Objective

To understand the DC and AC operation of a differential amplifier

Software
Multisim 11
Theory
Differential Amplifier amplifies the difference signal. Due to low common mode gain and high
differential gain it can reject the noise which is common to both the input sensors. Ideally,
differential amplifier has infinite common mode rejection ability (High CMRR). Differential
amplifiers are found in many circuits that utilize series negative feedback (op-amp follower, noninverting amplifier, etc.), where one input is used for the input signal, the other for the feedback
signal (usually implemented by operational amplifiers). For comparison, the old-fashioned
inverting single-ended op-amps from the early 1940s could realize only parallel negative
feedback by connecting additional resistor networks (an op-amp inverting amplifier is the most
popular example). A common application is for the control of motors or servos, as well as for
signal amplification applications.
DC Analysis
The circuit constructed in Multisim and the output is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1.
AC Analysis
The Circuit is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 2

The output waveform is shown

Figure 3.
Calculations
iC = gm vB
vC = RC gm vB
vC1 = RC1 gm +VS / 2
vC2 = RC2 gm -VS / 2
vC1 - vC2 = RC gm VS
What about the bias current? RE sets the bias at Ie = (-0.6V - VDD) / RE = (-0.6 V - (-15 V)) /
7.2 k = 2 mA which divides equally between Q1 and Q2 giving
Ic1 = Ic2 Ie / 2 1 mA
Finally, we easily calculate gm = 1 mA / 25 mV = 0.04 A/V. The single-ended gain becomes

vC1 / VS = RC1 gm 1/2

= 1 k 0.04 1/2
= 20 V/V
Conclusion
There are two inputs I1 & I2 and two outputs V1out & V2out in the differential amplifier circuit.
The input I1 is applied to the transistor T1 base terminal, input I2 is applied to the transistor T2
base terminal. The emitter terminals of transistor T1 and transistor T2 are connected to a
common emitter resistor. Thus, the two input signals I1 & I2 will affect the outputs V1out &
V2out. The differential amplifier circuit consists of two supply voltages Vcc and Vee but there is
no ground terminal. Even with single voltage supply also circuit can be operated fine as it is
intended (similarly while using two supply voltages). Hence, the opposite points of positive
voltage supply & negative voltage supply are connected to the ground.