Feedback Amplifier Stability and Frequency
Response Analysis
1 Introduction
Feedback amplifiers play a crucial role in control systems and electronics. To ensure
their stable operation, we analyze their frequency response using the Nyquist stability
criterion, Bode plots, and compute the Gain Margin (GM) and Phase Margin
(PM).
A feedback amplifier is represented by the open-loop transfer function:
L(s) = G(s)H(s)
where G(s) is the forward path transfer function and H(s) is the feedback factor.
The closed-loop transfer function is:
G(s) L(s)
T (s) = =
1 + G(s)H(s) 1 + L(s)
2 Nyquist Stability Criterion
The Nyquist criterion examines the contour of L(jω) in the complex plane as ω varies
from 0 → ∞.
Rule: If the Nyquist plot of L(jω) does not encircle the point −1 + j0, and all poles
of L(s) are in the left half-plane, the closed-loop system is stable.
3 Gain Margin and Phase Margin
3.1 Definitions
• Gain Crossover Frequency (ωgc ): Frequency where |L(jω)| = 1.
• Phase Crossover Frequency (ωpc ): Frequency where ∠L(jω) = −180◦ .
Phase Margin (PM) = 180◦ + ∠L(jωgc )
1 1
Gain Margin (GM) = or in dB: GMdB = 20 log10
|L(jωpc )| |L(jωpc )|
A positive PM and GM imply a stable closed-loop system.
1
4 Bode Plot Overview
The Bode plot shows:
• Magnitude Plot: 20 log10 |L(jω)| vs. log10 ω
• Phase Plot: ∠L(jω) vs. log10 ω
These plots allow graphical estimation of gain and phase margins.
5 Example 1: Single-Pole Feedback Amplifier
100
G(s) = , H(s) = 1
1 + 0.01s
100
L(s) =
1 + 0.01s
5.1 Step 1: Substitute s = jω
100 100(1 − j0.01ω)
L(jω) = =
1 + j0.01ω 1 + (0.01ω)2
5.2 Step 2: Magnitude and Phase
100
|L(jω)| = p
1 + (0.01ω)2
∠L(jω) = − tan−1 (0.01ω)
5.3 Step 3: Gain Crossover and Phase Margin
At |L(jω)| = 1,
100
q
p =1⇒ 1 + (0.01ωgc )2 = 100
1 + (0.01ωgc )2
(0.01ωgc )2 = 9999 ⇒ ωgc = 999.95 rad/s
Phase at ωgc :
∠L(jωgc ) = − tan−1 (0.01 × 999.95) = −84.29◦
Hence:
P M = 180 + (−84.29) = 95.71◦
No phase crossover (since max phase lag is -90°), so the gain margin is infinite.
5.4 Step 4: Observations
PM = 95.7◦ , GM = ∞
The system is very stable.
2
6 Example 2: Two-Pole Feedback Amplifier
1000
G(s) = , H(s) = 1
(1 + 0.1s)(1 + 0.01s)
1000
L(s) =
(1 + 0.1s)(1 + 0.01s)
6.1 Step 1: Substitute s = jω
1000
L(jω) =
(1 + j0.1ω)(1 + j0.01ω)
6.2 Step 2: Magnitude and Phase
1000
|L(jω)| = p
(1 + (0.1ω)2 )(1 + (0.01ω)2 )
∠L(jω) = − tan−1 (0.1ω) − tan−1 (0.01ω)
6.3 Step 3: Gain Crossover Frequency
Set |L(jωgc )| = 1:
1000
p =1
(1 + (0.1ωgc )2 )(1 + (0.01ωgc )2 )
Squaring both sides:
(1 + (0.1ωgc )2 )(1 + (0.01ωgc )2 ) = 106
Expanding:
1 + (0.12 + 0.012 )ωgc
2
+ (0.001)2 ωgc
4
= 106
Neglecting small terms, approximate numerically:
ωgc ≈ 317.0 rad/s
6.4 Step 4: Phase and Margins
Phase at ωgc :
∠L(jωgc ) = − tan−1 (0.1 × 317) − tan−1 (0.01 × 317)
= −84.23◦ − 72.37◦ = −156.6◦
P M = 180 − 156.6 = 23.4◦
At ∠L(jωpc ) = −180◦ , numerically:
ωpc ≈ 562 rad/s
Gain margin:
1000
|L(jωpc )| = p ≈ 1.48
(1 + (0.1ωpc )2 )(1 + (0.01ωpc )2 )
1
GM = = 0.676, GMdB = −3.4 dB
1.48
⇒ System is marginally stable.
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3
7 Summary Table
Example ωgc (rad/s) ∠L(jωgc ) PM (°) GM (dB)
1 (Single Pole) 1000 -84.29 95.7 ∞
2 (Two Poles) 317 -156.6 23.4 -3.4