48

Analog Applications Journal Analog and Mixed-Signal Products November 2000

Analysis of fully differential amplifiers
Introduction
The August issue of Analog Applications Journal
introduced the fully differential amplifiers from Texas
Instruments and illustrated their basic operation (see
Reference 1). This article explores the topic more deeply
by analyzing gain and noise. The fully differential amplifier
has multiple feedback paths, and circuit analysis requires
close attention to detail. Care must be taken to include the
V
OCM
pin for a complete analysis.
Circuit analysis
Circuit analysis of fully differential amplifiers follows the
same rules as normal single-ended amplifiers, but subtleties
are present that may not be fully appreciated until a full
analysis is done. The analysis circuit shown in Figure 1 is
used to calculate a generalized circuit formula and block
diagram from which specific circuit configurations can be
easily solved. The voltage definitions are required to arrive
at practical solutions.
A
F
is used to represent the open-loop differential gain of
the amplifier such that (V
OUT
+) (V
OUT
) = A
F
(V
P
V
N
).
This assumes that the gains of the two sides of the differ-
ential amplifier are well matched and that variations are
insignificant. With negative feedback, this is typically the
case when A
F
>> 1.
Input voltage definitions:
(1)
(2)
Output voltage definitions:
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
There are two amplifiers: the main differential amplifier
(from V
IN
to V
OUT
) and the V
OCM
error amplifier. The
operation of the V
OCM
error amplifier is the simpler of the
two and will be considered first. It may help to review the
simplified schematic shown in Reference 1.
V
OUT
+ and V
OUT
are filtered and summed by an internal
RC network. The V
OCM
amplifier samples this voltage and
compares it to the voltage applied to the V
OCM
pin. An internal feedback loop is used to drive
error voltage of the V
OCM
error amplifier (the
voltage between the input pins) to zero, so that
V
OC
= V
OCM
. This is the basis of the voltage defi-
nition given in Equation 6.
There is no simple way to analyze the main
differential amplifier except to sit down and
write some node equations, then do the algebra
to massage them into practical form. We will
first derive a solution based solely on nodal
analysis. Then we will make use of the voltage
definitions given in Equations 16 to derive solu-
tions for the output voltages, looking at them
single-ended; i.e., V
OUT
+ and V
OUT
. These are
then used to calculate V
OD
.
OCM OC
V V
) V V ( A ) V ( ) V (
N P F OUT OUT
+
2
) V ( ) V (
V
OUT OUT
OC
+ +

) V ( ) V ( V
OUT OUT OD
+
2
) V ( ) V (
V
IN IN
IC
+ +

) V ( ) V ( V
IN IN ID
+
Texas Instruments Incorporated Amplifiers: Op Amps
By Jim Karki
Systems Specialist, High-Speed Amplifiers
V
N
V
P
R4
R3
V +
OUT
V
OUT
V
OCM
R2
R1
V
IN
V +
IN
+
+

A
F
Figure 1. Analysis circuit
+
+

1
2
1
1
2
1

V
N
V
P
V
+
OUT
V

OUT
V
IN
V
+
IN
A
F

Figure 2. Block diagram

Texas Instruments Incorporated Amplifiers: Op Amps
49
Analog Applications Journal November 2000 Analog and Mixed-Signal Products
Solving the node equations at V
N
and V
P
yields
and
By setting and V
N
and V
P
can be rewritten as
and (7)
(8)
With Equations 7 and 8, a block diagram of the main differential amplifier can be constructed, like that shown in
Figure 2. Block diagrams are useful tools for understanding circuit operation and investigating other variations.
By using the block diagram, or combining Equations 7 and 8 with Equation 5, we can find the input-to-output
relationship:
(9)
Although accurate, Equation 9 is somewhat cumbersome when the feedback paths are not symmetrical. By using
the voltage definitions given in Equations 14 and Equation 6, we can derive more practical formulas.
Substituting (V
OUT
) = 2V
OC
(V
OUT
+), and V
OC
= V
OCM
, we can write
or
With the ideal assumption A
F

1
>> 1 and A
F

2
>> 1, this reduces to
(11)
V
OUT
is derived in a similar manner:
Again, assuming A
F

1
>> 1 and A
F

2
>> 1, this reduces to
(13)
To calculate V
OD
= (V
OUT
+) (V
OUT
), subtract Equation 12 from Equation 10:
A A
2
1
) ( V 2 )] 1 )( V ( ) 1 )( V [( 2
) (
1
V
2 F 1 F
2 1 OCM 2 IN 1 IN
2 1
OD

