Feedback PDF

FEEDBACK AMPLIFIERS AND OSCILLATORS
for
Electronic Circuits
by
Prof. Michael Tse
September 2004
Contents
Feedback
Basic feedback configuration
Advantages
The price to pay
Feedback Amplifier Configurations
Series-shunt, shunt-series, series-series, shunt-shunt
Input and output impedances
Practical Circuits with loading effects
Compensation
Op-amp internal compensation
Oscillation
Oscillation criteria
Sustained oscillation
Wein bridge, phase shift, Colpitts, Hartley, etc.
C.K. Tse: Feedback amplifiers and 2

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Basic feedback configuration
The basic feedback amplifier consists of a basic amplifier and a feedback network.
+ e
si A so
input – output
basic amplifier
Careful!! sf
f
feedback network
A = basic amplifier gain

f = feedback gain

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Characteristics
The input is subtracted by a
+ feedback signal which is part of the
si e A so output, before it is amplified by the
input – output basic amplifier.
basic amplifier
sf so = Ae = A(si - s f )
f
But, since sf = f so, we get
feedback network
so = A(si - fso )
Hence, the overall gain is

so A
si Ao so Ao = =
si 1+ Af
1
If Af >> 1, Ao ª
f
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Simple viewpoint
+ e
si A so
input – output
basic amplifier
sf
f
feedback network
If A is large, then e must be very small in order to give a finite output.

So, the input si must be very close to the feedback signal sf .
That means sf ≈ si .
But, sf is simply a scaled-down copy of the output so.

so 1
Hence, f so = si or ª
si f

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Obvious advantage
If the feedback network is constructed from passive elements having
stable characteristics, the overall gain becomes very steady and
unaffected by variation of the basic amplifier gain.
Quantitatively, we wish to know how much the overall gain Ao

changes if there is a small change in A.
Let assume A becomes A + dA. From the formula of Ao, we have
dAo Ê dA ˆÊ 1 ˆ
= Á ˜Á ˜
Ao Ë A ¯Ë1+ Af ¯
Obviously, if Af is large, then dAo/Ao will be reduced drastically.

1
Feedback reduces gain sensitivity! In fact, the gain is just Ao ª .
f

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so
Another advantage
Suppose the basic amplifier is
distortive. So, the output does
output
A
not give a sine wave for a sine
e
wave input.
But, with feedback, we see that

the gain is about 1/f anyway, input
regardless of what A is (or as
long as Af is large enough).
so
This gives a very good property
1/f
of feedback amplifier in terms
si
of eliminating distortion.

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Other advantages
• Improve input and output resistances (to be discussed later).
• Widening of bandwidth of amplifier (to be discussed later).
• Enhance noise rejection capability.
ni
ni
si A so + +
si e
A’ A so
input +
– output
basic amplifier
Signal-to-noise ratio: sf
È so ˘ È si ˘ f
Í ˙=Í ˙ feedback network
Î no ˚ Î ni ˚ È so ˘ È si ˘
Signal-to-noise ratio improves! Í ˙ = A¢Í ˙
Î no ˚ Î ni ˚

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The price to pay
Of course, nothing is free!
Feedback comes with reduced gain, and hence you may need to add a pre-
amplifier to boost the gain.
Also, wherever you have a loop, there is hazard of oscillation, if you don’t
want it.
Later, we will also see how we can use feedback to create oscillation
deliberately.

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Terminologies
Basic amplifier gain = A
Feedback gain = f
A 1
Overall gain (closed-loop gain) = ª
1+ Af f
Loop gain (roundtrip gain) = Af Some books use T to denote Af.

