UNIT I

FEEDBACK AMPLIFIERS

1. State the nyquist criterion to maintain the stability of negative feedback amplifier(APR/MAY
2015)
The nyquist criterion forms the basis of a steady state method of determining whether an amplifier is
stable or not.
Nyquist Criterion
The Aβ is a function of frequency. Points in the complex plane are obtained for the values of Aβ
corresponding to all values of ‘f’ from - to . The locus of all these points forms a closed curve.
The criterion of nyquist is that amplifier is unstable if this curve encloses the point (-1+j0),
and
the amplifier is stable if the curve does not enclose this point.

FIG. locus of |1+Aβ|=1

2. Define sensitivity and desensitivity of gain in feedback amplifiers.(April/May 2011)

Sensitivity :The fractional change im amplification with feedback divided by the fractional change
im amplification with out feedback is called the sensitivity of the transfer gain.

Desensitivity: Desensitivity is defined as the reciprocal of sensitivity. It indicates the factor by

which the voltage gain has been reduced due to feedback network.

Desensitivity factor (D) = 1+A β.

Where A = Amplifier gain.

. β = Feedback factor.

3. A feedback amplifier has an open loop gain of 600 and feedback factor ß = 0.01. Find the closed
loop gain with feedback.
Avf = AV/ 1+ AV ß
= 600/ (1+ 600*0.01)
= 85.714.

4. The distortion in an amplifier is found to be 3%, when the feedback ratio of negative feedback
amplifier is 0.04. When the feedback is removed, the distortion becomes 15%. Find the open and
closed loop gain.
Given: ß = 0.04
Distortion with feedback = 3%,
Distortion without feedback = 15%
D = 15/3 = 5.

Where D = 1+A ß =5

5. Voltage gain of an amplifier without feedback is 60dB. It decreases to 40dB with feedback.
Calculate the feedback factor.

Given: Av = 60dB and Avf = 40 dB.

We know that,
Avf = AV / 1+ AVß
ß = (AV- Avf)/ ( AVAvf)
= (60-40) / (60*40)
ß = 0.00833.

6. What is the impact of negativefeedback on noise in circuits?(MAY/JUNE 2016)

When negative feedback is employed in an amlifier ,the noise is reduced.

Let N= noise without feedback
Nf = noise with feedback
The noise with feedback is given by the following relation

From above equation it is clear that when the feedback is applied the noise is reduced by a factor
(1+Aβ)
7.Justify that negative feedback amplifier increases bandwidth. (Nov/Dec 2010)

When negative feedback is employed in an amlifier ,the bandwidth is increased. Let

BW= bandwidth without feedback
BWf = bandwidth with feedback
The bandwidth with feedback is given by the following relation,
From above equation it is clear that when the feedback is applied the bandwidth is increased is by
a factor (1+Aβ)
8. List the characteristics of an amplifier which are modified by negative feedback. (Nov/Dec 2013)
 It increases the stability of an amplifier.
 It increases the bandwidth
 It decreases noise and distortion
 It reduces the gain of amplifier.

9.Mention the three networks that are connected around the basic amplifier to implement the
feedback concept.[NOV/DEC 2012]
The three networks that are connected around the basic amplifier to implement the feedback concept
are

 Mixing Network 
 Sampling Network 
 Feedback Network 

10.What happens to the input resistance based on the type of feedback in an
amplifier?[MAY/JUNE 2009]
 If the feedback signal is added to the input in series with the applied voltage, it increases the
input resistance. 
If the feedback signal is added to the input in shunt with the applied voltage, it decreases the
input resistance. 
11. What are the steps to be carried out for complete analysis of a feedback amplifier?
[MAY/JUNE 2009]

Step 1 : Identify the topology

Step 2,3: Find input and output circuit
Step 4 : Replace transistor by its h-parameter equivalent circuit
Step 5 : Find open loop voltage gain
Step 6 : Indicate V0 and Vf and calculate β
Step 7 : Calculate D, Avf, Rif, Rof and
12.State the effect on input and output resistance of amplifier on voltage series negative feedback is
employed. (May/June 2013)

Type of feedback
Characteristics
Current-series Voltage-series Voltage-shunt Current-shunt