,
_

+
+
+ +
+

.
) (
) ( V 2 ) 1 )( V ( ) 1 )( V (
) V (
2 1
2 OCM 2 IN 1 IN
OUT
+
+ + + +

.
A A
2
1
A
1
V 2 ) 1 )( V ( ) 1 )( V (
) (
1
) V (
2 F 1 F
2
F
OCM 2 IN 1 IN
2 1
OUT

,
_

+
+

,
_

+ + + +
+

.
) (
V 2 ) 1 )( V ( ) 1 )( V (
) V (
2 1
1 OCM 2 IN 1 IN
OUT
+
+ +
+
.
A A
2
1
A
1
V 2 ) 1 )( V ( ) 1 )( V (
) (
1
) V (
2 F 1 F
1
F
OCM 2 IN 1 IN
2 1
OUT

,
_

+
+

,
_

+ + +
+
+
, )] 1 )( V ( ) 1 )( V [( A ) A 1 ( V 2 ) A A 2 )( V (
2 IN 1 IN F 1 F OCM 2 F 1 F OUT
+ + + + +
. )] 1 )( V ( ) 1 )( V [( A ) A 1 )( V ( ) A 1 )( (V
2 IN 1 IN F 1 F OUT 2 F OUT
+ + + +
. ) )( V ( ) 1 )( V ( V
1 OUT 1 IN P
+ +
, ) )( V ( ) 1 )( V ( V
2 OUT 2 IN N
+ +
,
R2 R1
R1
2
,
_

,
_

+

R4 R3
R3
1
.
R4 R3
R3
) V (
R4 R3
R4
) V ( V
OUT IN P
,
_

+
+

,
_

+
+

,
_

+
+ +

,
_

+

R2 R1
R1
) V (
R2 R1
R2
) V ( V
OUT IN N
(10)
(12)
(14)
Continued on next page
Texas Instruments Incorporated Amplifiers: Op Amps
50
Analog Applications Journal Analog and Mixed-Signal Products November 2000
Again, assuming A
F

1
>> 1 and A
F

2
>> 1, this reduces to
(15) .
) (
) ( V 2 )] 1 )( V ( ) 1 )( V [( 2
V
2 1
2 1 OCM 2 IN 1 IN
OD
+
+ +

Continued from previous page

R4
R3
+
+

R2 R1
V +
OUT
V
OUT
V
OCM
V +
IN
A
F
Figure 3. Single-ended to differential amplifier
+
+

R2 R1
V +
OUT
V
OUT
V
OCM
V +
IN
A
F
Figure 4.
1
= 0
R4
R3
+
+

V +
OUT
V
OUT
V
OCM
V +
IN
A
F
Figure 5.
2
= 0
It can be seen from Equations 11, 13, and 15 that even
though the obvious use of a fully differential amplifier is
with symmetrical feedback, the gain can be controlled
with only one feedback path.
Using matched resistors R1 = R3 and R2 = R4 in the
analysis circuit of Figure 1 balances the feedback paths so
that
1
=
2
= , and the transfer function is
The common-mode voltages at the input and output do
not enter into the equation, V
IC
is rejected, and V
OC
is set
by the voltage at V
OCM
. The ideal gain (assuming A
F
>> 1)
is set by the ratio
Note that the normal inversion we might expect, given two
balanced inverting amplifiers, is accounted for by the out-
put voltage definitions, resulting in a positive gain.
Many applications require that a single-ended signal be
converted to a differential signal. The circuits in Figures
37 show various approaches. Using Equations 11, 13, and
15, we can easily derive circuit solutions.
With a slight variation of Figure 1 as shown in Figure 3,
single-ended signals can be amplified and converted to dif-
ferential signals. V
IN
is now grounded and the signal is
applied to V
IN
+. Substituting V
IN
= 0 in Equations 11, 13,
and 15 results in
and
If the signal is not referenced to ground, the reference
voltage will be amplified along with the desired signal,
reducing the dynamic range of the amplifier. To strip
unwanted dc offsets, use a capacitor to couple the signal
to V
IN
+. Keeping
1
=
2
will prevent V
OCM
from causing
an offset in V
OD
.
The circuits in Figures 47 have nonsymmetrical feed-
back. This causes V
OCM
to influence V
OUT
+ and V
OUT

differently, making V
OCM
show up in V
OD
. This will change
the operating points between the internal nodes in the
.
) (
) ( V 2 ) 1 )( V ( 2
V
2 1
2 1 OCM 1 IN
OD
+
+ +

