
RB
Vc=Vcc/2
IB
I2
100R
R
Vcc
vB
iB
vE
RE
vB h + h R
ie fe E
The gain is thus in phase and slightly less than unity. The output impedance of the CC amplifier
can be substantially less than the output impedance of the driving signal source.
vE h
ie
which is the same as the CE amplifier except for the lack of voltage inversion.
CHAPTER 5. TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS 95
ic
vE vc
Rc
iB
RE RB1 Vcc
RB2 CB
The input impedance looking into the emitter (Rin = hie/hf e) is quite small. The output
impedance of this circuit is never greater than RC .
Because of its high-frequency response and small input impedance, this circuit is often used
to receive high-frequency signals transmitted via a coaxial cable. For this purpose the input
impedance of the amplifier is adjusted to match the distributed impedance of the coaxial cable –
usually 50 to 75 Ω.
D D
P
N D D
G G
P P G
N N G
S S
S S
N−Channel P−Channel
The JFET has two distinct modes of operation: the variable-resistance mode, and the pinch-
off mode. In the variable-resistance mode the JFET behaves like a resistor whose value is
controlled by VGS . In the pinch-off mode, the channel has been heavily constricted with most of
the drain-source voltage drop occuring along the narrow and therefore high-resistance part of the
channel near the depletion regions.
The characteristic curves of a typical JFET are shown in figure 5.16. At small values of VDS
(in the range of a few tenths of a volt), the curves of constant VGS show a linear relationship
between VDS and ID . This is the variable-resistance region of the graph. As VDS increases, each
of the curves of constant VGS enters a region of nearly constant ID . This is the pinch-off region,
where the JFET can be used as a linear voltage and current amplifier. At VGS = 0 the current
through the JFET reaches a maximum known as IDSS , the current from Drain to Source with the
gate Shorted to the source. If VGS goes positive for this N-channel JFET, the PN junction
becomes conducting and the JFET becomes just a forward-biased diode.
where the function varies with the particular transistor. This expression yields the AC relationship
CHAPTER 5. TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS 97
I
D
D
+
G P V
DS
P
V
GS
+ N
ID
∂VGS ∂VDS
where the AC currents and voltages are complex but the partial derivatives evaluate to real
numbers. In the pinch-off region the curves of constant VGS are essential flat (∂ID /∂VDS = 0)
and allow the equation to be written as
iD = gmvGS , (5.52)
ID
IDSS VGS1=0V
VGS2=−0.5V
VGS3=−1.0V
V
DS
Figure 5.16: Characteristic curves of a typical N-channel JFET.
for high frequency components of vDS and hence AC signals will not cause a swing in the bias
voltage.
VDD
RD
vG vD
RG
Rs
Since the FET gate current is small we can make the approximations iS = iD and vS = −vGS :
the source is positive with respect to the gate for reverse-bias. Since at low frequencies we can
ignore the capacitor the source voltage is given by
vS = RS iS = RS iD . (5.53)
VDD
vG
vs
RG
Rs
The MOSFET is widely used in large-scale digital integrated circuits where its high input
impedance can result in very low power consumption per component. Many of these circuits
feature bipolar transistor connections to the external terminals, thereby making the devices less
susceptible to damage.
The MOSFET comes in four basic types, N-channel, P-channel, depletion and enhance-ment.
The configuration of an N-channel, depletion MOSFET is shown in figure 5.19a. Its operation is
similar to the N-channel JFET discussed previously: a negative voltage placed on the gate
generates a charge depleted region in the N-type material next to the gate, thereby reducing the
area of the conduction channel between the drain and source. How-ever, the mechanism by
which the depletion region is formed is different from the JFET. As the gate is made negative
with respect to the source, more positive carriers from the P-type material are drawn into the N-
channel, where they combine with and eliminate the free negative charges. This action enlarges
the depletion region towards the gate, reducing the area of the N-channel and thereby lowering
the conductivity between the drain and source. For negative applied gate-source voltages the
observed effect is much like a JFET, and gm is also about the same size.
However, since the MOSFET gate is insulated from the channel, positive gate-source
voltages may also be applied without losing the FET effect. Depending on the construction
details, the application of a positive gate-source voltage to a depletion-type MOSFET can repel
the minority positive carriers in the depleted portion of the N-channel back into the P-type
material as discussed below, thereby enlarging the channel and reducing the resistance. If the
device exhibits this behaviour, it is known as an enhancement-depletion MOSFET.
A strictly enhancement MOSFET results from the configuration shown in figure 5.19b.
Below some threshold of positive gate-source voltage, the connecting channel of N-type ma-
terial between the drain and source is completely blocked by the depletion region generated by
the PN junction. As the gate-source voltage is made more positive, the minority positive carriers
are repelled back into the P-type material, leaving free negative charges behind. The effect is to
shrink the depletion region and increase the conductivity between the drain and source.
D D
N
N
U G P U
G
N P N
N
N
S S
G D U D
G U
a) S b) S
thus available for conduction effectively limits the power-handling capability of MOSFET
devices to less than 1 W. More recently, new designs and manufacturing techniques have been
developed to produce a more complicated, three-dimensional gate structure. These transistors are
identified by various manufactures as HEXFET, VMOS, or DMOS, depend-ing on the geometry
of the gate structure: respectively hexagonal, V-shaped, or D-shaped. They feature power
dissipations exceeding 100 W and excellent high-frequency operation. In contrast to the normal
MOSFET, these devices have a much larger forward transconduc-tance. These devices thus
feature very high current gain at both high frequency and high power, a combination that is hard
to obtain with traditional bipolar power transistors.
C
C
B Q1 Q2
iB hfe iB 2 hfe iB 2
hfe iB B Q1 hfe iB
Q2
a) b)
E E
Figure 5.20: a) The Darlington connection of two transistors to obtain higher current gain and b) the Sziklai
connection of an NPN and PNP transistor to obtain the equivalent of a high-current-gain NPN.