Voltage gain Decreases Decreases Decreases Decreases

Bandwidth Increases Increases Increases Increases
Input resistance Increases Increases Decreases Decreases
Output resistance Increases Decreases Decreases Increases

13.What is return ratio of a feedback amplifier.(Nov/Dec 2011)

The difference signal Xd=Xi-XF is multiplied by gain A in passing through the amplifier, is
multiplied by β in transmission through the feedback network and is multiplied by -1 in the mixing
network.Such a path takes from the input terminated around the loop consisting of amplifier and
feedback network back to the input.The product -A β is called return ration of the feedback amplifier.
 UNIT II

OSCILLATORS

1. Mention two essential conditions for a circuit to maintain oscillations[MAY/JUNE 2012,

NOV/DEC 2011, and APRIL/MAY 2010. NOV/DEC 2006,APR/MAY 2015]

The conditions for oscillator to produce oscillation are given by Barkhausan criterion. They
are
o o
i) The total phase shift produced by the circuit should be 360 or 0
ii) The Magnitude of loop gain must be greater than or equal to 1 (ie)|Aβ|≥1

2. What is the major disadvantage of a Twin-T oscillator? [NOV/DEC 2012]

Twin –T oscillator is operated only at one frequency.

3. State Barkhausen criterion for sustained oscillation. What will happen to the oscillation if the
magnitude of the loop gain is greater than unity?[NOV/DEC 2013]
The conditions for oscillator to produce oscillation are given by Barkhausan criterion. They are :
o o
i) The total phase shift produced by the circuit should be 360 or 0
ii) The Magnitude of loop gain must be greater than or equal to 1 (ie)|Aβ|≥1
In practice loop gain is kept slightily greater than unity to ensure that oscillator work even if there is a
slight change in the circuit parameters.

4.Why an LC tank circuit does not produce sustained oscillations. How can this can be
overcome?[NOV/DEC 2008]
We know that the inductor coil has some resistance and dielectric material of the capacitor has some
leakage.so small part of the originally imparted energy is used to overcome these losses. As a result, the
amplitude of oscillating current goes on decreasing and becomes zero when all energy is consumed as
losses. So a LC tank circuit does not produce sustained oscillations.
To maintain sustained oscillations, energy must be supplied to the circuit at the same rate at which it is
dissipated. In an oscillator, the function of transistor and power supply source is to feed energy to the
circuit to overcome the losses at right time.

5. Draw the electrical equivalent circuit of crystal.[NOV/DEC 2013, NOV/DEC 2006,MAY/JUNE

2007] and mention its series and parallel resonance frequency.[ NOV/DEC 2006, MAY/JUNE
2007,APR/MAY 2008]

The crystal actually behaves as aseries RLC circuit in parallel with CM. . Because of presence of CM ,
the crystal has two resonant frequencies.
 One of these is the series resonant frequency fs.In this case impedance is very low. 


 The other is parallel resonance frequency fp. In this case impedance is very high. 
 6.What are the advantages and disadvantages of RC phase shift oscillators?[ APR/MAY
2008,MAY/JUNE 2016]
Advantages:
i. It is best suited for generating fixed frequency signals in the audio frequency range.
ii. It requires no transformer or inductor, hence less bulky.
iii. Simple Circuit.

*Pure sine wave output is possible.

Disadvantages:

i) It requires a high β transistor to overcome losses in the network.

ii) These oscillators are not suitable for high frequency operation.
iii) Frequency of oscillation can not be changed easily. To change the frequency of oscillation, the
three capacitor or resistors should be changed simultaneously. This is inconvenient.

7. What is the necessary condition for a Wien bridge oscillator circuit to have sustained
oscillations? [MAY/JUNE 2013]

Then for oscillations to occur in a Wien Bridge Oscillator circuit the following conditions must
apply.

 With no input signal the Wien Bridge Oscillator produces output oscillations. 

 The Wien Bridge Oscillator can produce a large range of frequencies. 

 The Voltage gain of the amplifier must be at least 3. 

 The network can be used with a Non-inverting amplifier. 

 The input resistance of the amplifier must be high compared to R so that the RC network is
not overloaded and alter the required conditions. 

