Differential amplifier (DA)

 A differential amplifier is a circuit that can accept two input

signals and amplify the difference between these two input
signals. Block diagram of DA
 Differential amplifier is a basic building block of an op-amp.
 The differential amplifier is a small signal amplifier. It is
generally used as a voltage amplifier and not as current or
power amplifier
 Differential amplifier is a two input terminal and one out
terminals. Ideally, the output signal is proportional to the
difference between two input signals.

where Avol open loop voltage gain. If V1=V2, output voltage

will be 0. If V1 and V2 are not equal, we would obtain non-zero
output.
Note: The goal of designing Das is to
minimize the effect of common-mode
 Differential mode input voltage: Vd=V1-V2
signal
 Common mode input voltage :
Types of Differential Amplifier configurations using BJTs • If the same input is applied to both inputs, the
operation is called “common-mode.”
 Dual-input, balanced-output differential amplifier.
 Dual-input, unbalanced-output differential amplifier.
 Single-input, balanced-output differential amplifier. Note: (i) In single-ended operation, a single input signal is
applied. However, due to the common emitter connection, the
 Single-input, unbalanced-output differential amplifier. input signal operates both transistors, resulting in output from
both collectors
Input and Output Configurations: (ii) In double-ended operation, two input signals are applied,
the difference of the inputs resulting in outputs from both
• If two input signals are used, it is termed a dual-input
collectors due to the difference of the signals applied to both
configuration. inputs.
• If only one input signal is used, it is termed a single- (iii) In common-mode operation, the common input signal
input configuration. results in opposite signals at each collector, these signals
canceling, so that the resulting output signal is zero. As a
• If the output voltage is measured between the two
practical matter, the opposite signals do not completely cancel,
collectors, it is called a balanced-output configuration. and a small signal results.
• If the output is measured at one collector with respect to
ground, it is termed an unbalanced-output configuration.  Differential amplifiers are capable of amplifying AC signals
as well as DC signals.
 Widely used in instrumentation systems for their ability to
A number of input signal combinations are possible: amplify low-level signals.
• If an input signal is applied to either input with the other
input connected to ground, the operation is referred to as
“single-ended.”
• If two opposite-polarity input signals are applied, the
operation is referred to as “double-ended.”
 Different DAs circuits configurations based on applied input signals and output signals taken

Differential input and differential output Differential input and single-ended output Noninverting input and differential output

Noninverting input and single-ended output Inverting input and differential output Inverting input and single-ended output
DC analysis of differential amplifier Substitute IB into the KVL equation (1) to find IE
[2]

[3]

DC equivalent circuit Voltage at the emitter of Q1 is approximately equal to –

VBE, assuming negligible voltage drop across Rin
Since, both emitter-biased sections of the
amplifier are symmetrical, it is required to Then, Voltage at the collector (𝑉𝐶 ) is
calculate the operating points (ICQ and VCEQ) for [4]
Q1 only. These operating points can be used for
The collector-to-emitter voltage 𝑉𝐶𝐸 is calculated
Q2 also.
[5]
Now, Apply KVL to B-E loops of the Q1
[6]
[1]
Hence, for both transistor we can determine the ICQ and
But VCEQ by using eq. (2) and (6). respectively, because at the
operating point IE=ICQ and VCE=VCEQ
Q. Calculate the operating point values for the circuit shown in the Fig.

From the ckt.

From eq. (3) ckt.

Point to be noted:- The sign of VEE is already considered while deriving the equation hence VEE must be
replaced by 12 V. And assume VBE = 0.7 V.
Q. Calculate the dc voltages and currents for the given circuit.
AC analysis of differential amplifier: To find (a) Voltage gain, Vd, and (b) Input resistance, Ri

Steps: To perform the AC analysis (a) Voltage gain, Vd

(i) Set the DC voltages, VCC and –VEE at 0.
(ii) Remove transistor by its small signal T-equivalent Apply KVL in loops I and II;
models
[1]

[2]

[3]
AC equivalent model

[4]

[5]

Input and output waveforms [6]

 Solve eq. (5) and (6) for ie1 and ie2

[7] [10]

[8] [11] ⸪

Where, Rc and re are the collector and ac emitter

resistance, respectively.
(b) Differential input resistance: is a equivalent
resistance that would be measured at either input
terminal with other terminal grounded.
[9] The source resistance Rin1 and Rin2 have been
neglected while calculating differential input
Substitute the value of ie1 and ie2 in eq. (9) resistance.
[12]
 Substitute the value of ie1 eq. (12) (c) Output resistance: The equivalent resistance that
would be measured at either output terminal w.r.t
ground.
• R01: measured between C1 and G.
• R02: measured between C2 and G.