CHAPTER 5. TRANSISTOR CIRCUITS 104
5.11 Problems
1. Consider the common-emitter amplifier shown below with values VCC = 12 V, R1 = 47
kΩ, R2 = 12 kΩ, RC = 2.7 kΩ, RE = 1 kΩ, and a forward-bias voltage drop across the
base-emitter junction of 0.7 V. Calculate approximate values for VB , VE , IC , VC , and the
voltage gain. Using the measured h parameters hie = 3600 Ω and hf e = 150, calculate the
input impedance, base current, and voltage gain. Compare your calculated voltage gain
with your approximation.
V
CC
R1 RC
V
B VC
IC
VE
R
2 R
E
Chapter 6
Operational Amplifiers
The operational amplifier (op-amp) was designed to perform mathematical operations. Al-
though now superseded by the digital computer, op-amps are a common feature of modern
analog electronics.
The op-amp is constructed from several transistor stages, which commonly include a
differential-input stage, an intermediate-gain stage and a push-pull output stage. The dif-ferential
amplifier consists of a matched pair of bipolar transistors or FETs. The push-pull amplifier
transmits a large current to the load and hence has a small output impedance.
The op-amp is a linear amplifier with Vout ∝ Vin. The DC open-loop voltage gain of a typical
op-amp is 103 to 106. The gain is so large that most often feedback is used to obtain a specific
transfer function and control the stability.
Cheap IC versions of operational amplifiers are readily available, making their use popular in
any analog circuit. The cheap models operate from DC to about 20 kHz, while the high-
performance models operate up to 50 MHz. A popular device is the 741 op-amp which drops off
6 dB/octave above 5 Hz. Op-amps are usually available as an IC in an 8-pin dual, in-line
package (DIP). Some op-amp ICs have more than one op-amp on the same chip.
Before proceeding we define a few terms:
linear amplifier – the output is directly proportional to the amplitude of input signal.
negative feedback – the output is connected to the inverting input forming a feedback loop
(usually through a feedback resistor RF ).
105
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 106
VCC is typically, but not necessarily, ±15 V. The positive and negative voltages are necessary to
allow the amplification of both positive and negative signals without special biasing.
ground or
V++ common
+
non-inverting
V+
input
output Vout
inverting V-
input
V-- b)
+
a)
where A0 is the DC open-loop gain and Hlow is the transfer function of a passive low-pass filter.
We can write
A(jω) = A , (6.3)
0
1 + jω/ωc
5
where A0 ≈ 2 × 10 and fc ≈ 5 Hz.
Two conditions must be satisfied for linear operation:
3. large input impedance, Zin → ∞ (any signal can be supplied to the op-amp without loading
problems),
4. small output impedance, Zout → 0 (the power supplied by the op-amp is not limited),
5. wide bandwidth, and
6. infinite gain, A → ∞.
If these approximations are followed two rules can be used to analyze op-amp circuits:
Vin
Vout
I+ = I− = 0 ⇒ Rin = ∞. (6.5)
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 108
The amplifier gives a unit closed-loop gain, G(jω) = 1, and does not change the sign of the input
signal (no phase change).
This configuration is often used to buffer the input to an amplifier since the input resis-tance
is high, there is unit gain and no inversion. The buffer amplifier is also used to isolate a signal
source from a load.
Often a feedback resistor is used as shown in figure 6.3.
Vin
Vout
I=0
RF
RI
V R + R R
out = I F =1+ F and (6.7)
V R R
in I I
RF
G(jω) = 1+ . (6.8)
RI
(6.9)
RF
Vin
RI
Vout
V = − RF and (6.12)
out
V R
in I
R
G(jω) = − F . (6.13)
RI
(6.14)
The output is inverted with respect to the input signal.
A sketch of the frequency response of the inverting and non-inverting amplifiers are shown
in figure 6.5.
OPEN−LOOP
H GAIN A(jω)
A0
APPROXIMATE CLOSE−LOOP
GAIN G(jω)
G
ACTUAL CLOSE−LOOP
GAIN H(jω)
ω
OPEN−LOOP ωc ωΙ
BANDWIDTH
The input impedance of the inverting amplifier is Rin = Vin/I. Since Vin − I RI = 0 we have
Rin = RI .
A better circuit for approximating an ideal inverting amplifier is shown in figure 6.6 The extra resistor is a
current bias-compensation resistor. It reduces the current bias by eliminating non-zero current at the inputs.
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 110
RF
RI
RB
RF
Vin
Vout
V+ = V− = 0 ⇒ 0 − Vout = I RF . (6.15)
V1
R1
V2
R2 RF
V3 Vout
R3
+ + =− . (6.16)
R1 R2 R3 RF
Therefore
Vout = − R V1 − RF V2 − RF V3. (6.17)
F
R1 R2 R3
If R1 = R2 = R3(≡ R), we have
R
Vout = − F
Differentiation Circuit
To obtain a differentiation circuit we replace the input resistor of the inverting amplifier with a
capacitor as shown in figure 6.9.
C R
Vin
Vout
H
G=RCω
A0
RC
ω
ωc
ωI
Integration Circuit
Integration is obtained by reversing the resistor and the capacitor as shown in figure 6.11.
The capacitor is now in the feedback loop.
C
R
Vin
Vout
G(jω) = V = Z = −1 (6.23)
out C
V jωRC
in − R
or
V = V = −1 Vindt (6.24)
out − in
.
jωRC RC
Using dV /dt = I /C gives
d(0 − Vout) = 1 Vin − 0 . (6.25)
dt C R
and thus the same result as above.
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 113
A0
1
G=−−−
RCω
ωI ωc ω
These filters have a limited performance since the poles are still real and hence the knees are
not sharp. For example, a three stage high-pass filter with buffer amplifiers has a transfer
function
G(jω) = jω/ωcjω/ωcjω/ωc = −j(ω/ωc)3 , (6.26)
1 + jω/ωc 1 + jω/ωc 1 + jω/ωc (1 + jω/ωc)3
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 114
RI
Vin
Vout
R RI (R + 1/jωC) RI (1 + jωRC)
I
By exchanging the input resistor for a capacitor we can change between a low-pass and high-
pass filter.
Vx(t) Vz(t)=Vx(t)Vy(t)
Vy(t) MULT
Figure 6.15: Five-terminal network that performs the multiplication operation on two voltage
signals.
