UNIT-1

Feedback Amplifier
Contents:
 9-1 Introduction
 9-2 Conceptual Development Through Block
 Diagrams
 9-3 Properties of Negative Feedback
 9-4 Calculations of Open-Loop Gain, Closed-Loop
 Gain and Feedback Factors
 9-5 Topologies of the Feedback Amplifi er
 9-6 Effect of Feedback on Gain, Input and Output
 Impedances
 9-7 Practical Implementation of the Feedback
 Topologies
 9-8 Sensitivity
 9-9 Bandwidth Stability
 9-10 Ef fect of Positive Feedback
Objectives
 In this chapter we will address the concept of
feedback. Feedback is the fundamental concept in the design of a
stable amplifier and an unstable oscillator circuit.
 Beginning with the conceptual development of
feedback through block diagrams, this chapter explains both
negative and positive feedback, and their effects on different circuit
parameters.
 Calculations of open-loop gain and closed-loop gain
have been done in detail, followed by a discussion on the effects of
feedback on gain, input and output impedances.
 An overview of the practical implementation of
feedback topologies, and the sensitivity and bandwidth stability of
the feedback amplifier has also been provided.
 The chapter ends with an examination of the effects
of
positive feedback with emphasis on the Nyquist and Barkhausen
criteria.
 INTRODUCTION
 Feedback is one of the fundamental processes in
electronics. It is defined as the process whereby a portion of the output
signal is fed to the input signal in order to form a part of the system-output
control.

 Feedback is used to make the operating point of a transistor

insensitive to both manufacturing variations in as well as temperature.

 There is another type of feedback called positive or

regenerative feedback in which the overall gain of the amplifier is
increased. Positive feedback is useful in oscillators and while establishing
the two stable states of flip-flop.
Advantage of Feedback System:

 The feedback system has many advantages

especially in the control of impedance levels, bandwidth
improvement, and in rendering the circuit performance
relatively insensitive to manufacturing as well as to
environmental changes.

 These are the advantages of negative or

degenerative feedback in which the signal feedback from
output to input is 180 out of phase with the applied
excitation. It increases bandwidth and input impedance,
and lowers the output impedance.
 CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT
THROUGH BLOCK DIAGRAMS:
The block diagram of a basic feedback
amplifier consists of five basic elements.
These are:
1. Input signals
2. Output signals
3. Sampling Network
4. Comparison or Summing Network.
5. Basic Amplifier
Block diagram of a basic
feedback amplifier
 Basic elements of feedback
amplifier:
 Input Signal:
The signal source is modeled either by a voltage
source Vs in series with a resistance Rs , or by a current
source Is in parallel with a resistance Rs.
 Output Signal:
The output can either be the voltage
across the load resistance or the current through it. It is
the output signal that is desired to be independent of the
load and insensitive to parameter variations in the basic
amplifier.
 Sampling Network:
The function of the sampling network is to
provide a measure of the output signal, i.e., a signal that
is proportional to the output. This configuration is called
shunt connection.
In Fig. 9-2(b) the output current is sampled
and the output port of the feedback network is connected
in series with the load. This is a series connection.
Measurement of the output
voltage & current:
 Basic elements of feedback
amplifier:
 Comparison or Summing Network:

The two very common networks used for the summing of

the input and feedback signals are displayed in Fig. 9-3.
 The circuit shown in Fig. 9-3(a) is a series connection and it
is used to compare the signal voltage Vs and feedback signal Vf .

 The amplifier input signal Vi is proportional to the voltage

difference Vs -Vf that results from the comparison. A differential
amplifier is used for comparison as its output voltage is proportional to
the difference between the signals at the two inputs.
 A shunt connection is shown in Fig. 9-3(b) in which the
source current Is and feedback current If are compared. The amplifier
input current Ii is proportional to the difference Is If .
 Basic elements of feedback
amplifier:
 Basic Amplifier:

The basic amplifier is one of the important parts

of the feedback amplifier.
 The circuit amplifies the difference signal that
results from comparison and this process is responsible for de-
sensitivity and control of the output in a feedback system.
PROPERTIES OF NEGATIVE
FEEDBACK:
 A comparative study of the advantages and
disadvantages of negative feedback illustrates the basic properties of
negative feedback.