 The output resistance of the amplifier must be low so that the effect of external loading is
minimised. 

8. Define piezoelectric effect.[MAY/JUNE 2006]
The piezo electric Crystals exhibit a property that if a mechanical stress is applied across one face the
electric potential is developed across opposite face and viceversa. This phenomenon is called piezo
electric effect.

9. What is the principle behind operation of a crystal oscillator?[NOV/DEC 2007]

The principle behind the operation of crystal is piezoelectric effect. According to this effect, if a
mechanical stress is applied across one face the electric potential is developed across opposite face
and viceversa.
10. Draw an oscillator circuit with feedback network given below.[MAY/JUNE 2006]
 UNIT –III
TUNED AMPLIFIERS

1. What is tuned amplifier? What are the various types of tuned amplifiers?[NOV/DEC 2013]
A tuned amplifier amplifies a certain range of frequencies (narrow band of frequencies) in the radio
frequency region and rejects all other frequencies.
Types:
The various types of tuned amplifiers are
i) Single tuned amplifier
ii) Double tuned amplifier
iii) Stagger tuned amplifier & synchronously tuned amplifier.

2. Define tuned amplifier.[APRIL/MAY 2010]

A tuned amplifier is defined as an amplifier circuit which amplifies a certain range of frequencies
(narrow band of frequencies) in the radio frequency region and reject all other frequencies.

3. Mention The Two Applications of tuned amplifiers.[ NOV/DEC 2007, NOV/DEC 2008]
i) They are used in IF amplifiers in Radio and TV receivers.
ii) They are used in wireless communication systems.

4. State two advantages and two disadvantages of tuned amplifiers. [MAY/JUNE 2012]
Advantages:
i) They amplify defined frequencies
ii) Signal to noise ratio (SNR) at output is good.
iii) They are suited for radio transmitters and receivers.

Disadvantages:

i) They are not suitable to amplify audio frequencies.

ii) Circuit is bulky and costly.
iii) The design is complex.

5. What are the differences between single tuned and synchronously tuned
amplifiers?[NOV/DEC 2007]
Single tuned amplifier Synchronously tuned amplifier

 Uses one parallel tuned circuit as the  Uses a number of identical cascaded
load impedance and tuned to one single tuned stages tuned to same
frequency.  frequency. 
 
 Hign gain and narrow bandwidth   Increases gain and reduces
 bandwidth. 
 Bandwidth is  
 The bandwidth equation is 
6. What is Stagger tuned amplifier[NOV/DEC 2011]
If two or more tuned circuits which are cascaded are tuned to slightly different resonant frequencies, it is
possible to obtain an increased bandwidth with a flat passbandwith steep sides. This technique is known
as stagger tuning and the amplifier using this technique is called as stagger tuned amplifier.

7. Why neutralization required in tuned amplifiers?[NOV/DEC 2013,NOV/DEC 2010]& Draw the

circuit for Narrow Band neutralization.[NOV/DEC 2010]
In order to prevent oscillations in tuned RF amplifiers it was necessary to reduce the stage gain to a level
that ensured circuit stability. This can be accomplished in several ways such as lowering the Q of the
tuned circuits, stagger tuning ,loose coupling between the stages. Instead of losingthe circuit performance
to achieve stability, a circuitin which the troublesome effect of the collector to base capacitance of the
transistor was neutralised by introducing a signal which cancels the signal coupled through the collector
to base capacitance

8. Define loaded and unloaded Q.[NOV/DEC 2010, APRIL/MAY 2010]

Unloaded Q:
It is defined as the ratio of stored energy to dissipated energy in a reactor or resonator. For an inductor
or capacitor

Where X= reactance: Rs= series resistance

Loaded Q:
The loaded Q or QL of a resonator is determined by how tightly the resonator is coupled to its
terminations.
9. What is the effect of cascading n stages of identical single tuned amplifiers (synchronously
tuned) on the overall 3db bandwidth?[APRIL/MAY 2011]
The bandwidth of n stage cascaded single tuned amplifier is given as

From the above equation it is clear that the overall 3dB bandwidth reduces.

