EE321: Analog Circuits Laboratory

Experiment 7: Negative Feedback Amplifiers using BJT

Objectives:
1.To study the influence of the negative feedback in BJT amplifier circuits.
2.To examine via experimentation the properties of the Current-Shunt, Voltage-Series and
Voltage-Shunt feedback BJT amplifiers.
3.To determine the input impedance, output impedance, gain, bandwidth of BJT amplifiers
with and without feedback.
Pre Lab Work:
Read about feedback Amplifiers from text book.

Introduction and Theory

Transistors amplifiers are commonly used in applications like RF (radio frequency), audio, OFC
(optic fiber communication) etc. Anyway the most common application we see in our day to day
life is the usage of transistor as an audio amplifier. As you know there are three transistor
configurations that are used commonly i.e. common base (CB), common collector (CC) and
common emitter (CE). In common base configuration has a gain less than unity and common
collector configuration (emitter follower) has a gain almost equal to unity). Common emitter
follower has a gain that is positive and greater than unity. So, common emitter configuration is
most commonly used in audio amplifier applications.
A good transistor amplifier must have the following parameters; high input impedance, high
band width, high gain, high slew rate, high linearity, high efficiency, high stability etc.
Feedback plays a very important role in electronic circuits and the basic parameters, such as
input impedance, output impedance, current and voltage gain and bandwidth, may be altered
considerably by the use of feedback for a given amplifier.
A portion of the output signal is taken from the output of the amplifier and is combined with the
normal input signal and thereby the feedback is accomplished.
There are two types of feedback. They are i) Positive feedback and ii) Negative feedback.
Negative feedback helps to increase the bandwidth, decrease gain, distortion, and noise, modify
input and output resistances as desired. An amplifier circuit equipped with some amount of
negative feedback is not only more stable, but it distorts the input waveform less and is generally
capable of amplifying a wider range of frequencies. The tradeoff for these advantages (there just
has to be a disadvantage to negative feedback, right?) is decreased gain. If a portion of an
amplifier's output signal is fed back to the input to oppose any changes in the output, it will
require a greater input signal amplitude to drive the amplifier's output to the same amplitude as
before. This constitutes a decreased gain. However, the advantages of stability, lower distortion,
and greater bandwidth are worth the tradeoff in reduced gain for many applications.

A current shunt feedback amplifier circuit is illustrated in the figure 1. It is called a seriesderived, shunt-fed feedback. The shunt connection at the input reduces the input resistance and
the series connection at the output increases the output resistance. This is a true current amplifier.
Voltage shunt feedback is also called shunt derived shunt feedback connection. Here a fraction
of the output is supplied in parallel with input voltage through the feedback network. This type
of amplifier is also called as trans-resistance amplifier.
In Current-Series Feedback, the input impedance and the output impedance are increased. Noise
and distortions are reduced considerably.
Figure 1 shows the basic feedback topologies. The effect of the feedback topology on the
amplifier input-output resistance levels can be summarized as follows:

Fig 1. Basic feedback topologies

Table (i): The different topologies of the feedback with their analysis a) Current-shunt b)
Voltage-shunt c) Current-series d) voltage series

Characteristics
X
f X
o

X0

Voltage-series
Vf
Vo

AV

V0

Current series
Vf
Io

Gm

I0

Current-shunt
If
Io

Ai

I0

Voltage-shunt
If
Vo

Rm

V0

Xi
D 1 A

Vi
D 1 AV

Vi
D 1 Gm

Ii
D 1 Ai

Ii
D 1 Rm

Rif

Ri D

Ri D

Ri / D

Ri / D

R0 f

R0 / (1 AV )

R0 (1 Gm )

R0 (1 Ai )

R0 / (1 Rm )

