K.S.

Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode – 637 215

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering
ECE
Linear Integrated Circuits
Two Mark Questions
UNIT III
ANALOG MULTIPLIER AND PLL
1. List out the blocks of PLL.
The basic blocks of a PLL are:
a) Phase detector / comparator
b) Low pass filter
c) Error amplifier
d) Voltage controlled oscillator (VCO)

2. Define capture range and lock range of PLL.

Capture range: The range of frequencies over which the PLL can acquire lock with the input signal.
Lock range: The range of frequencies over which the PLL can maintain lock with the input signal.

3. Write the expression for capture range and lock range.

8𝑓𝑜
Δ𝑓𝐿 = ±
𝑉𝐶𝐶
Lock range is represented by Δ𝑓𝐿 .

Δ𝑓𝐿
Capture range = ±√
2𝜋𝑅𝐶
4. Define voltage to frequency conversion factor of VCO.
It is defined as the ratio of change in output frequency to change in control voltage.
Δ𝑓𝑜
𝐾𝑣 =
Δ𝑉𝑐
5. Define phase transfer conversion coefficient of PLL.
The phase detector conversion coefficient is
𝑉𝐶𝐶
𝐾𝑑 =
𝜋
6. What is the need for low pass filter in PLL?
The low pass filter removes the high frequency components from the phase detector output and
produces a smooth DC error voltage for controlling the VCO.

7. On what parameter does the free running frequency of VCO depend?

The free running frequency of a VCO depends mainly on the applied control voltage and the internal
characteristics of the VCO.

8. For perfect lock, what should be the phase relation between incoming signal and VCO output?
For perfect lock, both signals must have the same frequency and a constant phase difference.

9. What is pull-in time in PLL? What does it depend on?

Pull-in time is the time required by the PLL to acquire lock from an unlocked state. It depends on initial
frequency difference, loop filter, and loop gain.
10. What is the major difference between analog and digital PLL?
Analog PLL uses analog circuits for phase detection and control, while digital PLL uses digital circuits
and discrete-time processing.

11. What is frequency shift keying (FSK)?

FSK is a digital modulation technique in which the frequency of the carrier is changed between
discrete values according to the binary input data.

12. Mention the applications of PLL.

Applications of PLL are:
a) Frequency multiplication / division
b) Frequency translation
c) FM demodulation
d) FSK demodulation
e) Tone decoding
f) Clock synchronization

13. What is the significance of VCO in communication systems?

A VCO generates an output frequency proportional to the control voltage and is widely used in PLLs,
FM generation, modulation, demodulation, and frequency synthesis.

14. Mention the applications of analog multipliers.

Applications of analog multipliers are:
a) Voltage squarer
b) Frequency doubler
c) Voltage divider
d) Square rooter
e) Phase detector
f) Precision rectifier

15. Explain how a frequency doubler can be realized using analog multiplier.
When two identical sinusoidal signals are applied to an analog multiplier, the output contains a
component at twice the input frequency. Thus, frequency doubling is achieved.

16. What is a peak detector?

A peak detector is a circuit using a diode and capacitor that produces a DC output equal to the peak
value of the applied AC signal.

17. What are the features of MPY634 multiplier?

Features of MPY634 are:
a) Analog signal multiplication
b) Wide supply voltage range
c) High bandwidth
d) Low power consumption
e) High accuracy

18. What is a precision diode?

A precision diode is an op-amp diode combination that behaves like an ideal diode and can rectify
very small signals without threshold voltage error.
19. In which quadrant is the output obtained when both inputs of an analog multiplier are
negative?
When both inputs are negative, the output is positive and the operation lies in the third quadrant.

20. Draw the circuit of a log amplifier.

A log amplifier is an op-amp circuit with a diode or transistor in the feedback path, giving an output
proportional to the logarithm of the input.

21. Draw the block diagram of analog multiplier using log-antilog amplifiers.
The block diagram consists of two log amplifiers, a summing amplifier, and an antilog amplifier. It uses
the relation:

log⁡ 𝑥 + log⁡ 𝑦 = log⁡(𝑥𝑦)

22. A PLL has a free running frequency of 50 MHz and lock range of ±10%. Find the lock range.

Δ𝑓𝐿 = ±10% × 50 MHz = ±5 MHz

Hence the lock range is 45 MHz to 55 MHz.