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Feedback amplifiers
What is an amplifier? si A so
Signals can be voltage or current.
General model for voltage amplifier:

Ro
+ +
+
vin Rin – Avin vo
– –
voltage amplifier

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Models of amplifiers
Ro iin io
+ + Aiin
+
vin Rin – Avin vo Rin Ro
– –
voltage amplifier current amplifier
iin Ro io
+ + Aiin
+ vin Rin Ro
Rin – Aiin vo
– –
transresistance amplifier transconductance amplifier

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Feedback amplifier configurations
Voltage amplifier
+ e
si A so
input – output
basic amplifier
sf
f
voltage voltage
feedback network
To subtract voltage from

To copy voltage, we should use
voltage, we should use series
parallel (shunt) connection
connection
+ • +
vi
–
A vo
–
•
– vf + Hence, series-shunt feedback
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Series-shunt feedback (for voltage amplifier)
Ro
+
+ + + vo
vi ve Ri – Ave
– –
–
+
– fvo
vo A
Overall gain (closed-loop gain) : Ao = =
v i 1+ Af

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To find the input resistance, we consider the ratio of vi and ii, with output opened.
ii Ro
+
+ + + vo
vi ve Ri – Ave
– –
–
vi vi RIN
RIN = =
ii v e /Ri
v e + fv o +
= Ri – fvo
ve
= Ri (1+ Af )
The input resistance has been enlarged by (1+Af). This is a desirable

feature for voltage amplifier as a large input resistance minimizes loading
effect to the previous stage.
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To find the output resistance, we consider shorting the input source and calculate
the ratio of vo and io.
Ro io First, we have ve = – fvo.
+ + Also,
+
ve Ri
+ vo v o - Av e v o + Afv o
vi – Ave io = =
–
– – Ro Ro
Hence,
ROUT
vo Ro
ROUT = =
+
fvo
io 1+ Af
–
The output resistance has been reduced by (1+Af). This is a desirable

feature for voltage amplifier as a small output resistance emulates a better
voltage source for the load.
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Summary of features Equivalent model
A 1 Ro
Closed-loop gain = ª 1+ Af
1+ Af f
+ + Av i +
Input resistance = Ri ( 1 + Af ) vi Ri ( 1 + Af ) –
1+ Af
vo
– –
Ro
Output resistance =
1+ Af
NOTE: We did not consider loading effect of the
feedback network, i.e., we assume that the feedback
network is an ideal amplifier which feeds a scaled-down
copy of the output to the input.
+
– ∞
feedback network

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Feedback amplifier configurations
Transresistance amplifier
+ e
si A so
input – output
basic amplifier
sf
f
current voltage
feedback network
To subtract current from

To copy voltage, we should use
current, we should use shunt
parallel (shunt) connection
(connection) connection
ii • +
A vo
–
•
Hence, shunt-shunt feedback

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Shunt-shunt feedback (for transresistance amplifier)
ii ie Ro
+
+ vo
Ri – Aie
–
fvo
vo A
ii 1+ Af

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To find the input resistance, we consider the ratio of vi and ii, with output opened.
ii ie Ro
+
+
+ vo
vi Ri – Aie
–
–
v i Riie
RIN = = RIN
ii ii
ie
= Ri
ie + fv o fvo
Ri
=
1+ Af
The input resistance has been reduced by (1+Af). This is a desirable
feature for transresistance amplifier as a small input resistance ensures
better current sensing from the previous stage.
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To find the output resistance, we consider opening the input source (putting ii = 0)
and calculate the ratio of vo and io.
First, we have ie = – fvo.
ii = 0 ie Ro io
+ Also,
+ v o - Aie v o + Afv o
Ri – Aie vo io = =
– Ro Ro
Hence,
ROUT
vo Ro
ROUT = =
io 1+ Af
fvo
The output resistance has been reduced by (1+Af). This is a desirable

feature for transresistance amplifier as a large small resistance emulates a
better voltage source for the load.
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Summary of features Equivalent model
A 1 Ro
Closed-loop gain = ª 1+ Af
1+ Af f ii
Aii +
Ri Ri +
Input resistance = –
1+ Af
vo
1+ Af 1+ Af –
Ro
Output resistance =
1+ Af
Similar, we can develop the feedback configurations for

transconductance amplifier and current amplifier.
Transconductance amplifier: series-series feedback
Current amplifier: shunt-series feedback

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Series-series feedback (for transconductance amplifier)
io
+ + Ro
vo ve Ri
– Ave
–
io
+
– f io
io A
v i 1+ Af
Input resistance: RIN = Ri (1+ Af ) Desirable!
Output resistance: ROUT = Ro (1+ Af ) Desirable!