The multiplier circuit itself can be thought of as another op-amp with a feedback resistor whose
value is determined by a second input voltage. Multiplication circuits with the ability to handle
input voltages of either sign (four-quadrant multipliers) are available as integrated circuits and
have a number of direct uses as multipliers. But when used in a feedback loop around an
operational amplifier, other useful functional forms result.
The circuit of figure 6.16 gives an output that is the ratio of two signals, whereas the circuit of figure 6.17
yields the analog square-root of the input voltages.
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 115
V1(t) V1(t)
V3=-----
V2(t) MULT V2(t)
Figure 6.16: A multiplier as part of the feedback loop that results in the division operation.
v2(t)=sqrt(v1(t))
V1(t)
MULT
Figure 6.17: A multiplier as part of the feedback loop that results in the square-root opera-tion.
R1 R2
V1
V3
V3 Vout
V2
R1 R2
R1+R2
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 116
and thus
V1−V3 =V V (6.29)
3 − out
R1 R2
leads to
V = R2 (V2 − V1). (6.30)
out
R1
The differential amplifier is usually limited in its performance by the low input impedance of
2R1. Two buffer amplifiers are commonly added to remove this limitation and form the simple
instrumentation amplifier in figure 6.19.
V1
Vout
V2
Example: If the open-loop gain curve in figure 6.20 describes the amplifier
shown, write an expression for Vout when Vin = 10 cos(1000t) mV.
By definition
Vout = A(jω)(V+ − V−). (6.31)
|A(jω)|
5
A0=2X10
5
10 GAIN 0o Vin
Vout
A
o
PHASE −90
o
−180
ωc=25rad/s (4Hz)
ω=2πf 6 (Hz)
1 10
and
(6.37)
= 50ej1000te−j1.55
= 50 cos(1000t − 1.55) (6.38)
≈ 50 cos(1000t) V. (6.39)
V = (6.42)
out 2V− − Vin
≈ 2V+ − Vin. (6.43)
10kΩ 15 = 15 .
V+ ranges from 0 to 10kΩ+100kΩ 11
Therefore Vout ranges from Vout = −Vin to Vout = 3011 − Vin.
For Vout = 0 ⇒ Vin = 0 to 0 = 30/11 − Vin or Vin = 30/11 = 2.7 V.
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 118
10kohm
10kohm
Vin
100kohm Vout
10kohm
+15V
20kohm
100kohm
-15V
Vin
10kohm Vout
V = 3V − 2 Vin . (6.48)
out
C
V1
R2 V2
R1
V1 V2 C R
b)
a)
V1
V2 V1 V2
R2
C
R R1 C
d)
c)
V2
G(jω) = = −Z F
(6.51)
V1 R1
= − R2 1 . (6.52)
R1 1 + jωR2C
b)
V2−V− = V−−0
(6.53)
R ZC
V2−V+ ≈ V+ (6.54)
R ZC
V2−V1 = V1 . (6.55)
R Z
C
ω →0⇒G=1;|G|=1.
ω → ∞ ⇒ G = jωRC; |G| = (RC)ω+1.
RCωC = 1 ⇒ ωC = 1/(RC).
c)
V2−V− = V−−0 (6.57)
ZC R
V2−V+ ≈ V+ (6.58)
Z
C R
V2−V1 = V1 . (6.59)
Z R
C
Therefore
Z
V2 = C V1+V1 = 1 + 1 V1 (6.60)
R jωRC
G(jω) = 1 + 1 . (6.61)
jωRC
−1
ω → 0 ⇒ G = 1/(jωRC); |G| = 1/(RC)ω .
ω →∞⇒G=1;|G|=1.
1 = 1/(ωC RC) ⇒ ωC = 1/(RC).
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 122
d)
V2−V− = V−−0
R (6.62)
ZC +R2 1
V2−V1 = V1 (6.63)
1/jωC + R2 R1
Therefore
V2 = 1/jωC + R2 V1+V1 (6.64)
R1
G(jω) = 1 + R2 + 1 (6.65)
R1 jωR1C
−1
ω → 0 ⇒ G = 1/(jωR1C); |G| = 1/(R1C)ω .
ω →∞⇒G=1+R2/R1; |G|=1+R2/R1.
1 1
= 1 +R →ωC= 2
.
R1CωC R1 CR1+CR2
input impedance, small but non-zero output impedance and large but finite open-loop gain. They
also have voltage and current asymmetries at the inputs. We will analyze some circuits using an
finite open-loop gain and consider output impedance, input impedance, and voltage and current
offsets.
V1 R0 Vout
Vin
Figure 6.28: Real, current-limiting operational amplifier partially modeled by an ideal am-plifier
and an output resistor.
Assuming no current into the input terminals (unloaded), and hence no current through
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 124
R0, we have V1 = Vout = V(open). Using the open-loop transfer function V1 = A(jω)(Vin− Vout)
we obtain
A(jω)
V(open) = Vin. (6.66)
1 + A(jω)
Shorting a wire across the output gives Vout = 0 and hence
I(short) = V1 (6.67)
R0
= A(jω)
Vin. (6.68)
R0
Using the standard definition for the impedance gives
Z = V(open) = R0 . (6.69)
out
I(short) 1 + A(jω)
If A ≈ A0 1 than Zout ≈ R0/A0, which is small as required by our infinite open-loop gain
approximation.
We can now draw the impedance outside the feedback loop and use
A(jω) = A = A (6.70)
0 0
1 + jω/ωc 1+
s/ωc
to obtain
Z R0ωc + R0s
out
= . (6.71)
ωc(1 + A0) + s
The circuit can now be modeled by a resistor R0/A0 in series with an inductor R0/(A0ωc) all
in parallel with another resistor R0 (three passive components) as shown in figure 6.29. Students
should convince themselves of this.
A
V=---Vin R0/A0 R0/(A0omegaC)
1+A Vout
Vin Zout
R0
C
If the op-amp is used to drive a capacitive load, the inductive component in the output impedance could set
up an LCR resonant circuit which would result in a slight peaking of the transfer function near the corner frequency
as shown in figure 6.30
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 125
H(jω)
−12 db/octave
ω
ω
c
Figure 6.30: The overall transfer function when the amplifier drives a capacitive load.