 Negative feedback has the following

advantages:
(i) Negative feedback increases the input impedance of the
voltage amplifier.
(ii) The output impedance of the voltage amplifier can be further
lowered by negative feedback.
(iii) The transfer gain Af of the amplifier with a feedback can be
stabilized against the variations of h or hybrid parameters of the
transistors, or the parameters of the other active devices used in the
amplifier.
(iv) Negative feedback increases the frequency response and the
bandwidth of the amplifier.
(v) Negative feedback increases the linear range of operation of the
amplifier.
(vi) Negative feedback causes reduction in noise.
(vii) Phase distortion is reduced.
Block diagram of ideal feedback
amplifier:
Table of Signals and transfer
ratios in feedback amplifiers:
CALCULATIONS OF OPEN-LOOP GAIN, CLOSED-
LOOP GAIN & FEEDBACK FACTORS:
The input signal Xs , the output signal Xo , the
feedback signal Xf and the difference signal Xi each represent
either a voltage or a current.
 The symbol indicated by the circle with the summation
sign enclosed within (see Fig. 9-4), represents the summing
network whose output is the algebraic sum of inputs.
 Thus, for a positive feedback, we get:
Xi = Xs + Xf ………………………………(9-1)
 The signal Xi , representing the output of the summing network is
the amplifier input Xi . If the feedback signal Xf is 180 out of
phase with the input Xs—as is true in negative feedback systems
—then Xi is a difference
signal. Therefore, Xi decreases as | Xf | increases.
The reverse transmission of the feedback network is defined by:
β =Xf / Xa …………….(9-2)
 CALCULATIONS OF OPEN-LOOP GAIN,
CLOSED-LOOP GAIN & FEEDBACK
FACTORS:
 The transfer function is a real number, but in general it
is a function of frequency. The gain of the basic amplifier A is
defined as:
A=Xo /Xi …………..(9-3)
 Now, from Eq. (9-1), we get: Xi =Xs / Xf
 Substituting the value of Xf from Eq. (9-2) as Xf Xo in Eq. (9-1), we
get:
Xi =Xs+ Xf = Xs+β Xo .............(9-3a)
 From Eq. (9-3) we get:: Xo= A*Xi …………….(9-3b)
 Substituting the value of Xi from Eq. (9-3a), we get:
Xo = A*Xi = A(Xs+ Xo) = AXs+AβXo
or, Xo (1-Aβ) = AXs
Or, Xo /X s=A/(1-Aβ) …………….(9-3c)
 The feedback gain Af is obtained from Eq. (9-3c) as:
Af = Xo /Xs = A/(1-Aβ) ……………….(9-4)
 we can represent the feedback gain as:
 Loop Gain or Return Ratio:
 The signal ˆXi in Fig. 9-4 is multiplied by gain A when
passing through the amplifier and by in transmission through the
feedback network. Such a path takes us from the amplifier input around
the loop consisting of the amplifier and the feedback network. The
product, A, is called the loop gain or return ratio T.
 Equation (9-4) can be written in terms of AOL and T as:

 For negative feedback, –A β= T > 0,We can give a physical

interpretation for the return ratio by considering the input signal Xs = 0,
and keeping
the path between Xi and Xˆi open. If a signal Xˆi is now applied to the
amplifier input, then Xi =Xf = Aβ.