10. Where is the Q-point placed in a class C type amplifier? What are its applications?[APR/MAY
2008]
In a class C type amplifier the Q-point is placed below the X-axis.
Applications:

 The Class C amplifiers are used to amplify the signals at radio frequencies. 
 They are also used in mixer circuits. 

11. Brief the relation between bandwidth and Q-factor.[ MAY/JUNE 2007]
The quality factor determines the 3dB bandwidth for the resonant circuit. The 3dB bandwidth for
resonant circuit is given by

Where fr= centre frequency of a resonator

BW= f2-f1
If Q is large bandwidth is small.
If Q is small bandwidth is large.

12. What is narrow band neutralization? [APR/MAY 2008,APRIL/MAY 2011, NOV/DEC 2012]
The process of cancelling the instability effect due to the collector to base capacitance of the
transistor in tuned circuits by introducing a signal which cancels the signal coupled through the
collector to base capacitance is called narrow band neutralization.

13. Mention two important features of stagger tuned amplifier. [MAY/JUNE 2013]
i) It has better flat, wide band characteristics.
ii) Increased bandwidth

14. What is the need for neutralization circuits? [MAY/JUNE 2013, NOV/DEC2008,MAY/JUNE
2014]
In tuned RF amplifiers, the inter-junction capacitance Cbc of the transistor becomes dominant (i.e) its
reactance is low, it provides the feedback signal from collector to base. If some feedback signal
manages to reach the input from output in a positive manner with proper phase shift, then amplifier
keeps oscillating, thus stability of amplifier gets affected. Hence neutralization is employed.

15. Draw a class C tuned amplifier circuit and what is its efficiency.[ MAY/JUNE 2006]

At conduction angle , η =78.5%

 UNIT IV

WAVE SHAPING CICUITS AND MULTIVIBRATORS

1. Give two applications of bistable multivibrators(APRIL/MAY 2010,APRIL/MAY 2011)

 Used to generate symmetrical square wave. This is possible by using triggering pulses of equal
interval, corresponding to the frequency required. 
  Used as a memory element in shift registers,counters,etc,. 
 Used for the performance of many digital operations like counting and storing of digital
information. 

 Can be used as a frequency divider 

2. How does a diode act as a comparator?(NOV/DEC 2010)

A Comparator Circuit is used to identify the instant at which the arbitrary input waveform attains a
particular reference level. Basically it is a clipper circuit. A simple diode comparator and its
equivalent circuit is given as

Consider Vin as a ramp input, increasing linearly from zero. The output will remain at VR, till input is
less than , as the diode is not conducting. (ie) Vo=VR for

At t= t1, becomes equal to , after which Vo increases alongwith the input signal .

The comparator output is given to a particular device. This device will erespond when the
copmparator voltage increases to some level of Vo above .

3. What is meant by clipper circuit?(APRIL/MAY 2011)

The electronic circuits which are used to clip off the unwanted portion of the waveform, without
distorting the remaining part of the waveform are called clipper circuits.

4. What is the 'tilt' applicable to RC circuits? Give an expression for tilt. (NOV/DEC 2011)

In high pass RC network, Tilt is defined as the decay in the amplitude of the output
voltage waveform, when the input maintains its level constant.

Percentage of tilt is given by

Therefore

Where T- time period

 5. What type of distortion is observed in astable multivibrator?(NOV/DEC 2011)

It can be seen that, in the collector waveforms shown in the figure there is certain distortion present.
Instead of [Vc1, Vc2] exact square wave, we are getting the vertical rising edges little bit rounded.
This is called rounding. For a square wave output such a rounding is undesirable and must be
eliminated.

6. What is meant by clamper circuit?(MAY/JUNE 2012,NOV/DEC 2009)

The electronic circuits which are used to add a dc level as per the requirement to the ac output signal
are called clamper circuits.

It is also known as dc inserter or dc restorer.

7. Give two applications of Schmitt Trigger circuit. (MAY/JUNE 2012).

 It is used as a amplitude comparator
 It can be used as a squaring circuit.
 It can be used as a sine wave to square wave converter

8. Why do we call astable multivibrator as free running multivibrator?(NOV/DEC 2012)

An astable multivibrator is called free running multivibrator because it generates square waves of its
own without any external triggering pulse.