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Shunt-series feedback (for current amplifier)
ii ie io
Ro
Ri
Aie
io
f io
Overall gain (closed-loop gain) : io A

Ao = =
ii 1+ Af
Input resistance: Ri
RIN =
1+ Af Desirable!
Output resistance: Ro
ROUT = Desirable!
1+ Af
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Practical feedback circuits (with loading effects)
In practice, the input source has resistance and the feedback network has
resistance.
Example: shunt-shunt feedback

ie Ro
+
ii + vo
Ri – Aie
–
fvo
What are the effects on the gain, input and output resistances?

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Systematic analysis using 2-port networks
The best way to analyze feedback circuits with loading effects is to use two-port
models.
For shunt-shunt feedback, input and output sides are both parallel connected.
Thus, the loading can be combined by summing the conductances. Also, voltage
is common at both sides. So, y-parameter is best.
The first step is to put everything in y-parameter:
+
+
ii yi vi y11 y22 vo
– y21vi –
1 2
y22f
y11f y21fvo

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Systematic analysis of shunt-shunt feedback using
y-parameter
+
+
ii yi vi y11 y22 vo
– y21vi –
1 2
y22f
y11f y12fvo
In order to use the standard results, we have to convert

this model to the standard form (slide 19).

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y-parameter
y11f y22f
+
+
ii yi vi y11 y22 vo
– y21vi –
1 2
y12fvo
One step closer…

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y-parameter
y11f y22f
+
+
ii vi yi y11 y22 vo
– y21vi –
1 2
y12fvo
One more step closer…

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y-parameter
y11+y11f+yi y22f +y22

+
+
ii vi vo
– y21vi –
1 2
y12fvo
Yet another step closer…

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y-parameter
in conductance (S) in resistance (Ω)
y11+y11f+yi 1/(y22f +y22)

+
+
ii + vo
vi –
– -y 21v i –
y 22f + y 22
1 2
Use Thevenin
y12fvo
Yet another step closer…

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y-parameter
in conductance (S) in resistance (Ω)
ie y11+y11f+yi 1/(y22f +y22)

+
+
ii + vo
vi –
– –
1 2 -y 21ie
( y 22f + y 22 )( y11 + y11f + y i )
y12fvo
Finally, we get the same standard form.

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y-parameter
We can simply apply the standard results:

-y 21 -y 21
Basic amplifier gain A= =
( y 22f + y 22 )( y11 + y11f + y i ) y oT y iT
Feedback gain f = y21f
A 1 1
Overall (closed-loop) gain Ao = ª =
1+ Af f y12f
1
Input resistance RIN =
(y11 + y11f + y i )(1+ Af )
1
Output resistance ROUT =
(y 22f + y 22 )(1+ Af )
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Appropriate 2-port networks for analyzing
feedback circuits
For shunt-shunt feedback, use y-parameter.

For shunt-series feedback, use g-parameter.
For series-series feedback, use z-parameter.
WHY?
For series-shunt feedback, use h-parameter.
The procedure is essentially the same as in the previous shunt-shunt case.

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General procedure of analysis
1. Identify the type of feedback.
2. Use appropriate 2-port representation.
3. Lump all loading effects in the basic amplifier, giving a modified

basic amplifier.
4. Apply Thevenin or Norton to cast the model back to the standard

form (without loading).
5. Apply standard formulae to find A, f, RIN and ROUT.

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Example
Rf
–
a
is + +
vo RL
–
Type of feedback: shunt-shunt

Appropriate 2-port type: y-parameter
So, the first step is to represent the circuit in y-parameter networks.

