LARGE SIGNAL AMPLIFIERS

Large signal amplifiers also known as power amplifiers are capable of providing large
amount of power to the load. They are used as last stage in electronic systems. A power
amplifier takes the d.c. power supply connected to the output circuit and converts it into a.c.
signal power. Output power is controlled by input signal.

Important Features of Power Amplifiers:

 Some of the features of power amplifiers are

 Impedance matching with the load is necessary for delivering max power to the load.
 Power transistors are needed. (To withstand large voltages and currents)
 Power amplifiers are bulk.
 Due to the non–linear characteristics of transistors, Harmonic Distortions are
available at the output.
Performance parameters:
The performance of power amplifiers are determined by the following points.
1. Circuit efficiency: Also known as conversion efficiency or overall
efficiency.

Its value may be anywhere from 25% to 90%

2. Distortion: The difference between the output & input of an amplifier is known as
distortion. Even though the output is enlarged and faithful reproduction of input but in
actual practice there may be differences in the waveforms or frequencies.
(1) Harmonic or amplitude distortion – Due to nonlinearity in transistor.
 (2) Crossover distortion – occurs when transistors not operating in correct
phase with each other.
3. Power Dissipation capacity: It’s defined as the ability to dissipate the heat by the
power transistor. Also known as power rating. During amplification process large
current passes through power transistor hence Heat [Link] connecting a metal
sheet (Heat sink) power dissipation capability can be increased.

Classification of power amplifiers:

Based on Transistor biasing and amplitude of input signal

Fig (1) classification of power amplifiers

CLASS A POWER AMPLIFIER:
A power amplifier is called Class A amplifier if the transistor used in the circuit
conducts for fullcycle of the input signal.

Fig (2) Class A Power amplifier

The operating point(Q) is selected approximately at the (Biased) centre, so that the output current
faithfully follows the input signal. The transistor remains in the active region for the full
input signal. Transistor is not operated in Cut off or Saturation region. Transistor conducts
for full [Link] shown in Fig (3).Thus
the collector current also flows for full 360 . Or full cycle. The base current changes
sinusoidally, above and below to the quiescent base current. The collector output current also
changes sinusoidally above and below the quiescent current value. They are in phase with
each other. Due to this Ic change, Vce will also change sinusoidally as shown in Fig (3) but
out of phase 180. Input is amplified faithfully without any [Link] transistor is
operatedin active region continuously the collector current and voltage are [Link] high
collector output produces large power which is dissipated as [Link] the efficiency of
Class A power amplifier is Low.

Fig (3): Load line analysis

Advantages: (1) simple construction

(2) Distortion less output voltage
Disadvantage: (1) very low efficiency (25%)
(2) Large power dissipation in the transistors.
(3) Output Impedance is very large.
Expressions: IBQ = (VCC -0.7)/RB
ICQ = βIBQ

VEQ = VCC - ICQ RL

Q point at (VCEQ, ICQ)

Pdc = VCC ICQ

Pac = ((Vmax – Vmin) (Imax – Imin))/8

Efficiency %ƞ = (Pac /Pdc)*100 Power

dissipation Pd = Pdc - Pac

TRANSFORMER COUPLED CLASS A POWER AMPLIFIER:

Instead of connecting the load directly, the output is connected to the load through a
transformer as shown in Fig (4). This set up is used for Impedance matching. This circuit can
be useful for low impedance loads like Loudspeakers. By adjusting the turn’s ratio (N1\N2)
the output impedance is matched with the load impedance.

Fig (4): Transformer coupled power amplifier

This type is also known as Single ended Class A amplifier. The primary has negligible
d .c. resistance hence no loss of d.c. [Link] gives the necessary
d.c. isolation to load.