I2
I1 RF
IT -
V1
RT
Vout
Figure 6.31: Model for calculating the input impedance of the inverting amplifier.
R
T
The current through the feedback resistor is
I2 = V V (6.74)
1 − out
R
F
RF + RT (1 + A(jω))
For large A
Zin = R . (6.77)
F
A(jω)
The closed-loop input impedance is thus small and almost independent of the large RT of the
operational amplifier.
Now consider the non-inverting amplifier shown in figure 6.32.
V1
+
Vout
I1
RT
I2 R2
-
V2
V2
I1 I1+I2
R1
Figure 6.32: Model for calculating the input impedance of the non-inverting amplifier.
The student should calculate the input impedance by recognizing that I1 is much less than I2,
since RT is much greater than R1 or R2. Your result should be
output offset voltage – The voltage at the output when the input voltage is zero (input
terminals grounded).
common mode voltage – The voltage at the output when the voltage at the inverting and non-
inverting inputs are equal.
common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) – The ratio of the op-amp gain when operating in
differential mode to the gain when operating in common mode.
common mode rejection (CMR) – The ability to respond to only differences at the input
terminals: CMR ≡ 20 log10(CMRR).
CURRENT VOLTAGE
IDEAL SETTLING
LIMITED
V LIMITED OUTPUT TIME
out SIGNAL
V
LINEAR ACTUAL
OUTPUT
OPERATION SLEW RATE
|Z
load| (V/µs)
Figure 6.33: a) Voltage-limited and current-limited operational regions for an operational amplifier and b)
definition of slew rate and settling time for an operational amplifier.
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 129
6.4 Problems
1. Consider the circuit below. (You may assume that the op-amps are ideal.)
C1
R2
R1
Vin C2
Vout
(a) Write an expression for the transfer function G(ω). Express your result in terms of
the amplitude of the output and the phase relative to the input. Let R1 = 1 kΩ,
R2 = 100 Ω, C1 = 100 µF and C2 = 1 µF. Do not simplify the algebra.
(b) What are the (real) zeroes in the transfer function, if any?
(c) What are the (real) poles in the transfer function if any?
(d) Sketch the transfer function as a function of ω on a log-log plot. Your sketch should
show the slope of |G(ω)| in the large and small ω limits, the corner frequencies, and
the value of |G(ω)| at the corner frequencies.
(e) Describe the dependence of the output on frequency at small and large frequencies in
dB/octave.
2. (a) Write the two rules for the analysis of circuits which utilize “ideal” op-amps.
(b) Write an expression for the potential Vout for the following circuit.
Z2
Z2
Vin Z1
Vout
Z1
(c) Let Z1 = 1 kΩ and Z2 = 10 kΩ. Sketch a log-log plot showing the function G(ω) for
the above circuit assuming that a general purpose op-amp such as the 741 is used.
(d) The 741 op-amp has a corner frequencies of 4 Hz, DC open-loop gain of 2 × 105 and
a fall off at high frequency of 6 dB/octave. What is the frequency domain over which
the amplifier defined in part (c) will have constant gain? What is the gain of the
amplifier in this frequency domain?
CHAPTER 6. OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS 130
(e) Suppose now that the impedance Z1 is replaced with a capacitor with a capaci-tance
C (Z2 = 10 kΩ). For frequencies much greater than 4 Hz, the 741 op-amp will
attenuate the signal if the product RC is greater than some maximum value. For a
frequency of 50 kHz, what is the maximum value for C for which the op-amp [A(ω)]
will not attenuate the output signal at high frequencies? Hint: If you sketch A(ω)
and G(ω), you will be able to see the constraint on G(ω).
Analog signals have a continuous range of values within some specified limits and can be
associated with continuous physical phenomena.
Digital signals typically assume only two discrete values (states) and are appropriate for any
phenomena involving counting or integer numbers.
While we were mostly interested in voltages and currents at specific points in analog circuits,
we will be interested in the information flow in digital circuits.
The active elements in digital circuits are either bipolar transistors or FETs. These transistors
are permitted to operate in only two states, which normally correspond to two output voltages.
Hence the transistors act as switches.
Before starting we will first review number systems and Boolean algebra.
2 1 0 (7.1)
abc10 = a × 10 + b × 10 + c × 10 .
Similarly, in the binary system a number with digits a b c can be written as
2 1 0 (7.2)
abc2 = a × 2 + b × 2 + c × 2 .
Each digit is known as a bit and can take on only two values: 0 or 1. The left most bit is the
highest-order bit and represents the most significant bit (MSB), while the lowest-order bit is the
least significant bit (LSB).
131
CHAPTER 7. DIGITAL CIRCUITS 132
Conversion from binary to decimal can be done using a set of rules, but it is much easier to
use a calculator or tables (table 7.1).
The eight octal numbers are represented with the symbols 0, . . . , 7, while the 16 hexadec-
imal numbers use 0, . . . , 9, A, . . . , F .
In the octal system a number with digits a b c can be written as
2 1 0 (7.3)
abc8 = a × 8 + b × 8 + c × 8 ,
A binary number is converted to octal by grouping the bits in groups of three, and converted
to hexadecimal by grouping the bits in groups of four. Octal to hexadecimal conversion, or visa
versa, is most easily performed by first converting to binary.
Example: Convert the binary number 1001 1110 to hexadecimal and to decimal.
Example: Devise a method similar to that used in the previous problem and
convert 785 to hexadecimal by subtracting powers of 16.
We often use the expressions 16-bit word (short word) or 32-bit word (long word) depending on
the type of computer being used. Most fast computers today actually employ a 64-bit word at the
hardware level.
If a word has n bits it can represent 2n different numbers in the range 0 to 2 n −1. Negative
numbers are usually represented by the so called 2’s complement notation. To obtain the 2’s
compliment of a number first take the complement (invert each bit) and then add 1. All the
negative numbers will have a 1 in the MSB position, and the numbers will now range from −2n−1
to 2n−1 − 1. The electronic advantages of the 2’s complement notation becomes evident when addition is
performed. Convince yourself of this advantage.
CHAPTER 7. DIGITAL CIRCUITS 134
Q≡AANDB≡A·B. (7.15)
Q is true if and only if A is true AND B is true.