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Example
–
a
is + +
vo RL
–
Rf

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Example
Converting to y-parameter
– Ro +
+
is vi Ri – vo RL
+ avi –
Note: this
goes to the Rf
–ve input
of A. y11f y22f
y12fvo
1 -1 1
y11f = y12f = y 22f =
Rf Rf Rf

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Example
Converting to y-parameter
– Ro +
+
is vi Ri – vo RL
+ avi –
y11f y22f
y12fvo
1 -1 1 REMEMBER:
y11f = y12f = y 22f =
Rf Rf Rf y11f and y22f are conductance!

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Example
Casting it to standard form
– Ro +
+
is vi Ri || R f –
Rf||RL vo
+ avi –
y12fvo
1 -1 1
y11f = y12f = y 22f =
Rf Rf Rf

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Example
Casting it to standard form
– Ro || R f || RL +
+
is vi Ri || R f – a(R f || RL ) vo
+ vi –
Ro + R f || RL
-v o
Rf

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Example
Finally, we get the standard form
ie
– Ro || R f || RL +
+
is vi Ri || R f – vo
+ Aie –
Using Thévenin theorem,

R f || RL
Aie = av i
-v o
(R f || RL ) + Ro
Rf
A = -a
( R || R )( R || R )
i f f L
(R || R ) + R
f L o
Ri R 2f RL 1
A = -a
(Ri + R f ) ( R f RL + Ro R f + Ro RL )

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Example
Apply standard results:
Ri R 2f RL 1
Basic amplifier gain (transresistance) A = -a
(Ri + R f ) ( R f RL + Ro R f + Ro RL )
Feedback gain: -1
f =
Rf
A 1
Overall (closed-loop) gain Ao = ª = -R f if Af >> 1
1+ Af f
Ri || R f
Input resistance RIN =
1+ Af
Ro || R f || RL
Output resistance ROUT =
1+ Af

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Frequency response
Gain and bandwidth Suppose the basic amplifier
has a pole at p1, i.e.,
+ e ALF
si A(jw) so A( jw ) =
jw
input – output 1+
basic amplifier p1
sf 20log10|A| (dB)
f
feedback network ALF

slope = –20dB/dec
w
p1

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Frequency response
Gain and bandwidth Hence, we see that the overall gain has a
pole at
The overall (closed-loop) gain is pc = p1(1 + fALF)
and the low-frequency gain is lowered
A( jw ) to ALF
Ao ( jw ) = Ao,LF =
1+ A( jw ) f
1+ fALF
ALF
=
Ê jw ˆ
Á1+ ˜ + fALF
Ë p 1 ¯
20log10|A| (dB)
È ˘
ALF Í 1 ˙
ALF basic amplifier
= Í ˙
1+ fALF Í1+ jw ˙ feedback amplifier
ÍÎ p1 (1+ fALF ) ˙˚ Ao,LF
w
p1 pc

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Stability of feedback amplifier
Definition: A feedback system is said to be stable if it does not
oscillate by itself at any frequency under a given circuit condition.
Note that this is a very restrictive definition of stability, but is

appropriate for our purpose.
Therefore, the issue of stability can be investigated in terms of the

possibility of sustained oscillation.
feedback circuit
sustained oscillation at certain frequency

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Why and how does it oscillate?
The feedback system oscillates because of the simple fact that it has a
closed loop in which signals can combine constructively.
Let us break the loop at an arbitrary point along the loop.
+
si A so
input – output
f
B B’
Signal at B, as it goes around the loop, will be multiplied by f and A, and
also –1.
SB’ = – A f SB

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Why and how does it oscillate?
Clearly, if SB’ and SB are same in magnitude and have a 360o phase
difference, then the closed loop will oscillate by itself.
Oscillation criteria:
1. Af = 1
2. Af = ±180o This is known as the Barkhausen criteria.
The idea is
If the signal, after making a round trip through A and f, has a gain of 1
and a phase shift of exactly 360o, then it oscillates. But, in the negative
feedback system, there is already a 180o phase shift. Therefore, the
phase shift caused by A and f together will only need to be 180o to
cause oscillation.

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The loop gain T
An important parameter to test stability is the loop gain, usually
denoted by T.
T = Af
|T| (dB)
crossover frequency
(where the gain is 1)
wo
0dB w
f
w
fT
If fT = –180o, OSCILLATES!