Advantages:
 Max power transfer is done.
 Dc biasing current is doesn’t flow through the load so power is saved.
 High efficiency when compared with direct coupled class A amplifier.
Disadvantage:
 Circuit design is complicated.
 Circuit is bulky and expensive.
 Due to saturation of transformer core ,secondary induced voltage is zero And
primary current becomes very large.
Expressions: RL’ = [N1/N2]2 RL
Q point (VCC, ICQ), ICQ= βIBQ Pdc
=VCCICQ
Pac= ((Vmax –Vmin) (Imax –Imin)) /8
Efficiency %ƞ = (Pac /Pdc)*100.
%ƞ max = 50%
Power dissipation Pd = Pdc = VCCICQ Impedance
matching is possible Slope of dc load line
ideally ∞

Class B Power Amplifier:

The output power is obtained for one half cycle of input only. Refer Figure
(4). The collector current flows for 180 degrees only. For this the Q point is adjusted
so that it is in cut off region (refer figure 5& 6).

Fig (5) : Class B amplifier.

Fig (6) : Class B Operation

 The transistor conducts one half cycle only for the positive half cycle of the input and
in Negative cycle of input the transistor goes into Off state. Thus collector current flows only
for one half cycle. Since the transistor conducts for one half cycle of the input the power
dissipation of these class B amplifiers are very less. Hence efficiency gets increased.

Advantages:
 Impedance with load is possible.
 Second harmonic get automatically cancelled.
 Zero power dissipation.
 High efficiency compared with class A amplifiers.

Disadvantage:
Crossover distortion is present in the output waveform. Since, the transistor is
biased at cut off region the waveform is distorted near zero crossings.
Efficiency is not so high.

Push Pull Amplifier - If both the transistors are of same type (NPN or PNP)
Complementary Symmetry- If one of the transistors is NPN & the other one PNP or vice
versa.

CLASS B PUSH PULL POWER AMPLIFIER:

In class B amplifier output collector current flows only for half cycle for full cycle of
the input hence distortion. To get out for full input signal we use Push Pull circuit. Two
transformers are used in Push pull [Link] at the input and the other at the load side.
Both are centre tapped transformers. As shown in Fig 7 it also contains two transistors Q1 &
Q2 both NPN type. Since centre tapped is used Q1 & Q2 are 180 degrees out of phase.( the
voltages are equal
but with opposite polarity). For positive half cycle Q1(Active region) gives output (shown in
fig(7 & 8)) and Q2 is OFF(cut off region). In negative cycle Q2 is ON & Q1 is OFF. Thus at
the output we get a full cycle for a full input signal.

Fig (7) : Class B Push Pull Circuit

Fig (8) : Class B Push Pull Circuit operation for half cycle

Expressions
Q point at (VCC ,0) RL’
= [N1/N2]2 RL
Pdc = (2VCC Im)/∏ Pac =
(VmIm)/2
%ƞ = ∏/4 (Vm/VCC) *100
%ƞ max = 78.5%
Pd = Pdc - Pac
Pd (max) = 2 V2cc/∏2 RL’
Advantages:
 Efficiency is much higher than class A Amplifier
 Even harmonics get cancelled so harmonic distortion is less.
 Ripples in supply voltage are eliminated
Disadvantage:
 Two centre tapped transformers are necessary
 Hence circuit is bulky and costs more.
 Frequency response is poor.

CLASS B COMPLEMENTARY SYMMETRY AMPLIFIER:

The circuit diagram for complementary symmetry type is shown in Figure(8). This
circuit uses two transistors of different type. One is NPN and another PNP. It is a transformer
less circuit. For better impedance matching the tow transistors Q1 & Q2 are connected as
emitter follower configuration. Positive half cycle Q1 is in Active region so ON & Q2 in cut
off So OFF. In negative half cycle Q2 is ON & Q1 is OFF. Thus for a complete input cycle
output is developed as shown in figure [Link] difference between complementary symmetry
and push pull models is in complementary model there is no output transformer.

Fig (8): Class B Complementary symmetry Circuit operation

Analysis:
Note: All results for push pull amplifiers are applicable for complementary
symmetry model. Only change is replace R L’ with real load RL value. (Since, no output
transformer is used).
Advantages:
 As transformer less circuit the weight and cost is less
 Due to common collector (emitter follower) impedance matching is possible.
 Frequency response is good.
 Value of efficiency is higher than push pull amplifier.
Disadvantage:
 Circuit needs two separate voltage supplies.
 Output is distorted due to crossover Distortion.
 It is necessary that both transistors Q1 & Q2 have matched
characteristics.

Comparison of Push Pull & Complementary Symmetry circuits:

S Complementary
Parameter Push Pull
No symmetry
Both should be of NPN or PNP
1 Type of Transistor type One is PNP and other NPN

2 Use of transformers Used at both i/p & o/p side Not needed
Possible due to operation of
Possible due to use of two
3 Impedance matching transistors in CC
transformers
configuration
Transistor Both transistors Operates in Both transistors Operates in
4
Configuration CE mode CC mode
5 Conduction Angle 180º 180º

Power dissipation when

6 Zero Zero
no input is present

7 Efficiency Low Higher than Push Pull type.

CLASS C AMPLIFIERS:

Fig (9) Class Circuit & operations

In class C the transistor conducts for less than one half cycle period of the input i.e
around 80º to 120º angle. This reduced conduction angle increases the efficiency
(Theoretically around 90 %). But this kind of operation causes large distortions. Hence, it is
not used in Audio applications. Tuned circuit is used as load as shown in Figure(9).

Fig (10): Class Circuit & operations

When the input signal is applied the tuned circuit starts resonating at the frequency of
the input signal. Transistor produces a series of current pulses based on the input. By
selecting Proper L1, C1 resonance can be achieved. This resonance frequency is extracted by
the tuned load at the output. Harmonics can
be eliminated by adding filters to the circuit shown in figure (9). The biasing resistance pulls
the q point below Cut off region. Hence the transistor conducts only after the input amplitude
is greater than the base emitter voltage. (Refer figure 9 & 10)

Advantages:
 Less Physical size.
 Used in RF applications.
 High Efficiency (higher than 95%)
 Low power loss in power transistors
Disadvantage:
 Creates lot of RF Interference.
 Selection of ideal Inductors is problem.
 Not suitable in Audio applications.

Applications: Tuned amplifiers, RF amplifiers, oscillators, Booster amplifiers, and High

Frequency repeaters.

CLASS D AMPLIFIERS:

Class D type is designed to work with pulse or digital input signals. The Input V in is
compared with saw tooth wave (known as chopping wave) and accordingly a pulse waveform
is generated (refer figure 11) which is fed to the amplifier.

Fig (11): Class D operation

 The circuit diagram of class D amplifier is shown in Figure [Link] is applied to the
non-inverting terminal of the comparator and the saw tooth wave is applied to the inverting
terminal. Based on this the comparator produces an output pulse width modulated waveform
and this PWM wave is amplified by the amplifier as shown in figure 11. Transistor in the
amplifier circuit just acts as a switch and hence the power loss is very less. Low pass filter
converts the pulse wave back into sinusoidal [Link] the output thus we have sinusoidal
signal.

Fig (12): Class D circuit diagram

Efficiency: Transistor operates in saturation region when turned on .So Vce is small. This is the
reason for class D amplifiers have very high efficiency (Around 90%).

Advantages:

 High efficiency
 Possible to amplify the digital signals and analog signals as well.

CLASS AB AMPLIFIERS:
To eliminate cross over distortion in Class B Push Pull Amplifiers the Biasing of
transistors can be done. This arrangement moves the transistor Q point slightly above the cut
off region. Usually voltage divider bias is used as shown in Figure13 (a).Due to temperature
changes VBE also changes, hence no stable biasing. To avoid this we go for diode biasing as
shown in figure [Link] D1, D2 matches with the transistor characteristics then we get a stable
biasing. The d.c. voltage at the diode is connected to the transistors. (d.c. biasing).This value
is equal to cut in voltage, hence conducts for full half cycle of the input. All analysis for class
B holds good for class AB power amplifier.
 Fig (13 a): Class AB circuit diagram with Fig (13 b): Class AB circuit diagram with Voltage
divider biasdiagram with Diode biasing

Distortions in amplifiers:
If the output of an amplifier is not a complete sine wave, then it is distortion. It can be
analysed by using Fourier [Link] this method any distorted periodic waveform can be broken
down into different frequencycomponents. These components are harmonics of the
[Link] are integer multiples of a fundamental frequency (F). For example,
1st harmonic is 1 x F kHz.

TYPES OF DISTORTION
Amplitude or Non Linear distortion:
Due to the non-linearity of transistor (nonlinear dynamic characteristics of transistor) the
output is different from the input. This kind of distortion is known as amplitude distortion or harmonic
or non-linear distortion.
Harmonic distortion %D = ( An/A1)*100
Frequency Distortion:
When different frequency components of the input signal are amplified differently frequency
amplification takes [Link] is mainly due to the internal capacitance effect of the transistors.
Delay or Phase shift distortion:
If the phase shift introduced by amplifier is not proportional to the frequency then phase
distortion takes place.
Note: For more information please refer the class notes.
THERMAL STABILITY:
Average power of a transistor depends on the collector base junction. It is around 150
to 200º. If the temperature exceeds this limit then transistor get physically
[Link] of transistor depends on the ability of transistor to dissipate the heat
generated in base collector junction. This can be achieved by
 Operating the transistor in safe region (proper biasing).
 By effectively removing the heat to the surrounding air quickly.
To remove the heat we use Heat sinks. The concept of Heat Sink is to keep the junction of
the power device (transistor) to below a maximum operating temperature.
Heat sinks: All power devices come in complete package where there is a metal contact
which connects the external heat sink to the metal surface of the device. (Usually to the
collector terminal)

Fig(14) :Heat Sink(a) Top view (b) Bottom view

In figure 14(b) B – Base , E – Emitter & C – Collector terminal. From the above
figure 14(b) we can notice that the Collector is connected to the metal top (chasis or heat
sink) which has more area than Base & Emitter. So the heat generated at the output
junction(collector junction) is dissipated fast. If more number of devices are connected to the
same sink the INSULATORS are needed to shield individually. Usually Nylon material is
used to ensure.
Note: For Problems and more details on quantitative analysis refer class notes.

Reference Books:
1. Donald. L, Schilling and [Link], “Electronic Circuits - Discrete and
Integrated”, 3rd Edition, McGraw Hill, 1989.
2. David A. Bell, “Electronic Devices and Circuits”, PHI, 1998.
3. Gupta. J.B, “Electronic Devices and Circuits”, Katson Publishers, 2009.
 2 Marks Questions

1. What is Class AB operation?

2. Define the conversion efficiency of a power amplifier. What is its value for a class C
power amplifier?
3. What is cross over distortion? How it can be eliminated?
4. Define thermal resistance.
5. What is meant harmonic distortion?
6. What is the drawback of class B amplifier
7. What is the difference between Class B and Class AB amplifier
8. State the types of distortions in amplifier.
9. What is the advantage of using transformer for a class A amplifier?
10. What is the difference between a voltage amplifier and a power amplifier?
11. State important features of power amplifiers.

12 Marks Questions

1. For the transformer coupled class A power amplifier circuit derive the expression for
its efficiency.
2. Prove that the maximum efficiency of class A transformer coupled amplifier is 50%
and that of class B type is 78.5%.
3. Draw the circuit of push pull class B amplifier coupled using transformers and explain
the operation. Prove that all the even harmonics get eliminated. What is the assumption
made for this?
4. Write notes on distortions in amplifiers and give the solutions to avoid the same.
5. Explain the operation of class D amplifier with suitable diagram.
6. Explain the operation of class C amplifier with neat circuit arrangement.