23. Give the advantages of active filter over passive filter.

Active filters have the following advantages:
a) They provide voltage gain
b) Inductors are not required
c) They have high input impedance and low output impedance
d) They are easy to design and tune
e) They are compact and economical at low frequencies
 UNIT IV

ANALOG TO DIGITAL AND DIGITAL TO ANALOG CONVERTERS

1. Explain the operation of a basic sample and hold circuit.

A sample and hold circuit samples the analog input during the sampling interval and holds the
sampled value constant during the hold interval using a switch and capacitor.

2. Mention the applications of sample and hold circuits.

Applications are:
a) ADC systems
b) Data acquisition systems
c) Digital voltmeters
d) Signal processing
e) Communication systems

3. What is the function of a sample and hold circuit?

It samples an analog signal at a particular instant and holds that value constant for further processing.

4. List the drawbacks of binary weighted resistor DAC.

Drawbacks are:
a) Requires wide range of resistor values
b) Difficult to maintain accurate resistor ratios
c) Not suitable for high resolution

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of flash ADC?

Advantage: Flash ADC is the fastest ADC.
Disadvantage: It requires a large number of comparators, making it costly and complex.

6. Why is flash ADC the fastest ADC?

Because it uses parallel comparators and performs conversion in a single step.

7. What are the types of ADC and DAC?

Types of ADC:
a) Flash ADC
b) Counter type ADC
c) Tracking ADC
d) Successive approximation ADC
e) Dual slope ADC

Types of DAC:
a) Binary weighted resistor DAC
b) R-2R ladder DAC
c) Inverted R-2R ladder DAC

8. Define start of conversion (SOC) and end of conversion (EOC).

SOC: Signal that starts the conversion process in ADC.
EOC: Signal that indicates completion of conversion.
9. Define resolution of ADC/DAC.
Resolution is the smallest change in analog input or output corresponding to one LSB change in digital
value.
𝑉𝐹𝑆
Resolution =
2𝑛 −1

10. Define the performance parameters of DAC.

The important parameters are:
a) Resolution
b) Accuracy
c) Monotonicity
d) Settling time
e) Linearity

11. What is monotonicity in DAC?

A DAC is monotonic if its analog output always increases when the digital input increases.

12. Distinguish between conversion time and settling time.

Conversion time: Time taken by ADC to convert analog input into digital output.
Settling time: Time taken by DAC output to reach and remain within the specified error band after a
change in input.

13. Compare binary weighted DAC and R-2R ladder DAC.

Binary weighted DAC: Uses different resistor values, simple but difficult to maintain accuracy.
R-2R ladder DAC: Uses only two resistor values, easier to fabricate and more accurate.

14. Why is R-2R ladder DAC preferred over weighted resistor DAC?
Because it uses only two resistor values, giving better accuracy, easier fabrication, and easy
expansion to more bits.

15. What are the advantages and disadvantages of R-2R ladder DAC?
Advantages:
a) Only two resistor values are needed
b) Easy to fabricate accurately
c) Easy to expand to more bits

Disadvantage:
It may have non-linearity due to switching effects and resistor current changes.

16. What are the advantages of integrating type ADC?

Advantages are:
a) High accuracy
b) Good noise rejection
c) Low cost
d) No sample and hold circuit required in some cases

17. List the drawbacks of dual slope ADC.

Drawbacks are:
a) Low conversion speed
b) Requires precise external components

18. What is the difference between direct ADC and integrating ADC?
Direct ADC converts input directly into digital output.
Integrating ADC first converts input into time or frequency and then into digital form.

19. Why does dual slope ADC provide excellent noise rejection?
Because noise components with periods equal to integral multiples of integration time cancel out
during integration.

20. What are the advantages of variable trans-conductance technique?

Advantages are:
a) Electronic tuning
b) Better linearity
c) Reduced component count
d) Easy IC implementation

21. What are the advantages of inverted R-2R ladder DAC over voltage type R-2R DAC?
It offers faster operation, low output impedance, better accuracy, and is suitable for IC fabrication.