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Phase margin
Phase margin is an important parameter to evaluate how stable the
system is.
Phase margin fPM = –180o – fT
|T| (dB)
crossover frequency
wo
0dB w
f
w
fT
–180o
phase margin fPM (the larger the better)

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Compensation
Compensation is to make the amplifier more stable, i.e., to increase fPM.
REMEMBER: We should always look at T, not A or Ao.
|T| (dB)
crossover frequency
wo
0dB w
p1 p2
f
w
fT
–180o
phase margin fPM (how to increase it?)

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Method 1: Lag compensation
Add a pole at a low frequency point. The aim is to make the crossover point
appear at a much lower frequency. The drawback is the reduced bandwidth.
Compensation |T| (dB) crossover frequency

after compensation
function Gc is
crossover frequency
1
Gc ( jw ) = before compensation
jw
1+
pa 0dB w
pa p1 p2
f
w
before compensation
after compensation
–180o
phase margin fPM
phase margin fPM before compensation
after compensation
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Method 2: Lead compensation
Add a zero near the first pole. The aim is to reduce the phase shift and hence
increase the phase margin and keep a wide bandwidth. But the drawback is the
more difficult design.
Compensation |T| (dB)
function Gc is crossover frequency crossover frequency
jw before compensation
1+ after compensation
za
Gc ( jw ) =
jw 0dB za
1+ p1 p2
w
pa
f
w
before compensation
after compensation
–180o
phase margin fPM
phase margin fPM after
before compensation
compensation

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Op-amp stability problem
The op-amp has a high DC gain, and hence at crossover it is likely that the
phase shift is significant. The worst-case scenario is when the feedback gain is
1 (maximum for passive feedback). We call this unity feedback condition, and
use this to test the stability of an op-amp.
Under unity-gain feedback condition, the loop gain T = Af = A, because f = 1.

|A| (dB)
op-amp frequency response
p1 p2
–90o phase margin too small

–180o

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Usually, op-amps are internally compensated. The technique is by lag
compensation, i.e., adding a pole at low frequency such that the phase margin
can reach at least 45o.
Suppose we add a low-frequency dominant pole at pa. If we can put pa such

that p1 (original dominant pole) is at crossover, then the phase margin is about
45o. |A| (dB)
before compensation

after compensation
pa p1 p2
–90o phase margin too small

–180o
phase margin ≈ 45o
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Typically, pa is about a few Hz, say 5 Hz. Then, we have to create a pole at
such a low frequency.
First, consider the input differential stage of an op-amp. One way to add the
pole is to put a capacitor between the two collectors of the differential stage.
Equivalent model:
RL RL next stage
to next stage
rπ ro//RL 2C RIN
C
The dominant pole is

1
pa = = 2p (5)
2(ro || RL || RIN )C
We can find C from this equation.

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If we use the previous method of inserting a C between collectors of the
differential stage, the size of C required is very large, as can be found from
1 Using this method, C can be as large as hundreds
pa = = 2p (5) of pF, which is too large to be implemented on
2(ro || RL || RIN )C
chip. NOT practical!
Better solution: Use to active load

Miller effect. C
RL RL
output stage
Miller effect can expand
capacitor size by a factor
of the gain magnitude.
So, we may put the
capacitor across the input
and output of the main
main gain stage
gain stage in order to use
CE stage
Miller effect. In this way,
C can be much smaller,
say a few pF.
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Example: Op-amp 741 internal compensation
+Vcc
Data:
Q1 differential Q2 Q13B Q13A
input stage DC gain = 70 dB
+ –
Poles:
Q14 30 kHz
Q3 Q4 500 kHz
+Vcc output
10 MHz
Q20
–VEE Q16 Q23

Q17
Q5 Q6
main gain stage
CE stage
–VEE

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Unity-gain feedback (worst case stability problem): T = A
p1 = 30 kHz
Bad stability
because of the
substantial phase
shift!

