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Feedback Amplifiers Note
Feedback Amplifiers Note
Amplifiers generally work on the principle of increasing the voltage, current and power of an input signal. They are of
various types depending on the demand of the electrical circuit. The two most important considerations are power
output and its efficiency and one of the types of such amplifiers is a feedback amplifier, where a part of its output is
sent back to the input.
We will learn about feedback amplifiers in this article in brief and understand the concept with their different types,
different pros and cons and its wide applications.
Feedback Amplifier
Feedback amplifier is a type of amplifier whose feedback exists between the output and input signal. The concept of
feeding the output signal back to its input circuit is known as feedback and that is why it is known as a feedback
amplifier. It is dependent between the output and input with effective control. Feedback amplifiers are divided into
two types: positive feedback and negative feedback.
The above image represents a block diagram for a feedback amplifier. It consists of two parts: An amplifier and
a feedback circuit. The gain of the amplifier is represented by “A” and is the ratio of the output voltage Vo to
the input voltage Vi and is known as the feedback fraction.
And the voltage feedback is given by,
Vf = βVo from the output of the amplifier.
AVs − AβVo = Vo
AVs = Vo (1+Aβ)
Vo/Vs = A / (1+Aβ)
Where Vs is applied signal voltage. The overall gain with feedback from the amplifier is,
Af = Vo.Vs
Where Vo is the output voltage and Vs is the input signal voltage.
The gain feedback for a positive feedback amplifier,
Af=A1−Aβ………………………………(1)
1
Equations (1) and (2) are the standard equations to calculate the gain feedback of amplifiers depending on their
type.
2
In this feedback amplifier, both the input and output impedance are increased.
The feedback circuit is placed in series with the input and output.
Here a fraction of the output voltage is applied in series with the input voltage in the feedback circuit.
The feedback circuit is connected in shunt with the output in such a way that it decreases the output
impedance and increases the input impedance.
In this circuit, it is placed in a shunt with the output but in series with respect to the input signal.
It increases the output impedance and because of connecting the feedback circuit in parallel with the input,
the input impedance is decreased.
Here, the feedback circuit is placed in series with the output and in parallel with the input.
Here the feedback circuit is placed in a shunt with respect to output and input as well.
It decreases the input and output impedance.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Feedback Amplifier
The followings are the advantages and disadvantages of feedback amplifiers
Advantages
Disadvantages
Concept of Feedback
A feedback amplifier uses feedback from the output of the amplifier back to the input to enhance its
performance. This feedback is achieved through a feedback loop and it can be either positive or negative. Lets
discuss each block of feedback amplifier:
Signal Source: The signal source is generally a voltage source, represented by the symbol Vs, with source
current Is. The signal source can be connected either in series or in parallel with the resistor in the
electronic circuit.
Feedback network: It is a linear two port network which contains different components of the electronic
circuit, like resistors, industors, capacitors etc.
Sampling Network: A sampling network extracts the output signal from a feedback amplifier and “feeds”
it back to the input signal.
Sampling networks are of two types: current sampling network and voltage sampling network.
Mixer: A mixer mixes the source signal and feedback signal to produce either a positive feedback or a
negative feedback. It is also known as a comparator and can be connected in series or parallel.
Hence, For a negative feedback amplifier, The loop gain margin can be mathematically expressed as,
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Loop gain margin = 1/Aβ [Where, A = open loop gain of the amplifier and β is the feedback gain factor]
β =1
For a positive feedback amplifier,
V0.Vs = A / (1+A)
For a negative feedback amplifier,
V0.Vs = A / (1−A)
Negative feedback gain provides a much better value for the unit feedback system.
Voltage series feedback: It is generally used in both inverting and non-inverting amplifier circuits. This
type of feedback is useful to improve the performance of amplifier circuits.
r
The formula for input impedance: i.(1+Aβ)
r
The formula for output impedance: o / (1+Aβ)
Where,
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Current series feedback: Here, both input and output impedance is increased and is a voltage-controlled
current source type of amplifier.
r
The formula input impedance: i.(1+Aβ)