EE2254 - LINEAR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND APPLICATIONS

(Common to EEE, EIE & ICE)

Assignment Questions
Unit-IV
Part-A
1.

List the applications of analog multiplier ICs.

Frequency doubling, finding square root of a signal and frequency divider.

2.

Why VCO is called voltage to frequency converter?

The VCO is a free running multivibrator and operates at a set frequency f o called free running frequency. The
output frequency deviation of VCO is directly proportional to the input dc control voltage and hence it is
called voltage to frequency converter.

3.

In an astable multivibrator using 555 timer Ra = 6.8k, Rb = 3.3k, C=0.1F. Calculate the free
running frequency.
Free running frequency for astable mode is given by, f= (1/T)=1.45/(R A+2RB)C
f= 1.45/[(6.8k+2*3.3k)*0.1]=1.082khz.

4.

What is lock in range of PLL?

Lock-in-range: Once the PLL is locked, it can track frequency changes in the incoming signals. The range of
frequencies over which the PLL can maintain lock with the incoming signal is called the lock in range or
tracking range. The lock range is usually expressed as a percentage of f o , the VCO frequency.

5.

List the applications of 555 timer.

Applications of 555 include oscillator, pulse generator, ramp and square wave generator,
multivibrator, burglar alarm, traffic light control and voltage monitor etc.

mono-shot

6.

List the applications of PLL.

Frequency multiplication/division, Frequency translation, AM detection, FM demodulation, Frequency shift
keying demodulator

7.

Define capture range.

Capture range: The range of frequencies over which the PLL can acquire lock with an input signal is called
the capture range. This parameter is expressed as percentage of f o, the VCO frequency.

8.

List the basic building blocks of a PLL.

The basic building blocks of a PLL are a phase detector/ comparator, a low pass filter, an error amplifier and a
Voltage controlled oscillator.

9.

Define duty cycle D.

The duty cycle D of a circuit is defined as the ratio of ON time to the total time period T = (t ON+toff).

10.

What are one, two and four quadrant multipliers?

One Quadrant Multipliers: Both the inputs applied to the multiplier are of same sign (Positive).
Two Quadrant Multiplier: Among the two inputs applied to the multiplier, One input is positive, and the other
input can be positive or negative.
Four Quadrant Multiplier: Both the inputs applied to the multiplier can be of either Positive or negative sign.
Part-B

1.

Draw the functional diagram of IC 555 timer. Explain monostable operation of 555 timer with a circuit
diagram.
2.
Draw the functional diagram of IC 555 Timer in astable mode and explain its operation and derive
expression for frequency.

3.

4.
5.
6.
7.

Explain with a schematic how a PLL can be used as

a. Frequency multiplier
b. Frequency translator.
Explain the working of IC 566 voltage controlled oscillator.
Derive the expression for voltage to frequency conversion factor of VCO with its block diagram and
explain one of its applications.
Derive the expressions for capture range and lock-in-range of PLL IC565
With neat diagrams, explain two quadrant and four quadrant multiplier ICs.
Unit-V
Part-A
1.
What is the function of a voltage regulator?
The function of a voltage regulator is to provide a stable dc voltage for powering other
electronic circuits independent of the load current, temperature and ac line voltage
variations. A voltage regulator should be capable of providing substantial output current.
2.
What is the principle of switch mode power supplies?
SMPS draws input supply from the ac mains, the input voltage is first rectified and filtered using a capacitor at
the rectifier output. The unregulated dc voltage across the capacitor is then fed to a high frequency ac-to-dc
converter. The ac-to-dc converters used in SMPS circuits has an intermediate high frequency ac conversion
stage to facilitate the use of a high frequency transformer for voltage scaling and isolation. The high frequency
transformer used in a SMPS circuit is smaller in size and weight.
3.
What is an isolation amplifier?
It is an amplifier that offers ohmic or electrical isolation between its input and output terminals. The isolation is
achieved by using transformer or optically coupled devices.
4.
Name the various protection circuits used for voltage regulators.
The various protection circuits for voltage regulators are Constant current limiting, Fold back current limiting,
Overvoltage protection and Thermal Shutdown.
5.
What is a series voltage regulator?
Series regulators use a power transistor connected in series between the unregulated dc
input and the load. The output voltage is controlled by the continuous voltage drop
taking place across the series pass transistor. Since the transistor conducts in the active
or linear region, these regulators are also called linear regulators.
6.
What are the limitations of switching power supplies?