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Compensation trick (based on lag compensation approach):
• Introduce a low-frequency pole at pa such that p1 is at crossover.

• This ensures the phase angle at crossover = –135º. Hence, PM = 45º.
|A| (dB)

after compensation
pa p1
–90o
–180o
phase margin ≈ 45o

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Graphical construction method
p1 = 30 kHz
pa
Bad stability
because of the
substantial phase
shift!

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Exact calculation of pa :
0 - 70 -70
slope = –20 dB/dec = =
70 dB log p1 - log pa 4.477 - log pa
Hence, pa = 9.5 Hz
pa p1 = 30 kHz

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After compensation, the

phase margin is 45º.

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Question: How to create the 9.5 Hz pole with a reasonably small C ?
Solution: Take advantage of Miller effect to boost capacitance.
+Vcc
Q1 differential Q2 Q13B Q13A

+ input stage –
Cc Q14
Q3 Q4
+Vcc output
Q20
–VEE Q16 Q23

Q17
Q5 Q6
main gain stage
CE stage
–VEE

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+Vcc
Given:
Q1 differential Q2 Ro17 = 5 MΩ
Q13B Q13A
+ input stage –
Ro13 = 720 kΩ
Cc Ri23 = 100 kΩ
Q14
Q3 Q4
+Vcc output
Q20
–VEE Q16 Q23

Q17
Q5 Q6 Gain of CE stage:
main gain stage
CE stage ACE = Gm[Ro17||Ro13||Ri23]
–VEE Miller-effect capacitor

Gm = 6 mA/V CM = Cc (ACE + 1)
= 518.74 Cc
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+Vcc
Given:
Q1 differential Q2 Ri16 = 2.9 MΩ
Q13B Q13A
+ input stage –
Ro4 = 10 MΩ
Cc Ro6 = 20 MΩ
Q3 Q4 Equivalent ckt:
+Vcc
Ro4||Ro6
–VEE Q16 Ri16 CM

Q17
Q5 Q6
main gain stage
CE stage pa = 1 / 2π CM [Ro4||Ro6|| Ri16]
and CM = 518.74 Cc
–VEE
Hence, Cc = 15 pF

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Oscillation
In designing feedback amplifiers, we want to make sure that oscillation does
not occur, that is, we want stable operation.
However, oscillation is needed to make an oscillator. As shown before, the

criteria for oscillation in a feedback amplifier are
1. Loop gain magnitude | T | = 1

2. Roundtrip phase shift fT = ±180o
Thus, the same feedback structure can be used to make an oscillator. In other
words, we construct a feedback amplifier, but try to make it satisfy the above
two criteria.
In practice, T is a function of frequency, and the above criteria are

satisfied for one particular frequency. This frequency is the oscillation
frequency.

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Oscillator principle
As T = Af, we can deliberately create phase shift in A or f.
NOTE: Since this model is a
+ negative feedback, we need the total
si A(jw) so phase shift of A(jw) and f(jw) to be
input – output 180o at the frequency of oscillation.
basic amplifier If a positive feedback is used, we
need the total phase shift to be 360o.
f(jw)
|A(jw) f(jw)| (dB)
feedback network
wo w
–180o

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Sustained oscillation
There are two problems! How does oscillation start? And how can oscillation
be maintained?
First, there is noise everywhere! So, signals of all frequencies exist and go
around the loop. Most of them get reduced and do not show up as oscillation.
But the one at the oscillation frequency starts to oscillation as it satisfies the
Barkhausen criteria.
If | T | is slightly bigger than 1, oscillation amplitude will grow and go to

infinity. But if | T | is slightly less than 1, oscillation subsides. The question is
how to maintain oscillation with a constant magnitude.
We need a control that changes | T | continuously. Typically, this is done by a

nonlinear amplitude stabilizing circuit, for example, an amplifier whose gain
drops when its output increases, and rises when its output decreases.