Q≡AORB≡A+B. (7.16)
A·0 = 0
A+0 = A
A·1 = A
A+1 = 1
A·A = A
A+A = A
A·A = 0
A+A = 1
The Boolean operations obey the usual commutative, distributive and associative rules of
normal algebra (table 7.3).
We will also make extensive use of De Morgan’s theorems (table 7.4).
A = A
A·B = B·A
A+B = B+A
A·(B+C) = A·B+A·C
A·(B·C) = (A·B)·C
A+(B+C) = (A+B)+C
A+A·B = A
A·(A+B) = A
A·(A+B) = A·B
A+A·B = A +B
A+A·B = A+B
A+A·B = A+B
A·B = A+B
A+B = A·B
Logic circuits are grouped into families, each with their own set of detailed operating rules.
Some common logic families are:
The ECL is very fast. The MOS features very low power consumption and hence is often used in
LSI technology. The TTL is normally used for small-scale integrated circuit units.
The schematic symbols of the basic gates and the logic truth tables are shown in figure 7.1. The
open circle is used to indicate the NOT or negation function and can be replaced by an inverter
in any circuit. A signal is negated if it passes through the circle. Any logic operation can be
formed from NAND or NOR gates or a combination of both. We also commonly have gates
with more than two inputs. Inverter gates can be formed by applying
the same logic signal to both inputs of an NOR or NAND gate.
CHAPTER 7. DIGITAL CIRCUITS 136
AND
A B Q
A
0 0 0
Q=A·B
B
Q 0
1 0
AND 1 0 0
1 1 1
NAND
A B Q
A Q 0 0 1
B
Q=A·B 0 1 1
NAND 1 0 1
1 1 0
OR
A B Q
A Q=A+B 0 0 0
B Q 0 1 1
OR 1 0 1
1 1 1
NOR
A B Q
A 0 0 1
Q Q=A+B
B 0 1 0
NOR 1 0 0
1 1 0
NOT
A Q
Q=A
A NA OR 0 1
1 0
INVERT
Figure 7.1: Symbols and truth tables for the four basic two-input gates: a) AND, b) NAND, c) OR, d) NOR and e) the
inverter.
CHAPTER 7. DIGITAL CIRCUITS 137
Q = A·B+A·B+A·B (7.18)
= A·B+A·B+A·B+A·B (7.19)
= A·(B+B)+B·(A+A) (7.20)
= A+B (7.21)
Since Q is a two-state variable all other input state combinations must yield a false. If the truth
table had more than a single output result, each such result would require a separate equation. An
alternative is to write an expression for the false condition.
Q =A·B (7.22)
Q =A·B (7.23)
Q = A+B (7.24)
= A+B (7.25)
Q = A·B+C·D (7.26)
Q = A·B+C·D (7.27)
CHAPTER 7. DIGITAL CIRCUITS 138
B AoB
Q
C CoD
XOR (EOR)
A B Q
A
Q=A⊕B 0 0 0
Q 1 0 1
B
EOR
0 1 1
1 1 0
Figure 7.3: The schematic symbol for the exclusive-OR gate (EOR or XOR) and its truth table.
Q = A·B+A·B (7.28)
Q = A·B+A·B (7.29)
and we can draw the mechanization directly from the truth table (figure 7.4).
NA NAoB
A
NAoB+NBoA
B
NB NBoA
Figure 7.4: A mechanization of the exclusive-OR directly from the truth table.
A
90% 50%
10%
V
t
tt 50%
Q
t
pd
Figure 7.5: The transition time of the input and output signals, and the propagation delay through
a gate.
B
GLITCH
Q
a) t
B
NA
∆t1 INVERTER DELAY
EXPANDED GLITCH
Q
b)
Figure 7.6: a) A timing diagram for the EOR circuit. b) An expanded view of the glitch shows it
to be caused by a signal race condition.
C2 = C1·X1·Y1+C1·X1·Y1+C1·X1·Y1+C1·X1·Y1 (7.32)
= X ·Y +C ·X +C ·Y (7.33)
1 1 1 1 1 1
This is known as majority logic. And a majority detector is shown in figure 7.9
Z1 = C1·X1·Y1+C1·X1·Y1+C1·X1·Y1+C1·X1·Y1 (7.34)
= C1 ⊕ (X1 ⊕ Y1) (7.35)
CHAPTER 7. DIGITAL CIRCUITS 141
Table 7.5: The binary addition of two 2-bit numbers. The 20 column.
X Y Z C
0 0 0 1
0 0 0 0
0 1 1 0
1 0 1 0
1 1 0 1
A
S
B
A S
HALF
ADDER
B C
Figure 7.7: A mechanization of the half adder using an EOR and an AND gate.
The following device (figure 7.10) is known as a full adder and is able to add three single
bits of information and return the sum bit and a carry-out bit.
The circuit shown in figure 7.11 is able to add any two numbers of any size. The inputs are
X2X1X0 and Y2Y1Y0, and the output is C3Z2Z1Z0.
C1 X1 Y1 Z1 C2
0 0 0 0 0 Cin
0 0 1 1 0 S
HALF
0 1 0 1 0 ADDER
A S1
0 1 1 0 1 Cout
HALF
1 0 0 1 0 ADDER
B C1
1 0 1 0 1
1 1 0 0 1
1 1 1 1 1
Figure 7.8: The binary addition of two 2-bit numbers. The 21 column.
CHAPTER 7. DIGITAL CIRCUITS 142
C1 C1oX1
X1
C2
C1oY1
Y1
X1oY1
X1 Z1
Y1 SUM
MAJORITY C2
C1
CARRRY-IN DETECTOR
CARRY-OUT
Figure 7.10: The full adder mechanization.
X2 Y2 X1 Y1 X0 Y0
C2 C1 0
C3 Z2 C2 Z1 C1 Z0
Example: If the input to the circuit in figure 7.12 is written as a number ABCD,
write the nine numbers that will yield a true Q.
A AoB
B
C CoD Q=AoB+CoD+NAoCoND
D
NA
C
ND NAoCoND
Table 7.6: The truth table for the typical logic function example.
