Institute of Technology
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Answer key Assignment for Applied Electronics
[1] a) Definitions (Power Amplifiers)
i) Power Gain
Power gain is the ratio of output power delivered to the load to the input power
supplied to the amplifier.
Power Gain = Pout/Pin
ii) Efficiency
Efficiency is the ratio of AC output power to DC input power, usually expressed as
a percentage.
η= Pout(ac) / Pin(dc) *100%
iii) Power Dissipation
Power dissipation is the power lost as heat in the transistor.
P{diss} = P{dc} - P{out}
iv) Conduction Angle
The conduction angle is the portion of the input signal cycle (in degrees) during
which the transistor conducts.
[1] b) Importance of Efficiency
Efficiency is more important in power amplifiers because:
They handle large currents and voltages
Low efficiency causes excessive heat
Requires large heat sinks
Leads to power loss and device failure
Small-signal amplifiers deal with very small power levels, so efficiency is less
critical.
2) a) DC Load Line and AC Load Line
DC Load Line
Shows the relationship between IC and VCE under DC conditions
Used to determine the quiescent point (Q-point)
AC Load Line
Represents transistor operation when an AC signal is applied
Depends on AC load resistance
2) b) Difference in Slopes
DC load line slope depends on RC
AC load line slope depends on effective AC load (RL)
Since , the slopes are different
3) a) Class-A Power Amplifier Operation
Transistor conducts for entire 360° of the signal
Operates at the center of the load line
Provides low distortion but poor efficiency
3) b) Maximum Theoretical Efficiency
Amplifier Type Maximum Efficiency
Resistive Class-A 25%
Transformer-Coupled Class-A 50%
3) c) One Disadvantage
Very low efficiency
Excessive power loss as heat
4) Numerical Problem (Class-A Amplifier)
Given: VCC =20V, ICQ =100mA=0.1A
a) DC Input Power
Pdc = VCC *ICQ = 20 * 0.1 = 2W Ans.
b) Maximum AC Output Power
Pout(max) =Pdc /4 = 2/4 = 0.5W Ans.
c) Efficiency
η=[Pout(max) /Pdc ]*100% = 0.5/2 *100 = 25%
5) a) Class-B Operation
Each transistor conducts for 180°
Operates at cutoff
Used in push-pull configuration
5) b) Crossover Distortion
Occurs near zero crossing
Due to VBE threshold (~0.7V) of transistors
Causes signal distortion
6) a) Class-B Push-Pull Emitter Follower
Uses two complementary transistors
One conducts during positive cycle
Other during negative cycle
Combined output gives full waveform
6) b) Advantages of Push-Pull
1. Higher efficiency
2. Reduced even harmonic distortion
7) a) Why Biasing is Required
To overcome VBE threshold
To minimize crossover distortion
To ensure smooth signal transition
7) b) Diode Biasing / VBE Multiplier
Provides small forward bias
Keeps transistors slightly ON
Reduces dead zone and distortion
8) a) Purpose of Driver Stage
Provides sufficient current gain
Drives output transistors effectively
8) b) Need for Driver Stage
Loudspeakers have low impedance
Require high current
Driver prevents overloading the signal source
9) a) Class-C Operation
Conduction angle less than 180°
Biased well below cutoff
Very high efficiency
9) b) Application
RF transmitters
High efficiency and tuned circuits restore waveform
10) Power Transistor Problem
Given: VCE(Max) =30V,IC(Max) =2A
a) Maximum Power Dissipation
Pmax = VCE(Max) * IC(Max) = 30 *2 = 60W Ans.
b) Why Heat Sinks are Required
To dissipate excess heat
Prevent thermal runaway
Protect transistor from damage
c) Consequence of Overrating
Overheating
Permanent transistor failure