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The Wien bridge oscillator
R2 Model:
R1
–
+ A
+
Zp
C R Zs
C R
Zp
Zs
R2
Basic amplifier gain A = 1+
R1
Feedback gain -Z p R 1+ jwCR
f = where Z p = and Z s =
Zs + Z p 1+ jwCR jwC

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Oscillation frequency
Note that we define the standard feedback structure with negative feedback. So,
the loop gain is Ê ˆR
-Á1+ 2 ˜
Ë R1 ¯
T( jw ) =
Ê 1 ˆ
3 + jÁwCR - ˜
Ë wCR ¯
Applying the oscillation criteria, we can find the oscillation frequency and the
resistor values as follows:
R
T( jw ) = 1 fi 1+ 2 = 3 fi R2 = 2R1
R1
1 1
fT = ±180 o fi w oCR = fi wo =
w oCR CR
We can choose R2/R1 to be slightly larger than 2, say 2.03, to start oscillation.

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Frequency response viewpoint
Suppose the amplifier has a fixed gain of A. The feedback network, however,
has a bandpass frequency response.
WHY OSCILLATE?
A Clearly, the roundtrip gain will be 1
+
for f = fo if the basic amplifier has a
gain of 3.
|f|
The world is noisy. Signals of all
1/3 frequencies exist everywhere!
freq
But signals at all frequencies except fo
ff will be reduced after a round trip.
fo
Only signals at fo will have a
+ 90
roundtrip gain of 1.
freq
–90 Hence, the oscillation frequency is fo.
From the filter structure, we can find
that fo is equal to 1/2πCR.

oscillators
The Wien bridge oscillator +15V
Amplitude control 3k
If we choose R2/R1 = 2.03, then amplitude may D2
grow. We have to stabilize the amplitude. The
following is an amplitude limiter circuit.
10k 20.3k 1k
Diode D1 (D2) conducts when vo reaches its –
A vo
positive (negative) peak.
+
Just when D1 conducts, we have vA = vB.
1k
10k A 20.3k
vo 16n 10k B
1k 16n 10k
B 3k
3k D1
–15V
–15V
3 1
-15 + (v o + 15) = v o fi v o = 9 V. Similar procedure applies for the negative peak.
4 3 So, the amplitude is 9 V.
oscillators
The phase shift oscillator
This circuit matches exactly our negative
feedback model. The basic amplifier gain is R2/R1,
and the feedback network is frequency dependent.
For the feedback network, we want to find

the frequency at which the phase shift is
R2 exactly 180o. At this frequency, if the
R1
– roundtrip gain is 1, oscillation occurs. Note
that the negative feedback already gives 180o
+ phase shift.
|f|
1
C C C 29
freq
R' R R fo
ff
R1 || R'= R f 180o
freq

oscillators
The phase shift oscillator C C C
From the filter characteristic of the feedback network,

we know that the phase shift is 180o at fo, where its gain R R R
is 1/29.
So, oscillation starts at fo if A ≥ 29. This means we need |f|

to have R2 ≥ 29R1.
1
We can prove that 29
freq
1
fo = fo
2p 6CR ff
180o
freq
Note that the leftmost resistor in the feedback filter is R’ (not R). But R’//R1 is
exactly R. This will adjust the loading effect of the basic amplifier and make the
overall filter circuit easier to analyze since it is then simply composed of three
identical RC sections.

oscillators
Resonant circuit oscillators
A general class of oscillators can be constructed by a pure reactive π-feedback network.
For a voltage amplifier implementation, this structure

can be modelled as a series-shunt feedback circuit:
A
+ Ro
jX1 jX2 +
vi Ri –
– Avi
jX3
pure reactive π-feedback network jX3

–
vi jX1 jX2
+

oscillators
Resonant circuit oscillators
Analysis:
-A( jX1 )( jX 2 )
The loop gain is T( jw ) =
j ( X1 + X 2 + X 3 ) Ro + jX 2 ( jX1 + jX 3 )
AX1 X 2
=
j ( X1 + X 2 + X 3 ) Ro - X 2 ( X1 + X 3 )
For oscillation to start, we need T = –1.