Example: Using the 2’s complement convention, the 3-bit number ABC can
represent the numbers from -3 to 3 as shown in table 7.7 (ignore -4). Assuming
that A, B, C and A, B, C are available as inputs, the goal is to devise a circuit
that will yield a 2-bit output EF that is the absolute value of the ABC number.
You have available only two- and three-input AND and OR gates.
Table 7.7: Truth table with for the ABC and EF bits.
Value A B C E F
0 0 0 0 0 0
1 0 0 1 0 1
2 0 1 0 1 0
3 0 1 1 1 1
-1 1 1 1 0 1
-2 1 1 0 1 0
-3 1 0 1 1 1
-4 1 0 0
E = A·B·C+A·B·C+A·B·C+A·B·C (7.36)
= A·(B·C+B·C)+A·(B·C+B·C) (7.37)
= A·B·(C+C)+A·(B⊕C) (7.38)
= A·B+A·(B⊕C). (7.39)
F = A·B·C+A·B·C+A·B·C+A·B·C (7.40)
= A·(B·C+B·C)+A·(B·C+B·C) (7.41)
= A·C·(B+B)+A·C·(B+B) (7.42)
= A·C+A·C (7.43)
= (A+A)·C (7.44)
= C. (7.45)
A
E
B
C
2. Write a Boolean expression for E as determined directly from the truth table.
A E
B
P
S0
NA0oNA1oS0
S1
A0oNA1oS1
S2
NA0oA1oS2
S3
A0oA1oS3
A0
A1
A decoder de-multiplexes the signals back onto several different lines. Shown in figure 7.16
is a binary-to-octal decoder (3-line to 8-line decoder).
Decoders (octal decoder) can also convert a 3-bit binary number to an output on one of eight
lines. Hexadecimal decoders are 4-line to 16-line devices. When the decoder is disabled the
outputs will be high. A decoder would normally be disabled while the address lines were
changing to avoid glitches on the output lines.
CHAPTER 7. DIGITAL CIRCUITS 147
A0
A1
ND0=NA0oNA1oNA2
A2
ND1=A0oNA1oNA2
ND2=NA0oA1oNA2
ND3=A0oA1oNA2
ND4=NA0oNA1oA2
ND5=A0oNA1oA2
ND6=NA0oA1oA2
ND7=A0oA1oA2
At any time only one gate may drive information onto the bus line but several gates may receive
it. In general, information may flow on the bus wires in both directions. This type of bus is
referred to as a bidirectional data bus.
7.9.1 Latches
All latches have two inputs: data and enable/disable. And typically Q and Q outputs. A ones-
catching latch can be built as shown in figure 7.17.
When the control input C is false, the output Q follows the input D, but when the con-trol input
goes true, the output latches true as soon as D goes true and then stays there independent of
further changes in D.
One of the most useful latches is known as the transparent latch or D-type latch. The
transparent latch is like the ones-catching latch but the input D is frozen when the latch is
disabled. The operation of this latch is the same as that of the statically triggered D flip-flop
discussed below.
D D
D+(CoQ)
C
CoQ
Figure 7.17: An AND-OR gate used as a “ones catching” latch and its timing diagram.
S R Q Q S NQ
0 0 no change RS flip-flop S Q
0 1 0 1
1 0 1 0 R NQ
1 1 undefined R Q
Figure 7.18: The RS flip-flop constructed from NOR gates, and its circuit symbol and truth table.
Figure 7.19: The RS flip-flop constructed from NAND gates, and its circuit symbol and
truth table.
S R
C C C Q Q
x x 0 no change
0 0 1 no change
0 1 1 0 1 Sc
Sc Q
1 0 1 1 0 S Q
1 1 1 undefined C C
0 0 p no change R NQ Rc
NQ
0 1 p 0 1 Rc
1 0 p 1 0
1 1 p undefined
Figure 7.20: The clocked RS flip-flop can be constructed from an RS flip-flop and two
additional gates, the schematic symbol for the static clocked RSFF and its truth table.
7.10.2 D Flip-Flop
The D flip-flop avoids the undefined states in the RSFF truth table by reducing the number of
input options (figure 7.21).
D C Q Q D Sc Q D Q
x 0 no change C C C
0 p 0 1 Rc NQ NQ
1 p 1 0
Figure 7.21: Statically triggered D flip-flop (transparent latch) mechanized with clocked RS, and
the schematic symbol and its truth table.
7.10.3 JK Flip-Flop
The JKFF simplifies the RSFF truth table but keeps two inputs (figure 7.22). The toggle state is
useful in counting circuits. If the C pulse is too long this state is undefined and hence the JKFF
can only be used with rigidly defined short clock pulses.
CHAPTER 7. DIGITAL CIRCUITS 151
J K C Q Q DEV1
Sc Q
0 0 p no change J
S
J Q
0 1 p 0 1 C
C C
1 0 p 1 0 K NQ
K
Rc R Q
1 1 p toggle
Figure 7.22: The basic JK flip-flop constructed from an RS flip-flop and gates, and its schematic
symbol and truth table.
static clock input – a clock input sensitive to the signal level and
dynamic clock input – a clock input sensitive to signal edges.
MASTER
SLAVE
J
S Q
S Q
C
K R NQ
R NQ
This arrangement is still pulse triggered. The data inputs are written onto the master flip-flop
while the clock is true and transferred to the slave when the clock becomes false. The
arrangement guarantees that the QQ outputs of the slave can never be connected to the slave’s
own RS inputs. The design overcomes signal racing (ie. the input signals never catch up with
the signals already in the flip-flop). There are however a few special states when a transition can
occur in the master and be transferred to the slave when the clock is high. These are known as
ones catching and are common in master/slave designs.
DELAY
∆tD
D
∆tD
Figure 7.24: A slow or delayed gate can be used to convert a level change into a short pulse.
J K C S R Q Q J J S
J
0 0 ↓ 1 1 no change Q Q Q
0 1 ↓ 1 1 0 1 C C
C
1 0 ↓ 1 1 1 0 NQ NQ NQ
1 1 ↓ 1 1 toggle K K K
x x x R
0 1 1 0
x x x 1 0 0 1
a) b) c)
Figure 7.25: The schematic symbols for a) a positive edge-triggered JKFF, b) a negative (falling)
edge-triggered JKFF and c) a negative edge-triggered JKFF with set and reset inputs.