[13]

Generally, 𝑅𝐸 ≫ 𝑟𝑒 , (𝑟𝑒 +2𝑅𝐸 ) ≅ 2𝑅𝐸 and (𝑟𝑒 +𝑅𝐸 ) ≅ 𝑅𝐸

[14]

Similarly,

[15]

[16]
Q. The following specifications are given for the dual-input, balanced-output differential amplifier configuration:
RC=2.2 kΩ, RE=4.7 kΩ, Rin1=Rin2=50 Ω, +VCC=10 V, -VEE=-10 V, and the transistor is CA3086 with βdc= βac=100
and VBE=0.715 V typical.
(a) Determine the ICQ and VCEQ values,
(b) Determine the voltage gain and,
(c) Determine the input and output resistance.

𝑉𝐸𝐸 ;𝑉𝐵𝐸 10;0.715

Sol. (a) 𝐼𝐶𝑄 = 𝐼𝐸 = 𝑅 = = 0.988 𝑚𝐴
2𝑅𝐸 : 𝑖𝑛 𝛽 9.4𝑘Ω:50 100
𝑑𝑐
𝑉𝐶𝐸𝑄 = 𝑉𝐶𝐶 + 𝑉𝐵𝐸 − 𝑅𝐶 𝐼𝐶𝑄
=10+0.715-(2.2 kΩ)(0.988 mA)
=8.54 V
(b) The ac emitter resistance
25 𝑚𝑉 25 𝑚𝑉 25 is a constant that represents the thermal voltage (VT​) at room
𝑟𝑒 = = = 25.3Ω temperature (𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝑪), given in mV.
𝐼𝐸 𝑚𝐴 0.988 𝑚𝐴
𝑉 𝑅 2.2 𝑘Ω
𝐴𝑑 = 𝑜 = 𝐶 = = 86.96
𝑉𝑖𝑑 𝑟𝑒 25.3
(c) 𝑅𝑖1 = 𝑅𝑖2 = 2𝛽𝑎𝑐 𝑟𝑒 = 2 100 25.3 = 5.06 𝑘Ω
Q. Calculate the single-ended output voltage Vo for the circuit shown in figure below:
 Cascaded Differential Amplifier Stages
• It is two-stage differential amplifier.
• First stage is dual-input, balanced-output differential
amplifier and the second stage is another differential
amplifier driven by the output of the first differential
amplifier.
• A single-ended (unbalanced) output is taken from the
second stage.
• Generally, CA 3086 or SK 3543 transistor array is used to
match the characteristics of all transistors.

Q. For the cascaded differential amplifier shown in above fig., determine:

(a) The collector current and collector to emitter voltage for each transistor.
(b) The overall voltage gain.
(c) The input resistance.
(d) The output resistance.

Assume that for the transistors used hFE = 100 and VBE = 0.715V.
Sol. (a) Let the inverting and non-inverting inputs are grounded.
𝑉𝐸𝐸 − 𝑉𝐵𝐸 10 − 0.715
𝐼𝐸1 = = = 0.988 𝑚𝐴
𝑅𝑖𝑛 2 4.7 𝑘Ω + 0
2𝑅𝐸1 + 𝛽𝑑𝑐
i.e. , 𝐼𝐶1 = 𝐼𝐶2 = 0.988 𝑚𝐴

𝑉𝐶1 = 𝑉𝐶𝐶 − 𝑅𝐶1 𝐼𝐶1 = 10 − 2.2 𝑘Ω 0.988 𝑚𝐴 = 7.83 𝑉 = 𝑉𝐶2

Since the voltage at the emitter of Q1 and Q2 is 0.715

𝑉𝐶𝐸1 = 𝑉𝐶𝐸2 = 𝑉𝐶1 − 𝑉𝐸1 = 7.83 + 0.715 = 8.545 𝑉
Now, determine the collector current in Q3 and Q4 by writing KVL equation for the B-E loop of the transistor Q3;
𝑉𝐶𝐶 − 𝑅𝐶2 𝐼𝐶2 − 𝑉𝐵𝐸3 − 𝑅′ 𝐸 𝐼𝐸3 − 𝑅𝐸2 2𝐼𝐸3 + 𝑉𝐸𝐸 = 0
10 − 2.2 𝑘Ω 0.988 𝑚𝐴 − 0.715 − 100 𝐼𝐸3 − 30𝑘Ω 𝐼𝐸3 + 10 = 0
∴ 𝐼𝐸3 = 0.569 𝑚𝐴 = 𝐼𝐸4
Hence, the voltage at the collector of Q3 and Q4 is
𝑉𝐶3 = 𝑉𝐶4 = 𝑉𝐶𝐶 − 𝑅𝐶3 𝐼𝐶3 = 10 − 1.2 𝑘Ω 0.569 𝑚𝐴 = 9.32 𝑉
Therefore, 𝑉𝐶𝐸3 = 𝑉𝐶𝐸4 = 𝑉𝐶3 − 𝑉𝐸3 = 9.32 − 7.12=2.2 V