Table (ii): The effect of Negative feedback on Amplifier characteristics

Characteristics
Rof

Voltage-series
Decreases

Current series
Increases

Current-shunt
Increases

Voltage-shunt
Decreases

Rif

Increases

Increases

Decreases

Decreases

Gain
Bandwidth
Non-linear

Decreases
Increases
Decreases

Decreases
Increases
Decreases

Decreases
Increases
Decreases

Decreases
Increases
Decreases

PROCEDURE
A. INPUT AND OUTPUT IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT FOR ANY AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT

Fig. (a) Measuring input impedance

1. Connections are made as per circuit diagram shown in Fig. (a).
2. Signal generator is set to provide a sine wave output at 1kHz. The amplitude of the input
signal should be adjusted so that the display on the oscilloscope is noise free (large
enough) and distortion free (not too large) say 200mV. Because of the attenuator the net
input applied to amplifier will be 0.1 times signal value i.e., 20 mV. The display on the
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oscilloscope screen should be as large as is practical and set so that its amplitude and half
its amplitude can be easily estimated.
3. The resistance at the amplifier input should then be increased until the output waveform
is exactly half its previously set value. At this setting the signal is shared equally between
the test resistance and the input impedance of the amplifier, meaning that the resistance
and impedance are equal. After switching off and removing the test resistance, measuring
the variable resistor with an Ohm meter gives the value equivalent to the input impedance
of the amplifier.

Fig. (b) Measuring Output impedance

4. Connections are made as per circuit diagram shown in Fig. (b).

5. The measurement of output impedance uses the same method as for input impedance but
with different connections. In this case the amplifier load is replaced with variable
resistor. Care must be taken however, to ensure that the resistance connected in place of
the load is able to dissipate sufficient power without damage
6. Initially the output from the amplifier should be adjusted for a display similar to that used
for the input impedance test, but this time with no load connected to the output terminals.
The test resistance is then connected across the output terminals and adjusted for
maximum resistance before switching on the amplifier. The test resistance is reduced in
value until the display indicates half the amplitude of that noted with no load. This test
resistance is now the same value as the output impedance.
7. Now again measure the input and output impedance with feedback in the amplifier
circuit.

B. VOLTAGE- SERIES FEEDBACK AMPLIFIER

VCC

Rc1

68k
R1

12V

R5

47k
R1

4.7k

2.2k

C2
Q2

Q1

180k
R2

BC 547

BC 547

10F
CB

200mVrms
1kHz
20k
0
R2
vi

10F

33k
R2

CE1

2.2k
Re

22k
R2

10F
C2

100F

2.2k
Re

100F
CE

DSO
1k
RL

100
R5

(a)
VCC

68k
R1

Rc1

12V

47k
R1

4.7k

R5

2.2k

C2
Q2

Q1

180k
R2

22k
R2

2.2k
Re

100
R5

10F
C2

BC 547

BC 547

10F
CB

200mVrms
1kHz
20k
0
R2
vi

10F

CE1
100F

4.7k
Rf

33k
R2

2.2k
Re

100F
CE

10F
C2

(b)
Fig.-2 Circuit diagram of Voltage-series feedback Amplifier (a) without feedback (b) with

feedback
5

1k
RL

DSO

Case a: Without feed back

1. Connections are made as per circuit diagram Fig. 2(a)
2. Measure input and output impedance of the amplifier as described in section III (a)
3. Connect function generator to give sine wave input signal (Vin) and set the value of Vin at
200 mV peak to peak and frequency 20 Hz.
4. To generate very small signal of the order of 20 mV pp, we used voltage divider (of
voltage gain 1:10) between signal generator and amplifier input.
5. To view the output and the input signal simultaneously, connect one probe of CRO/DSO
to Vin and another probe across RL. Connect ground of DSO, DC power supply and
Function Generator very close to each other at a single point on breadboard and to
amplifier ground.
6. Keep the input voltage constant at 20mV peak-peak and 1 KHz frequency. Note down the
V
output voltage and calculate the gain by using the expression Av 20*log10 ( 0 ) dB
Vi
(This is the gain at mid-frequency which corresponds to maximum gain)
7. Keeping the input voltage at constant at 20mV peak-peak, the frequency is slowly
increased until output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 . Stop and note down the frequency
which corresponds to higher cut-off frequency.
8. Repeat the same procedure by decreasing the frequency and note down the frequency at
which output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 , which corresponds to lower cut-off frequency.
9. The Bandwidth of the amplifier is calculated from the graph using the expression
Bandwidth
B.W f H f L .
10. The gain-bandwidth product of the amplifier is calculated by using the expression
Gain-Bandwidth Product = (3dB mid-band gain) X (Bandwidth).

Case (b): With feed back

11. Connections are made as per circuit diagram Fig. 2(b)
12. Measure input and output impedance as described in section III (a)
13. Keep the input voltage constant at 20mV peak-peak and 1 KHz frequency. Note down the
V
output voltage and calculate the gain by using the expression Av 20*log10 ( 0 ) dB
Vi
(This is the gain at mid-frequency which corresponds to maximum gain)

14. Keeping the input voltage at constant at 20mV peak-peak, the frequency is slowly
increased until output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 . Stop and note down the frequency
which corresponds to higher cut-off frequency.
15. Repeat the same procedure by decreasing the frequency and note down the frequency at
which output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 , which corresponds to lower cut-off frequency.
16. The Bandwidth of the amplifier is calculated from the graph using the expression
Bandwidth
B.W f H f L .
17. The gain-bandwidth product of the amplifier is calculated by using the expression
Gain-Bandwidth Product = (3dB mid-band gain) X (Bandwidth).
Note down the following:

Without feedback

Practical
With feedback

Input Impedance
Output Impedance
Gain (Mid Band) in dB
Lower cut-off frequency ( fL )
Higher cut-off frequency ( fH )
Band width ( fHfL )
Gain-Bandwidth Product

Fig. (c) Model Frequency response of a feedback amplifier with and without feedback

C. VOLTAGE- SHUNT FEEDBACK AMPLIFIER

VCC
12V
4.7k
R4

68k
R1

22F
C2

Q1
180k
R1

200mVrms
1kHz
0
vi

BC 547

22F
CB

1k
RL

15k
R2

20k
R2

1.2k
R5

DSO

47F
CE

(a)
VCC
12V
4.7k
R4

68k
R1

47k
Rf

180k
R1

200mVrms
1kHz
0
vi

22F
Cf

Q1
BC 547

22F
CB

20k
R2

22F
C2

1k
RL

15k
R2

1.2k
R5

DSO

47F
CE

(b)
Fig.-3 Circuit diagram Voltage-shunt feedback amplifier (a) without feedback (b) with
feedback
Case a: Without feed back
1. Connections are made as per circuit diagram Fig. 3(a)
2. Measure input and output impedance as described in section III (a)
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3. Keep the input voltage constant at 20mV peak-peak and 1 KHz frequency. Note down the
V
output voltage and calculate the gain by using the expression Av 20*log10 ( 0 ) dB
Vi
(This is the gain at mid-frequency which corresponds to maximum gain)
4. Keeping the input voltage at constant at 20mV peak-peak, the frequency is slowly
increased until output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 . Stop and note down the frequency
which corresponds to higher cut-off frequency.
5. Repeat the same procedure by decreasing the frequency and note down the frequency at
which output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 , which corresponds to lower cut-off frequency.
6. The Bandwidth of the amplifier is calculated from the graph using the expression
Bandwidth
B.W f H f L .
7. The gain-bandwidth product of the amplifier is calculated by using the expression
Gain-Bandwidth Product = (3dB mid-band gain) X (Bandwidth).
Case (b): With feed back
8. Connections are made as per circuit diagram Fig. 3(b)
9. Measure input and output impedance as described in section III (a)
10. Keep the input voltage constant at 20mV peak-peak and 1 KHz frequency. Note down the
V
output voltage and calculate the gain by using the expression Av 20*log10 ( 0 ) dB
Vi
(This is the gain at mid-frequency which corresponds to maximum gain)
11. Keeping the input voltage at constant at 20mV peak-peak, the frequency is slowly
increased until output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 . Stop and note down the frequency
which corresponds to higher cut-off frequency.
12. Repeat the same procedure by decreasing the frequency and note down the frequency at
which output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 , which corresponds to lower cut-off frequency.
13. The Bandwidth of the amplifier is calculated from the graph using the expression
Bandwidth
B.W f H f L .
14. The gain-bandwidth product of the amplifier is calculated by using the expression
Gain-Bandwidth Product = (3dB mid-band gain) X (Bandwidth).
Note down the following:

Without feedback
Input Impedance
Output Impedance
Gain (Mid Band) in dB
Lower cut-off frequency ( fL )
Higher cut-off frequency ( fH )
9

Practical
With feedback

Band width ( fHfL )

Gain-Bandwidth Product

D. CURRENT- SHUNT FEEDBACK AMPLIFIER

VCC
12V

47k
R1

Rc1
10k

47k
R3

47k
Rc2

Q2
180k
R1

22F
CB

Q1

22F
CB

22F
CB

BC 547

BC 547

200mVrms
1kHz
0
vi

1k
RL

DSO

20k
R2
5k
R2

2k
Re1

5k
R4

100F
CB

2k
Re2

(a)
VCC
12V

47k
R1

Rc1
10k

47k
R3

47k
Rc2

Q2
180k
R1

Q1

22F
CB

22F
CB

BC 547

BC 547

200mVrms
1kHz
0
vi

20k
R2
2k
Re1

1k
RL

S1
47k
Rf

5k
R2

22F
CB

22F
Cf
100F
CB

10

Key = Space
5k
R4

2k
Re2

DSO

(b)
Fig.-4 Circuit diagram Current-shunt feedback amplifier (a) without feedback (b) with
feedback
Case a: Without feed back
1. Connections are made as per circuit diagram Fig. 4(a)
2. Measure input and output impedance as described in section III (a)
3. Keep the input voltage constant at 20mV peak-peak and 1 KHz frequency. Note down the
V
output voltage and calculate the gain by using the expression Av 20*log10 ( 0 ) dB
Vi
(This is the gain at mid-frequency which corresponds to maximum gain)
4. Keeping the input voltage at constant at 20mV peak-peak, the frequency is slowly
increased until output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 . Stop and note down the frequency
which corresponds to higher cut-off frequency.
5. Repeat the same procedure by decreasing the frequency and note down the frequency at
which output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 , which corresponds to lower cut-off frequency.
6. The Bandwidth of the amplifier is calculated from the graph using the expression
Bandwidth
B.W f H f L .
7. The gain-bandwidth product of the amplifier is calculated by using the expression
Gain-Bandwidth Product = (3dB mid-band gain) X (Bandwidth).
Case (b): With feed back
8. Connections are made as per circuit diagram Fig. 4(b)
9. Measure input and output impedance as described in section III (a)
10. Keep the input voltage constant at 20mV peak-peak and 1 KHz frequency. Note down the
V
output voltage and calculate the gain by using the expression Av 20*log10 ( 0 ) dB
Vi
(This is the gain at mid-frequency which corresponds to maximum gain)
11. Keeping the input voltage at constant at 20mV peak-peak, the frequency is slowly
increased until output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 . Stop and note down the frequency
which corresponds to higher cut-off frequency.
12. Repeat the same procedure by decreasing the frequency and note down the frequency at
which output voltage becomes 0.707 V0 , which corresponds to lower cut-off frequency.
13. The Bandwidth of the amplifier is calculated from the graph using the expression
Bandwidth
B.W f H f L .
14. The gain-bandwidth product of the amplifier is calculated by using the expression
Gain-Bandwidth Product = (3dB mid-band gain) X (Bandwidth).
Note down the following:
11

Without feedback

Practical
With feedback

Input Impedance
Output Impedance
Gain (Mid Band) in dB
Lower cut-off frequency ( fL )
Higher cut-off frequency ( fH )
Band width ( fHfL )
Gain-Bandwidth Product

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