+ Ro
+
Thus, the oscillation criteria become vi Ri –
– Avi
X1 + X 2 + X 3 = 0
AX1
=1
X1 + X 3
In practice, we may have

jX3
(a) X1 and X2 are capacitors and X3 is inductor. –
vi jX1 jX2
OR +
(b) X1 and X2 are inductors and X3 is capacitor.

oscillators
Colpitts oscillator
When X1 and X2 are capacitors and X3 is inductor, we have the Colpitts oscillator.
In this case, we have

1 1
jX1 = and jX 2 =
jwC1 jwC2
jX 3 = jwL3
+ Ro
+
From X1 + X 2 + X 3 = 0 vi Ri –
– Avi
the oscillation frequency can be found:
1
wo =
Ê C1C2 ˆ
L3 Á ˜
Ë C1 + C2 ¯
L3
–
vi C1 C2
+

oscillators
A practical form of Colpitts oscillator
The basic amplifier can be realized by a common-emitter amplifier.
The loop gain is

1/sC1
T(s) = Gm ZT
sL + 1/sC1
where 1 1 1 ZT
= sC2 + +
ZT 1 ro || Rc
sL +
sC1
Putting s = jw, and applying the Barkhausen criterion:
1
wo =
Ê CC ˆ
L3 Á 1 2 ˜
Ë C1 + C2 ¯
Gm C2 (ro || Rc ) C1 Gm Rc ro
>1 fi > for oscillation to start.
C1 C2 Rc + ro

oscillators
Hartley oscillator
When X1 and X2 are inductors and X3 is capacitor, we have the Hartley oscillator.
In this case, we have

jX1 = jwL1 and jX 2 = jwL2
1
jX 3 =
jwC3
+ Ro
+
From X1 + X 2 + X 3 = 0 vi Ri –
– Avi
the oscillation frequency can be found:
1
wo =
C3 ( L1 + L2 )
For both the Colpitts and Hartley oscillators, the – C3

gain of the amplifier has to be large enough to vi L1 L2
ensure that the loop gain magnitude is larger than +
1.

oscillators

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FEEDBACK AMPLIFIERS AND OSCILLATORS

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 2

A = basic ampliﬁer gain

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 3

Hence, the overall gain is

If A is large, then e must be very small in order to give a ﬁnite output.

But, sf is simply a scaled-down copy of the output so.

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 5

Quantitatively, we wish to know how much the overall gain Ao

Let assume A becomes A + dA. From the formula of Ao, we have

Obviously, if Af is large, then dAo/Ao will be reduced drastically.

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 6

But, with feedback, we see that

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 7

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 8

Of course, nothing is free!

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 9

Basic ampliﬁer gain = A

Loop gain (roundtrip gain) = Af Some books use T to denote Af.

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 10

Signals can be voltage or current.

General model for voltage ampliﬁer:

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 11

voltage ampliﬁer current ampliﬁer

transresistance ampliﬁer transconductance ampliﬁer

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 12

To subtract voltage from

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 14

The input resistance has been enlarged by (1+Af). This is a desirable

The output resistance has been reduced by (1+Af). This is a desirable

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 17

To subtract current from

Hence, shunt-shunt feedback

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 19

The output resistance has been reduced by (1+Af). This is a desirable

Similar, we can develop the feedback conﬁgurations for

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 22

Output resistance: ROUT = Ro (1+ Af ) Desirable!

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 23

Overall gain (closed-loop gain) : io A

Example: shunt-shunt feedback

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 25

The ﬁrst step is to put everything in y-parameter:

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 26

In order to use the standard results, we have to convert

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 27

One step closer…

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 28

One more step closer…

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 29

y11+y11f+yi y22f +y22

Yet another step closer…

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 30

y11+y11f+yi 1/(y22f +y22)

Yet another step closer…

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 31

ie y11+y11f+yi 1/(y22f +y22)

Finally, we get the same standard form.

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 32

We can simply apply the standard results:

For shunt-shunt feedback, use y-parameter.

The procedure is essentially the same as in the previous shunt-shunt case.

C.K. Tse: Feedback ampliﬁers and 34