Since the rectifier is tied directly to the ac line voltage, the rectifiers, capacitors and
switching transistors must be able to withstand the peak line voltage (220 V ac rms line)

It is more complex and requires external components like inductors and transformers.
It is slow in responding to transient load changes compared to the conventional series
regulator.

There may be electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference.

7.
What are the advantages of switching regulator?
In the case of switching regulator, the pass transistor is used as a controlled switch and is
operated at either cut-off or saturated state. Hence the power transmitted across the pass
device is in discrete pulses rather than as a steady current flow.
Greater efficiency is achieved since the pass device is operated as a low impedance switch.
When the pass device is at cutoff, there is no current and dissipates no power.
Again when the pass device is in saturation, a negligible voltage drop appears across it and
thus dissipates only a small amount of average power, providing maximum current to the
load. Thus efficiency in SMPS is remarkably high in the range of 70 90 % .
8.
What is an OEIC?
An opto electronic IC is an opto electronic system in which multiple functions are performed by electronic
and opto electronic devices. Electronic functions such as switching or amplification can be combined with
detection and also light transmission in such an IC. It is used in telecommunications and also in RADAR
applications.
9.
What is load regulation?
Load Regulation: It is defined as the change in output voltage for a change in load current and is also
expressed in mill volts or as a percentage of output voltage.

10.

What is ripple rejection?

Ripple Rejection: The IC regulator not only keeps the output voltage constant but also reduces the amount
of ripple voltage. It is usually expressed in dB.
Part-B

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Draw and explain the functional block diagram of a 723 IC regulator. Design an adjustable voltage
regulator (5V to 15V) with a short circuit limit of 50mA using a 723 regulator.
How is 723 IC configured for a low voltage regulator and high voltage regulator circuit?
Explain the internal circuit diagram of LM 380 audio power amplifier.
What is switching regulator? Explain its working with neat diagram.
Explain the working principle of switched mode power supply.
Draw the schematic of function generator IC 8038 and explain its functions.
Write short notes on
(i)
OptoCoupler
(ii)
Isolation Amplifier IC
Unit I
Part-A
1. List the advantages of IC over discrete component circuit.
Low cost (due to the large quantities processed),Small size, High reliability. ( All
components are fabricated simultaneously and there are no soldered joints)
Improved performance. ( Because of the low cost, more complex circuitry may be used to
obtain better functional characteristics. )
2.What is ion implantation?
Ion implementation is a technique used to introduce impurities into a silicon wafer.
3.List the advantages of ion implantation technique.
Ion implantation technique has two important advantages.

It is performed at low temperatures, therefore, previously diffused regions have a lesser

tendency for lateral spreading.

In diffusion process, temperature has to be controlled over a large area inside the oven,
whereas in ion implantation technique, accelerating potential and the beam current are electrically
controlled from outside.
4. Name the different types of IC packages.
TO 5 glass metal package, Ceramic flat package, Dual in- Line package (ceramic or plastic
type)
5.Explain why inductors are difficult to fabricate?
IC devices are essentially two dimensional as the depth dimension is usually very small
compared to the lateral dimensions. IC inductors can be made in the form of a flat metallic thin
film spirals by successive deposition of conduction patterns. Very small values of inductance of
the order of nano-henry with low quality factor can be obtained.
6. List the types of monolithic capacitors.
(i) Junction capacitor (ii) MOS or thin film capacitor
7.What are positive photoresists and negative photoresists?
Materials which are more soluble when subjected to light and therefore yield a positive image
of the mask are known as positive photoresists.

Materials which are rendered less soluble in a developer solution by illumination yield a negative pattern
of the mask and are called as negative photoresists.
8. What is the purpose of oxidation process in IC fabrication?
The two important purposes are:
i)
The SiO2 layer acts as protective shield against contamination.
ii)
By selective etching of Si02, the components can be easily fabricated.
9. Define sheet resistance Rs.
Rs= /t (ohms per square), resistivity, t-material thickness
10. Give the advantages of Schottky barrier diode over pn junction diode.
1. Less time delay from on to off.
2. Less forward voltage drop(0.3V) when compared to that of p-n diode(0.6V)
Part-B
1. Write down the various steps involved in the fabrication of a typical circuit.

2. (i) Give the various ways for making diodes in ICs.

(ii) Explain the operation of a Schottky barrier diode.
3. Explain the basic processes used in the fabrication of monolithic IC.
4. Explain in detail about the fabrication process of passive component in integrated circuits.
5. Explain the fabrication of n-channel JFET and MOSFET with necessary diagrams.
6. Draw the typical structures of the monolithic transistor with (a) PN junction isolation (b) dielectric
isolation and list the different technological process used in both the methods.