7.12 One-Shots
The one-shot (also called a monostable multivibrator) is essentially an unstable flip-flop. When a one-shot is set by
an input clock or trigger pulse, it will return to the reset state on its own accord after a fixed time delay. Hence a
one-shot is able to generate a pulse of a particular width following an input pulse. One-shots are often used in
pairs with the output of the first used to trigger the second. Unfortunately the time relationship between the
signals becomes excessively interdependent and it is better to generate signal transitions synchronized with the
circuit clock.
CHAPTER 7. DIGITAL CIRCUITS 153
7.13 Registers
Registers are formed from a group of flip-flops arranged to hold and manipulate a data word
using some common circuitry. We will consider data registers, shift registers, counters and
divide-by-N counters.
D0 D1 D2
D Q D Q D Q
C C C
LOAD
Figure 7.26: A data register using the clocked inputs to D-type flip-flops.
It is also possible to load data and still leave the clock inputs free (figure 7.27). The loading
process requires a two-step sequence. First the register must be cleared, then it can be loaded.
LOAD
D0 D1 D2
S S S
D Q D Q D Q
C R Q C R Q C R Q
NCLEAR
Figure 7.27: A more complicated data-loading technique leaves the clocked inputs free but
requires a clear-load pulse sequence.
D D Q D Q
A
D Q
C C
C
CLOCK
If A is connected back to D the device is known as a circular shift register or ring counter. A
circular shift register can be preloaded with a number and then used to provide a repeated pattern
at Q.
7.13.3 Counters
There are several different ways of categorizing counters:
Counters are also classified by their clearing and preloading abilities. The BCD type count is
decimal, and is most often used for displays. In the synchronous counter each clock pulse is fed
simultaneously or synchronously to all flip-flops. For the ripple counter, the clock pulse is
applied only to the first flip-flop in the array and its output is the clock to the second flip-flop,
etc.. The clock is said to ripple through the flip-flop array.
Shown in figure 7.29 is a binary, ripple-through, up counter.
COUNT ENABLE
S S S
J Q J Q J Q
COUNT C C C
K
R Q
K R Q K R Q
Because of pulse delays, the counter will show a transient and incorrect result for short time
periods. If the result is used to drive additional logic elements, these transient states may lead to
a spurious pulse. This problem is avoided by the synchronous clocking scheme shown in figure
7.30. All output signals will change state at essentially the same time.
CHAPTER 7. DIGITAL CIRCUITS 155
S
S J Q
J Q
C J S
C Q
K R Q
K R Q C
K R Q
COUNT
7.14 Problems
1. Using only two-input NOR gates, show how AND, OR and NAND gates can be made.
2. The binary addition of two 2-bit numbers (with carry bits) looks like the following:
C2 C1
X1 X0
+ Y1 Y0
Z2 Z1 Z0
(a) Write a truth table expressing the outputs C2 and Z1 as a function of C1, X1 and
Y1.
(b) Write an algebraic statement in Boolean algebra describing this truth table.
(c) Implement this statement using standard (AND, OR, EX-OR and inverter gates).
(a) Make a truth table for A, B, C and Q, where Q is true only when an odd number of
bits are true in the number.
(b) Write a statement in Boolean algebra for Q.
(c) Convert this equation to one that can be mechanized using only two XOR gates.
Draw the resulting circuit.
4. You need to provide a logic signal to control an experiment. The experiment is con-trolled
by the four signals A, B, C and D, which make up the data word ABCD. The control line
Q should be set high only if this data word takes on the values 1, 3, 5, 7, 11 or 13.
The purpose of most electronic systems is to measure or control some physical quantity.
The system will need to acquire data from the environment, process this data and record it.
Acting as a control system it will also have to interact with the environment.
The flow of information in a typical data acquisition system (DAQ) can be described as
follows.
5. The computer may then modify the environment by outputting control signals.
6. The digital control signals are converted to analog signals using a digital-to-analog
converter (DAC).
7. The analog signals are conditioned (eg. amplified and filtered) appropriately for an output
transducer.
8.1 Transducers
Electrical systems are only able to respond to voltage and current signals in the electrical
domain: amplitude, frequency, phase and time constant. An input transducer is necessary to
convert a signal from its domain of origin (non-electrical) into the electrical domain.
A transducer may generate an electrical signal by varying one of the following: voltage,
current, resistance, capacitance, self-inductance, mutual-inductance, VP N , VZ , hf e or gm The
most fundamental transducers respond to temperature, electromagnetic radiation intensity, force,
displacement or chemical concentration. If coupled to the time domain these devices can be used
to measure any physical or chemical quantity. Examples of input transducers
157
CHAPTER 8. DATA ACQUISITION AND PROCESS CONTROL 158
8.2.5 Comparator
The comparator is used to provide a digital output indicating which of two analog input voltages
is larger. It is a single bit analog-to-digital converter. The comparator is very similar to an
operational amplifier but has a digital true/false output. Since the comparator is basically an
amplifier, the op-amp schematic symbol is used, but to avoid confusion the symbol C may be
inserted inside the op-amp symbol.
8.3 Oscillators
Often the need arises for some type of repetitive signal to serve as a timing reference for various
logic or control functions. This need is served by a constant-frequency square wave oscillator.
A S/H n−bit
V1
ADC n
A S/H n−bit digital
V2
ADC n MUX n
A S/H n−bit
V3
ADC n
A S/H analog n−bit
V1
A S/H
V2
MUX ADC n
A S/H
V3
A analog n−bit
V1
A S/H
V2
MUX ADC n
A
V3
Figure 8.1: Three schemes for multiplexing several analog signals down to one digital input
path. The notation S/H indicates sample-and-hold, ADC means analog-to-digital converter,
MUX means multiplexer, and the /n symbol across a line indicates n digital signals.
CHAPTER 8. DATA ACQUISITION AND PROCESS CONTROL 161
Vref
Im Im/2 Im/4 Im/8
Iref Vref
Im = ----
8R 16R 2R
2R 4R
R
MSB A B C D
I
Vout
Figure 8.2: The current DAC uses the summing input to an op-amp to yield a voltage output.
LSB and MSB refer to the least and most significant bits of a binary number.