Thus, for Q1 an Q2:𝐼𝐶𝑄 = 0.988 𝑚𝐴, 𝑉𝐶𝐸𝑄 = 8.545 𝑉

and for Q3 and Q4: 𝐼𝐶𝑄 = 0.569 𝑚𝐴, 𝑉𝐶𝐸𝑄 = 2.2 𝑉

(b) First calculate the ac emitter resistance re of each stage and then its voltage gain.

The voltage gain for the first stage:

 Cascode Amplifier or CE-CB Configuration

Cascode Amplifier Circuit

• A two-stage amplifier combining Common Emitter

(CE) and Common Base (CB) configurations.
• It has basically the input characteristics similar to
those of CE amplifier and output characteristics
similar to those of CB amplifier.
• It has high output resistance and is inherently more
stable. The high output resistance is useful in Practical Cascode Amplifier Circuit
achieving large voltage gain.
DC Analysis
In a practical circuit of cascode amplifier,
• R1, R2 and R3 form a bias network for transistors Q1 and Q2;
• CS1 and CS2 provide ac signal ground paths from the Q1 emitter and Q2 base, respectively;
• Cin is the coupling capacitor.
• For the proper operation of the circuit it is necessary that transistors Q1 and Q2 must be identical.
• For dc conditions all capacitors are assumed to be open circuited.

Emitter current of transistor Q1

Once the emitter current of transistor Q1 is known, all other currents and terminal voltages for Q1 and Q2 can be
easily determined.
 AC Analysis (a) Voltage Gain
• Since RB ≫ r′e1, vin1 = r′e1ie1 and vout1 = – r′e2ie2
• ie2 = ic1 and ic1 ≡ ie1, it means that ie1 ≡ ie2

Voltage gain of CE stage is

The output voltage

Small Signal T-equivalent ckt of Cascode amplifier

• RB = R1 || R2; r′e1 ≡ r′e2 because IE1 ≡ IE2;

• Vout1 is the output voltage of the CE
stage. Then the voltage gain of CB stage is
• Since Q1 and Q2 are identical transistors,
βac1 = βac2 and βdc1 = βdc2
• Hence, subscripts will be omitted in the Thus overall voltage gain of the cascode (CE-CB)
calculations that follow. configuration
(b) Current Gain: (c) Input Resistance
The current gain Ai of the cascode (CE-CB)
configuration may be expressed as For input circuit,
Q. The following specifications are given for the cascode amplifier
𝑅1 = 27 𝑘Ω, 𝑅𝐶 = 1.8 𝑘Ω, 𝐶𝑖𝑛 = 10 μ𝐹
𝑅2 = 39 𝑘Ω, 𝑅𝐸 = 1 𝑘Ω, 𝐶𝑜 = 10 μ𝐹
𝑅3 = 47𝑘Ω, 𝐶𝑠1 = 100 μ𝐹 = 𝐶𝑠2
𝑉𝐶𝐶 = 12 𝑉
Assume that the 2N3393 transistors are used with βdc=140, βac=125 and VBE=0.63. Determine:
(a) The DC conditions for both transistors
(b) The overall voltage gain
(c) The overall current gain
(d) The input resistance.

Sol. (a)
 = 𝑉𝐶1
𝑉𝐶𝐸1 = 𝑉𝐶1 − 𝑉𝐸1 = 6.38 − 2.24 = 4.14 𝑉
𝑉𝐶2 = 𝑉𝐶𝐶 − 𝑅𝐶 𝐼𝐶2 = 12 − 1.8 𝑘Ω 2.24 𝑚𝐴 = 7.97 𝑉
𝑉𝐶𝐸2 = 𝑉𝐶2 − 𝑉𝐸2 = 7.97 − 6.38 = 1.59 𝑉

25 𝑚𝑉 25 𝑚𝑉
(b) 𝑟𝑒1 = 𝑟𝑒2 = = = 11.16 Ω
𝐼𝐸1 2.24 𝑚𝐴
𝑅𝐶 1.8 𝑘Ω
𝐴𝑣 = − =− = 161.3
𝑟𝑒2 11.16
(c)

(d)