9. Define the threshold points in a Schmitt trigger circuit.(NOV/DEC 2013)

 Schmitt trigger is a type of comparator with two different threshold voltage levels on points (UTP,
 LTP). 
 Whenever the input signal goes over the high threshold levels, the output of the comparator is
switched high. The output will remain in this same state as long as the input voltage is above the low
 threshold level. 
 When the input voltage goes below this level, the output will switch. These threshold voltage
levels are called threshold points. 

10. What is a regenerative comparator? Give example circuit.(MAY/JUNE 2013)

Regenerative comparator is a circuit, compares its input voltage to a “threshold voltage”, because it
has two threshold voltages(the upper and lower trigger voltages). The threshold voltage depends on
the output state. If the input voltage is higher than the upper trigger voltage, the output will be high.
A small amount of the output voltage is effectively added to the input voltage before it is compared to
a fixed threshold. So it uses positive (or) regenerative feedback.
E.g.: Schmitt Trigger

11. Distinguish between symmetrical and unsymmetrical triggering methods.[NOV/DEC 2009]

Symmetrical triggering uses only one trigger input and unsymmetrical triggering uses two
trigger input.

12. Why Monostable multivibrator is also called as delay circuit?[MAY/JUNE 2009]

Used to introduce time delay as gate width is adjustable.
 UNIT V

BLOCKING OSCILLATORS AND TIMEBASE GENERATOR

1. Sketch & Define slope error and displacement error.(MAY/JUNE 2013, April/MAY 2011,
NOV/DEC 2011,MAY/JUNE 2009)
Slope error (or) sweep speed error (es):
Slope error is defined as the ratio of the difference in slope at beginning and end sweep to the
initial value of the slope. It is also called as sweep speed error(es)

Displacement Error(ed):
It is defined as the maximum difference between the actual sweep voltage and linear sweep which
passes through the beginning and end points of the actual sweep.
The displacement error is given as

2. Mention two applications of blocking oscillators.(MAY/JUNE 2013,APRIL/MAY

2011,NOV/DEC 2010,MAY/JUNE 2009)
 Used as a main device to supply triggers for synchronization of a system having pulse type
 waveforms 
 Used as a Frequency Divider or Counter 
 Used to produce large peak power pulses. 
 As a low impedance switch 

3. State any two applications of pulse transformer.(MAY/JUNE 2012)
 To act as a coupling element in certain pulse generating circuits such as blocking oscillators 
 To invert the polarity of pulse 
 To provide dc isolation between source and a load 
 To produce pulse in a circuit having negligible dc resistance 
 To differentiate a pulse 

4. What are 'Restoration time' and 'Sweep time' of a time base signal?(MAY/JUNE 2012)

Restoration time (Tr):

It is the time required for the return to its intial value. It is also called as return time or flyback time.
Sweep time(Ts):

It is the period during which voltage increases linearly

5. List the applications of time base generators.(NOV/DEC 2013)

 Used in CRO(Cathode Ray Oscilloscope)
 Used in Television and radar displays
 Used in precise time measurements
 Used in time modulation
 6. What are tha advantages of core saturation method of frequency control in a blocking
oscillator?(NOV/DEC 2012)

The pulse duration depends on the supply voltage and characteristics of the core and not on the
transistor parameters (hfe).

The pulse width is given by

7. State any two methods of achieving sweep linearity of a time-base

waveform.(NOV/DEC2012)
 Exponential charging 
 Constant current charging 
 Miller circuit 
 Bootstrap circuit. 


8. What is the function of time base circuit?(APRIL/MAY 2010)

A linear time base generator produces an output waveform, which produces a

portion which exhibits a linear variation of voltage or current with respect to time.

9. What is pulse transformer?[APR-2004]

A pulse transformer is basically a transformer which couples a source of pulses of electrical

energy to the load, keeping the shape and other properties of pulses unchanged.The voltage level of
the pulse can be raised or lowered by designing the proper turns ratio for the pulse transformer.

10.Define Blocking Oscillator?What are its elements?State its applications?(MAY/JUNE 2016)

A special type of wave generator which is used to produce a single narrow pulse or train of
pulses.Applications are..
Transistor and pulse transformer-important elements
It is used in frequency dividers, counter circuits and for switching the other circuits.