Figure 8.3: Output signals from DACs showing a) the ideal result, and b) a differential
nonlinearity or c) non-monotonic behavior, both caused by imperfectly matched resistors.
The analog output of a high-speed DAC is compared against the analog input signal. The digital
result of the comparison is used to control the contents of a digital buffer that both drives the
DAC and provides the digital output word.
The successive-approximation ADC uses fast control logic which requires only n compar-
isons for an n-bit binary result (figure 8.7).
DIGITAL DAC A
S/H ADC PROCESSOR
ANALOG ANALOG
IN OUT
CONTROL
LOGIC
Figure 8.4: A generalized hybrid and digital circuit by which input analog data can be
transmitted, stored, delayed, or otherwise processed as a digital number before re-conversion
back to an analog output.
of time and this characteristic can be used to connect the analog input voltage to the time as
determined by a digital counter.
Vin
Vref
R
C
R
C
R DEV1
C
Q7
Q6 EN
R Q5
Q4
C Q3 S2
Q2 S1
Q1 S0
R Q0
3Vref encoding
C
----- logic
8
R
C
R
Vref
C
----
8
R
+
V
IN C
−
Analog Output
V DAC
REF Digital Inputs
START
Register
CONVERSION HIGH/LOW
CONTROL LOGIC
CONVERSION Output Buffer
COMPLETE CLOCK
XXX
MSB
TEST
0XX 1XX
MSB−1 MSB−1
TEST TEST
00X 01X 10X 11X
Figure 8.7: The bit-testing sequence used in the successive approximation method.
RESET
START DEV1
ADC DIGITAL
S
D Q OUTPUT
C R Q
STOP
-Vref
Figure 8.8: A time-to-digital converter. The circuit is shown with the switches in the signal-
holding position after a STOP pulse and with RESET false.
CHAPTER 8. DATA ACQUISITION AND PROCESS CONTROL 166
RESET
START
STOP
∆t
VC V C=
REF ∆t
V
RC t
0
8.7 Problems
1. Design an inverting op-amp circuit that has potentiometers for gain and offset.
2. Assuming that the diode shown in the circuit below exactly follows the equation I =
V /V −7
I0(e T − 1) with I0 = 10 A and VT = 50 mV, sketch Vout versus Vin over the input range
−2 V to +2 V. Show the scale on both axes.
10kohm
Vin
Vout
3. Using two 1020-type DACs and two op-amps, design a circuit whose analog output is
proportional to the product of two digital numbers.
5. Using a TDC, devise an experiment and show a complete block diagram of a laboratory
system to determine the speed of a bullet.
K R Q
CLOCK
(a) What must the JK inputs of the first flip-flop be connected to for the circuit to
“count”?
(b) What must the SR inputs be connected to for the flip-flop output to be well defined?
(c) Determine the truth table and decimal output for the synchronous counter.
CHAPTER 8. DATA ACQUISITION AND PROCESS CONTROL 168
8. (a) In block diagram form, draw the simplest circuit that can multiplex 16 parallel lines,
transmit serially and then demultiplex back into 16 lines. You should build your
multiplexer and demultiplexer using parallel-to-serial and serial-to-parallel shift
registers, and anything else you think you need.
(b) How may lines between the multiplexer and demultiplexer are needed?
9. Prepare a comparison table of the three different types of ADCs presented in class. Take
into account complexity, resolution, accuracy and speed.
10. An ideal TTL buffer produces an output of either 0 V or 5 V for input voltages of 0 V and
> 0 V respectively. Using ideal TTL buffers and ideal op-amps, design a 4-bit digital-to-
analog converter that can produce voltages in the range of 0 to 5 V.
11. A ramp signal generator is a useful device that gives an output voltage that increases in
fixed steps with increasing time. Design a ramp signal generator circuit using 4-bit binary
counters and an 8-bit DAC.
Chapter 9
These lectures will deal with the interface between computer software and electronic instru-
mentation.
169
CHAPTER 9. COMPUTERS AND DEVICE INTERCONNECTION 170
To keep track of the CPU steps, the processor maintains a special register, known as the
program counter. The program counter points to (contains the address of) the next instruction
to be executed. The instruction itself specifies
2. decode the instruction and fetch data from memory into internal registers as required,
3. perform the instruction and put the result in another internal register and
The various functional units of the computer are connected by one or more multi-wire digital
buses which pass data, addresses, and control information between the units as shown in figure
9.1.
E
Instruction
X
decode and
T
CPU control
E Additional
R MEMORY I/O CPU
I
N ADDRESS
N
T Control A
L
E
I/O DEVICE
R
B
N DATA
U
A Control
S
L
B CPU
U Registers
S
ALU
Figure 9.1: A typical computer design showing two multi-wire buses, an internal bus connect-ing functional units
within the CPU and an external bus for connecting additional computer subsystems.
CHAPTER 9. COMPUTERS AND DEVICE INTERCONNECTION 172
static RAM in which a single bit of memory is simply a digital flip-flop and requires only
continuous power to maintain its state.
CHAPTER 9. COMPUTERS AND DEVICE INTERCONNECTION 173
dynamic RAM in which a bit of memory is a storage capacitor in either the charged or
discharged condition. The term dynamic refers to the need to periodically renew or refresh
the slowly discharging capacitor.
Compared to dynamic memory, static memory has the following advantages. It is simpler to
use, about ten times faster and more reliable. On the other hand, it is more expensive, consumes
more power and requires more physical space. Because of power consumption in an IC the
largest static RAM is 16K bits. The largest dynamic RAM is 260K and hence is used for normal
applications while the static RAM is used for special fast applications within the same computer.
Both types of RAM are volatile, meaning that stored information is lost when power is removed
from the chip. Some computer designs provide a limited amount of non-volatile read/write RAM
storage by using special low-power (and slower) dynamic memories powered by re-chargeable
batteries.
9.1.10 Interrupts
Real-time applications require the computer to respond immediately to an external stimulus. The hardware
interrupt can be used to suspend the current sequence of instructions, perform a specific and usually short I/O
task, then return to the original sequence of instructions.
CHAPTER 9. COMPUTERS AND DEVICE INTERCONNECTION 174