22. Write the specifications of DAC.

Specifications are:
a) Resolution
b) Accuracy
c) Linearity
d) Settling time
e) Full scale output
f) Temperature stability

23. Calculate the output of a 9-bit DAC with step size 10.3 mV for input 101101111.

𝑉𝑜 = 10.3 × 10−3 × 367 = 3.78𝑉

24. Find the resolution of a 12-bit DAC if the full-scale voltage is 24 V.

The resolution is,
𝑉𝐹𝑆
Resolution =
212
−1
24
Resolution =
4095
Resolution = 0.00586𝑉

Hence, the resolution of the 12-bit DAC is

5.86 mV/LSB

25. A 12-bit DAC has a resolution of 20 mV/LSB. Find full scale output voltage.

𝑉𝐹𝑆 = (212 − 1) × 20𝑚𝑉 = 4095 × 0.02 = 81.9𝑉

26. Calculate LSB, MSB and full-scale output for an 8-bit DAC with 0 to 12 V range.
12
𝐿𝑆𝐵 = = 46.875𝑚𝑉
256
12
𝑀𝑆𝐵 = = 6𝑉
2
255
𝑉𝐹𝑆𝑂 = × 12 = 11.953𝑉
256

27. How many comparators are required for a 4-bit flash ADC?

2𝑛 − 1 = 24 − 1 = 15

So, 15 comparators are required.

28. How many comparators are required for a 10-bit flash ADC?

210 − 1 = 1023

So, 1023 comparators are required.

29. How many op-amps are needed for a 3-bit flash ADC?

23 − 1 = 7

So, 7 op-amps/comparators are needed.

30. In an R-2R ladder DAC, if R = 10 kΩ, what is the value of 2R?

2𝑅 = 20𝑘Ω

31. Draw the circuit of a sample and hold circuit.

A sample and hold circuit consists of an analog switch, capacitor, and op-amp buffer. During the
sample mode, the switch closes and the capacitor charges to the input voltage. During the hold mode,
the switch opens and the capacitor retains the sampled voltage.

32. Define Resolution of an ADC.

Resolution of an ADC is the smallest change in analog input voltage that produces a one-bit change in
the digital output.
 𝑉𝐹𝑆
Resolution =
2𝑛−1

33. Which is the fastest ADC? State the reason.

Flash ADC is the fastest ADC because it uses parallel comparators and converts the input signal in a
single step.

34. Write down the classification and types of ADCs.

ADCs are classified as:

1. Direct type ADCs

a) Flash ADC
b) Counter type ADC
c) Tracking ADC
d) Successive approximation ADC

2. Integrating type ADCs

a) Single slope ADC
b) Dual slope ADC
c) Voltage-to-frequency ADC
 UNIT V

SPECIAL FUNCTION INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

1. What are the operating modes of 555 timer?

The operating modes are:
a) Monostable mode
b) Astable mode

2. List the applications of 555 timer.

Applications are:
a) Oscillator
b) Pulse generator
c) Ramp generator
d) Square wave generator
e) Monostable multivibrator
f) Burglar alarm
g) Traffic light controller

3. What is the use of reset pin of 555 timer?

The reset pin is used to interrupt or disable the timer operation by forcing the output low when
grounded.

4. What is the purpose of control voltage pin of 555 timer?

The control voltage pin is used to vary the reference voltage level of the internal comparators, enabling
pulse width modulation and timing control.

5. List the major blocks of 555 timer.

The major blocks are:
a) Voltage divider
b) Two comparators
c) RS flip-flop
d) Discharge transistor
e) Output stage

6. Define duty cycle.

Duty cycle is the ratio of ON time to total time period.
𝑇𝑂𝑁
𝐷=
𝑇
W – time for output is high = TON
T – total time of one cycle.