,
) (
) 1 )( V ( V 2
) V (
2 1
1 IN 2 OCM
OUT
+
+

,
) (
V 2 ) 1 )( V (
) V (
2 1
1 OCM 1 IN
OUT
+
+ +
+
.
R1
R2 1

.
A
1
1
1 1
) A 1 (
A
) V ( ) V (
) V ( ) V (
F
F
F
IN IN
OUT OUT

,
_

+
+
Texas Instruments Incorporated Amplifiers: Op Amps
51
Analog Applications Journal November 2000 Analog and Mixed-Signal Products
differential amplifier, and matching of the open-loop gains
will degrade. CMRR is not a real issue with single-ended
inputs, but the analysis points out that CMRR is severely
compromised when nonsymmetrical feedback is used. In
the discussion of noise analysis that follows, it is shown
that nonsymmetrical feedback also increases noise intro-
duced at the V
OCM
pin. For these reasons, even though
the circuits shown in Figures 47 have been tested to
prove they work in accordance with the equations given,
they are presented mainly for instructional purposes. They
are not recommended without extensive lab testing to
prove their worthiness in your application.
In the circuit shown in Figure 4, V
IN
= 0 and
1
= 0.
The output voltages are
and
With
1
= 0, this circuit is similar to a noninverting amplifier.
In the circuit shown in Figure 5, V
IN
= 0 and
2
= 0.
The output voltages are
, V 2
) 1 )( V (
) V (
OCM
1
1 IN
OUT
+

+
+
. V 2
) V ( 2
V
OCM
2
IN
OD

,
) V (
V 2 ) V (
2
IN
OCM OUT

+

,
) V (
) V (
2
IN
OUT

+
+
and
With
2
= 0, the gain is twice that of an inverting amplifier
(without the minus sign).
In the circuit shown in Figure 6, V
IN
= 0 and
2
= 1.
The output voltages are
and
The gain is 1 with
1
= 0.333; or, with
1
= 0.6, the gain
is 1/2.
In the circuit shown in Figure 6, V
IN
= 0,
1
= 0, and

2
= 1. The output voltages are
and
This circuit realizes a gain of 2 with no resistor.
. ] V ) V ( 2[ V
OCM IN OD
+
, ) V ( V 2 ) V (
IN OCM OUT
+ ), V ( ) V (
IN OUT
+ +
.
) 1 (
) 1 ( V 2 ) 1 )( V ( 2
V
1
1 OCM 1 IN
OD
+
+ +

,
1
) 1 )( V ( V 2
) V (
1
1 IN OCM
OUT
+
+

,
1
V 2 ) 1 )( V (
) V (
1
1 OCM 1 IN
OUT
+
+ +
+
. V 2
) 1 )( V ( 2
V
OCM
1
1 IN
OD
+

,
) 1 )( V (
) V (
1
1 IN
OUT

+

R4
R3
+
+

V +
OUT
V
OUT
V
OCM
V +
IN
A
F
Figure 6.
2
= 1
+
+

V +
OUT
V
OUT
V
OCM
V +
IN
A
F
Figure 7.
1
= 0, and
2
= 1
Continued on next page
Noise analysis
The noise sources are identified in Figure 8, which
will be used for analysis with the following definitions.
E
IN
is the input-referred RMS noise voltage of the
amplifier: E
IN
e
IN
x

ENB (assuming the 1/f noise is

negligible), where e
IN
is the input white noise spectral
density in volts per square root of the frequency in
Hertz, and ENB is the effective noise bandwidth. E
IN
is modeled as a differential voltage at the input.
I
IN
+ and I
IN
are the input-referred RMS noise
currents that flow into each input. They are taken as
equal and called I
IN
. I
IN
i
IN
x

ENB (assuming the

1/f noise is negligible), where i
IN
is the input white
noise spectral density in amps per square root of the
frequency in Hertz, and ENB is the effective noise
bandwidth. I
IN
develops a voltage in proportion to the
equivalent input impedance seen from the input
nodes. Assume the equivalent input impedance is
dominated by the parallel combination of the gain
setting resistors:
and
E
CM
is the RMS noise at the V
OCM
pin, taking into account
the spectral density and bandwidth as with the input-
referred noise sources.
Noise current into the V
OCM
pin will develop a noise
voltage across the impedance seen from the node. It is
assumed that proper bypassing of the V
OCM
pin is done to
reduce the effective bandwidth, so this voltage is negligible.
If this is not the case, the added noise should be added to
E
CM
in a similar manner, as shown below.
E
R1
through E
R4
are the RMS noise voltages from the
resistors, calculated by E
Rn
=

4kTR x ENB, where n is

the resistor number, k is Boltzmanns constant (1.38 x
10
23
j/K), T is the absolute temperature in Kelvin (K), R is
the resistance in ohms (), and ENB is the effective noise
bandwidth.
.
R4 R3
R3R4
R
EQ2
+