 The return ratio is then the negative of the ratio of the feedback
signal to the amplifier input. Often the quantity F= 1+Aβ= 1+T is
referred to as the return difference. If negative feedback is considered
then both F and T are greater than zero.
 TOPOLOGIES OF THE FEEDBACK
AMPLIFIER:
 There are four basic amplifier types. Each of these is
being approximated by the characteristics of an ideal controlled
source. The four feedback topologies are as follows:
1. Series-shunt feedback
2. Series-series feedback
3. Shunt-series feedback
4. Shunt-shunt feedback

 The alternative nomenclature used is as follows:

1. Voltage-series or series-shunt feedback
2. Current-series or series-series feedback
3. Current-shunt or shunt-series feedback
4. Voltage-shunt or shunt-shunt feedback
 Voltage amplifiers with voltage-
series feedback:
 The input voltage Vi of the basic amplifier is the algebraic sum
of input signal Vs and the feedback signal Vo , where Vo is the output voltage.
 Current-Series or Series-Series
Feedback:
 Trans-conductance feedback amplifier provides an
output current Io which is proportional to the input voltage Vs . The
feedback signal is the voltage Vf , which is added to Vs at the input of the
basic amplifier.
 Current amplifi ers with current-
shunt feedback
 The current-shunt feedback amplifier, supplies an
output current Io which is proportional to the input current Ii . This
makes it a current amplifier.
 The feedback signal is the current if the input current
of the basic amplifier is Ii = Is + If and the output current is Io = I L.
 Voltage-Shunt or Shunt-Shunt
Feedback
 The voltage-shunt or shunt-shunt feedback amplifier provides an
output voltage Vo in proportion to the input current Is. The input current Ii of
the basic amplifier is the algebraic sum of Is and the feedback current If .
EFFECT OF FEEDBACK ON GAIN,
INPUT AND OUTPUT IMPEDANCES:
 Feedback is applied with the objective of
improving the performance of an amplifier. The operation of an
amplifier is regulated by controlling the gain and impedance.
 The effect of feedback on gain and impedance
for the different topologies—voltage-series, current-series, current-
shunt, voltage-shunt—are discussed in the following sections.
 Effect of Feedback on Input
Impedance
Voltage-series feedback:
 Input Impedance with the feedback is:
Z if = VS / Ii
and VS = Ii Z i +Vf = I i Z i +βVo
 Using voltage divider rule, we get:
Vo =AVVi ZL /Z0 ZL = AV Ii ZL
 Where, Ii =Vi /Z0 +ZL

Now, Vo = AV Ii ZL=AV Vi
 Or AV =Vo /Ii
 The input impedance without feedback is:
Zi =Vi /Ii.
Effect of Feedback on Input
Impedance
Current-series feedback:
 In a similar manner as for voltage series, for current
series feedback we obtain:
Zif = Zi (1+β YM ) ……….(9-11a)
 where, Y is the short-circuit trans-admittance
M
without feedback considering the load impedance,
and is given by:
 YM = Io /Vi
 Ym Zo /(Z0+ ZL) …………(9-11b)
 where, Y is the short-circuit trans-admittance
m
without feedback.
 From Eq. (9-11a) it is clear that for series mixing
 Z if >Z i.
Current-shunt feedback
circuit:
Current-shunt feedback to
calculate input and output
resistance:
 Current-shunt feedback:
 Figure 9-10 shows the current-shunt feedback in
which the amplifier is replaced by its Norton equivalent circuit. If
Ai is the short-circuit current gain then from Fig. 9-10:
 Is = Ii + If =Ii +βI0 …………….…..(9-12)
 And Io = AiIi /Z 0 ZL =AI Ii ………………...(9-13)
 Where, Ai= Io /II = AiZo / Z 0 + ZL ………………. (9-14)
 From Eqs. (9-12) and (9-13) we have: IS = Ii(1+βAI ) ………….. (9-
15)
 Z if =Vi/ I S