7. Write the expression for pulse width of 555 timer in monostable mode.
𝑇 = 1.1𝑅𝐶

R – resistor in ohms, C – capacitor in farads

8. Write the expression for total time period of 555 timer in astable mode.

𝑇 = 0.693(𝑅𝐴 + 2𝑅𝐵 )𝐶
9. What is the frequency of oscillation of 555 timer in astable mode?
1.44
𝑓=
(𝑅𝐴 + 2𝑅𝐵 )𝐶

10. List the applications of 555 timer in astable mode.

Applications are:
a) Missing pulse detector
b) Linear ramp generator
c) Frequency divider
d) Pulse width modulation

11. List the applications of 555 timer in monostable mode.

Applications are:
a) FSK generator
b) Pulse position modulator

12. Why is 555 called a timer IC?

Because it is widely used to generate accurate time delays and timed pulses.

13. What is a multivibrator? What are its types?

A multivibrator is a switching circuit used to generate non-sinusoidal waveforms.
Types are:
a) Astable
b) Monostable
c) Bistable

14. Define Barkhausen criterion for oscillation.

For sustained oscillations, the loop gain must be unity and total phase shift must be 0∘ or 360∘ .

∣ 𝐴𝛽 ∣= 1
15. Mention the conditions for oscillation.
The conditions are:
a) Net phase shift around loop must be 0∘ or 360∘
b) Loop gain must be equal to 1

16. Define voltage regulator. Give its types.

A voltage regulator is a circuit that maintains constant DC output voltage despite variations in input or
load.
Types are:
a) Linear (series) regulators
b) Switching regulators

17. What is meant by linear voltage regulator?

A linear regulator uses a series pass transistor operating in linear region to maintain constant output
voltage.

18. Define switched voltage regulator.

A switched voltage regulator operates the transistor as a high frequency ON/OFF switch to achieve
higher efficiency.
19. What are the advantages of adjustable voltage regulators over fixed regulators?
Advantages are:
a) Better line and load regulation
b) Higher load current capability
c) Improved reliability
d) Adjustable output voltage

20. List the parameters related to fixed voltage regulators.

The parameters are:
a) Line regulation
b) Load regulation
c) Ripple rejection
d) Output impedance
e) Maximum power dissipation
f) Rated output current

21. Define dropout voltage of a fixed voltage regulator.

Dropout voltage is the minimum difference between input and output voltage required for proper
regulation.

22. Define line regulation and load regulation.

Line regulation: Ability to maintain constant output voltage despite changes in input voltage.
Load regulation: Ability to maintain constant output voltage despite changes in load current.

23. Compare linear regulator and switched mode regulator.

Linear regulator: Simple, low noise, lower efficiency.
Switched mode regulator: High efficiency, compact, but produces more noise and is more complex.

24. Mention the various types of noise in power supply.

The common noise types are:
a) Shot noise
b) Thermal noise
c) Flicker noise
d) Burst noise
e) Avalanche noise

25. Mention the advantages of opto-couplers.

Advantages are:
a) Good electrical isolation
b) Eliminates impedance matching problems
c) Wide frequency response
d) Easy digital interfacing
e) Noise immunity

26. What is an isolation amplifier?

An isolation amplifier provides electrical isolation between input and output while transferring the
signal.
27. Mention the significance of switched capacitor filter.
Switched capacitor filters provide accurate filtering without resistors, are easy to integrate in ICs, and
can be tuned by changing clock frequency.

28. Mention two applications of frequency to voltage converter.

Applications are:
a) Tachometers
b) Frequency monitoring systems

29. What is the function of voltage regulator? Name some IC voltage regulators.
A voltage regulator maintains constant output voltage. Examples: 7805, 7812, 7905, LM317, LM723.

30. Calculate LSB and MSB for an 8-bit DAC with 0 to 10 V range.
10
𝐿𝑆𝐵 = = 0.03906𝑉
256
10
𝑀𝑆𝐵 = = 5𝑉
2

31. A Hartley oscillator has 𝐿1 = 10𝑚𝐻, 𝐿2 = 5𝑚𝐻, 𝐶 = 200𝑝𝐹. Calculate frequency of oscillation.
1
𝑓=
2𝜋√(𝐿1 + 𝐿2 )𝐶
𝑓 ≈ 91.9𝑘𝐻

32. Draw the circuit diagram of LM380 power audio amplifier.

The LM380 power audio amplifier circuit consists of an LM380 IC, input coupling capacitor, volume
control resistor, bypass capacitor, speaker load, and power supply connection. It is used to amplify
low-level audio signals to drive a loudspeaker.