R2 R1
R1R2
R
EQ1
+

Texas Instruments Incorporated Amplifiers: Op Amps

52
Analog Applications Journal Analog and Mixed-Signal Products November 2000
E
OD
is the differential RMS output noise voltage.
E
OD
= A(E
ID
), where E
ID
is the input noise source, and A
is the gain from the source to the output. Half of E
OD
is
attributed to the positive output (+E
OD
/2), and half is
attributed to the negative output (E
OD
/2). Therefore,
(+E
OD
/2) and (E
OD
/2) are correlated to one another and
to the input source, and can be directly added together; i.e.,
Independent noise sources typically are not correlated.
To combine noncorrelated noise voltages, a sum-of-squares
technique is used. The total RMS voltage squared is equal to
the square of the individual RMS voltages added together.
The output noise voltages from the individual noise
sources are calculated one at a time and then combined
in this fashion.
The block diagram shown in Figure 9 helps in analyzing
the amplifiers noise sources.
Considering only E
IN
, from the block diagram we
can write:
Solving yields
Assuming A
F

1
>> 1 and A
F

2
>> 1,
.
) (
E 2
E
2 1
IN
OD
+

.
) ( A
2
1
1 E 2
E
2 1 F
2 1
IN
OD

,
_

+
+

,
_

.
2
) E (
2
) E (
E A E
2 OD 1 OD
IN F OD 1
]
1

+
). E A( E
2
E
2
E
ID OD
OD OD

,
_

,
_

+
Continued from previous page
V V
P N
+ E
OD
E
OD
A
F

2
1
E
IN
I x R
IN EQ1
I x R
IN EQ2
2
2
E
CM
+
+
+

Figure 9. Block diagram of the amplifiers

input-referred noise
R4 R3
R2 R1
E
IN
E
CM
E
R1
E
R3
E
R4
E
R2
+
+

I
IN
I +
IN
V +
OUT
V
OUT
V
OCM
A
F
Figure 8. Noise analysis circuit
Texas Instruments Incorporated Amplifiers: Op Amps
53
Analog Applications Journal November 2000 Analog and Mixed-Signal Products
Given
1
=
2
= (symmetrical feedback),
the same as a standard single-ended voltage feedback op amp.
Similarly, the noise contributions from I
IN
x R
EQ1
and I
IN
x R
EQ2
will be
and respectively.
The V
OCM
error amplifier will produce a common-mode noise voltage at the output equal to E
CM
. Due to the feedback
paths,
1
and
2
, a noise voltage is seen at the input that is equal to E
CM
(
1

2
). This is amplified, just as an input, and
seen at the output as a differential noise voltage equal to
Noise gain from the V
OCM
pin ranges from 0 (given
1
=
2
) to a maximum absolute value of 2 (given
1
= 1 and
2
= 0, or
1
= 0 and
2
= 1).
Noise from resistors R1 and R3 appears like signals at V
IN
+ and V
IN
in Figure 1. From the circuit analysis presented
earlier, the differential output noise contribution is
and
for each resistor respectively.
Noise from resistors R2 and R4 (E
R2
and E
R4
, respectively) is imposed directly on the output with no amplification.
Adding the individual noise sources yields the total output differential noise:
. E E
) (
)] 1 )( E ( 2 [ )] 1 )( E ( 2 [ )] ( E 2 [ ) R I 2 ( ) R I 2 ( ) E 2 (
E
2
R4
2
R2
2
2 1
2
1 R3
2
2 R1
2
2 1 CM
2
EQ2 IN
2
EQ1 IN
2
IN
OD
+ +
+
+ + + + +

) (
) 1 )( E ( 2
2 1
1 R3
+

) (
) 1 )( E ( 2
2 1
2 R1
+

.
) (
) ( E 2
2 1
2 1 CM
+

,
) (
R 2I
2 1
EQ2 IN
+

) (
R I 2
2 1
EQ1 IN
+

,
E
E
IN
OUT

The individual noise sources are added in sum-of-squares

fashion. Input-referred terms are amplified by the noise
gain of the circuit:
If symmetrical feedback is used where
1
=
2
= , the
noise gain is
where R
F
is the feedback resistor and R
G
is the input
resistor, the same as a standard single-ended voltage
feedback amplifier.
,
R
R
1
1
G
G
F
n
+

.
2
G
2 1
n
+

Reference
For more information related to this article, you can down-
load an Acrobat Reader file at www-s.ti.com/sc/techlit/
litnumber and replace litnumber with the TI Lit. # for
the materials listed below.
Document Title TI Lit. #
1. Jim Karki, Fully differential amplifiers,
Analog Applications Journal (August
2000), pp. 38-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .slyt165
Related Web site
amplifier.ti.com
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