 and Zi =Vi /I i
 Using Eq. (9-15) we obtain:
 Z if = Vi / Ii (1 +β AI ) = Zi /(1+βAI) ………………….(9-16)
 where, Ai represents the short-circuit current gain.
Voltage-shunt feedback to calculate
input and output resistance:
Voltage-shunt feedback:
 For voltage-shunt feedback, proceeding in a
similar way as we have done in the previous sections, we
obtain:
 Zif =Zi /(1+βZ M ) …………….(9-17a)
 where, Z M is the trans-impedance without feedback
considering the load, and is given by: Z M = Vo / I I = Z M Z L
/(Z 0 +Z L )
 (9-17b)
 where, Z M is the open-circuit trans-impedance without
feedback.
 From Eq. (9-17 b) it is clear that for shunt comparison Z if <Z
I .
Effects of Feedback on
Output Impedance:
Effects of Feedback on
Output Impedance:
Effects of Feedback on
Output Impedance:
Effects of Feedback on
Output Impedance:
Effects of Feedback on
Output Impedance:
Effects of Feedback on Output
Impedance:
 IMPLEMENTATIONS
OF THE FEEDBACK
TOPOLOGIES:
1) Voltage-series
Feedback Using
Transistor:
 The emitter-
follower circuit, as shown
in Fig. 9-11 is an example
of voltage-series
feedback. The feedback
signal Vf and the output
signal Vo are both
voltage quantities.
Hybrid equivalent circuit of
practical voltage-series
feedback amplifier:
 To determine the gain of the basic amplifier
without feedback we should consider Vo = 0
for the input loop and Ib = 0 for the output
loop so that we obtain the approximate hybrid
equivalent circuit, as given in Fig. 9-12.
Current-Series Feedback
using transistor:
 Voltage-Shunt Feedback
Using Transistor:
 In the circuit given in Fig. 9-15, the
input current is proportional to the output
voltage Vo.
Voltage-Shunt Feedback
Using Transistor:
 To determine the gain of the basic
amplifier we consider that Rf is open-circuited and we
can draw the approximate h-parameter equivalent
circuit as shown in Fig. 9-16.
Voltage-Shunt Feedback
Using Transistor:
Current-Shunt Feedback
Using Transistor:

A simple current-shunt feedback amplifier is shown in Fig. 9-17.

Current-Shunt Feedback
Using Transistor:
 SENSITIVITY:
 The sensitivity of transfer gain of the feedback
amplifier AF with respect to the variations in the internal amplifier
gain A is defined as the ratio of the fractional change in gain with
the feedback to the fractional change in gain without the
feedback.

 The gain sensitivity S of the feedback amplifier is given by:

where, dAf /Af = fractional change in gain with the

feedback; dA/A = fractional change in gain without the feedback.
SENSITIVITY &
DESENSITIVITY:

The inverse or reciprocal of sensitivity is called De-Sensitivity.

De-Sensitivity (D)
indicates the fraction by
which the voltage gain
has been reduced due to
feedback.
BANDWIDTH STABILITY:

From Eq. (9-37) we can directly conclude that the transfer gain can
be made dependent entirely on the feedback network . The gain A is not
constant and depends on the frequency. This means that at certain high or low
frequencies |A| will be much larger than unity. The gain A of single-pole
transfer function is given by:

A0 is the mid-band gain without the feedback and fH is the high

frequency (where A0 is decreased by 3 dB).
 BANDWIDTH STABILITY:
The gain A of the single pole amplifier with the feedback is obtained from Eq. (9-4)
and (9-38) as:
BANDWIDTH STABILITY:
EFFECT OF POSITIVE
FEEDBACK:
Instability and Oscillation:

 If an amplifier is designed to have negative feedback in

a particular frequency range but breaks into oscillation at some high
or low frequency, it is useless as an amplifier.
 While designing the amplifier, it must be ensured that
the circuit is stable at all frequencies and not merely over the
frequency range of interest.

 The stability of a circuit lies in the pole of the transfer

function of the circuit, which also determines the transient response
of the circuit .
 A pole existing with a positive real part will result in a
signal disturbance increasing with time.
 So the condition to be satisfied, if a system is to be
stable, is that the poles of the transfer function must all lie in the
left-hand half of the complex-frequency plane.
Nyquist Criterion:
Condition of Oscillation:
Barkhausen Criterion:
Barkhausen Criterion:
POINTS TO REMEMBER:
IMPORTANT FORMULAE: