Differential Amplifier Common-mode Output Resistance

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the common-mode output resistance (Roc) of differential amplifiers, particularly in the context of a homework problem. Participants explore the definitions and calculations related to Roc, comparing it to other parameters like Rod and discussing the implications of infinite VA on the calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the absence of common-mode output resistance in their textbook, highlighting a reference in a section about the two-port model for differential pairs.
  • Another participant proposes a calculation for Roc based on the relationship between output voltage and collector currents, leading to the conclusion that Roc = Rc/2.
  • There is a mention of confusion regarding the use of itex and tex for mathematical expressions, with suggestions for formatting corrections.
  • A later reply suggests that the participant should consult their instructor for clarification on the definition of common-mode output impedance.
  • Another participant proposes a method involving an AC short to calculate the impedance from the differential outputs to ground, which may yield the result quoted for Roc.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value of Roc, with one participant asserting it to be Rc/2 while another raises questions about its derivation and implications, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions and calculations of common-mode output resistance, particularly in relation to the infinite VA condition and its impact on the parameters discussed.

hisotaso
Messages
26
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I am learning about differential amplifiers, and am having trouble determining the common-mode output resistance. In the text, we have the two sections "Differential-mode gain and input and output resistances" and "Common-mode gain and input resistance." Notice the lack of common mode output resistance.

The only place I can find reference to common-mode output resistance is in the section "Two-port model for differential pairs", and it is given by Roc =~ 2*μf*Ree (in this section, no derivations are shown). At the end of this section is an "Exercise", and it asks for Rod and Roc. Rod = 3.2MΩ and Roc = 4.8GΩ. In other words, Roc is much bigger.

Now, in the homework problem I am working on, VA is given as infinite, which means ro =~ VA/Ic is infinite, which means μf = gm*ro is infinite. However, in the solutions (authors solution manual) given my prof., Roc is given as Rc/2 which is much less than Rod (in this problem Rod =~ 2*Rc = 94kΩ, and and the given solution to Roc = Rc/2 = 13.5kΩ).

So my question is: what is Roc? I have googled around a bit and have not been able to find any reference to it. I would be happy with a link to a derivation (preferable actually) as opposed to just an expression, though at this point any help would be appreciated.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ok well I have a line or reasoning that I think works out, please correct me if this is invalid.

Roc=\frac{v<sub>oc</sub>}{i<sub>c1</sub>+i<sub>c2</sub>}

ic1=ic2=ic

=\frac{\frac{v<sub>c1</sub>+v<sub>c2</sub>}{2}}{2i<sub>c</sub>}

=\frac{\frac{i<sub>c</sub>*R<sub>c1</sub>+i<sub>c</sub>*R<sub>c2</sub>}{2}}{2i<sub>c</sub>}

Rc1=Rc2=Rc

=\frac{i<sub>c</sub>*R<sub>c</sub>+i<sub>c</sub>*R<sub>c</sub>}{2*2i<sub>c</sub>}

=\frac{2R<sub>c</sub>}{4}

=\frac{R<sub>c</sub>}{2}
 
Last edited:
Don't know why itex isn't working, at least on my end...
 
hisotaso said:
Ok well I have a line or reasoning that I think works out, please correct me if this is invalid.

Roc=\frac{v<sub>oc</sub>}{i<sub>c1</sub>+i<sub>c2</sub>}

ic1=ic2=ic

=\frac{\frac{v<sub>c1</sub>+v<sub>c2</sub>}{2}}{2i<sub>c</sub>}

=\frac{\frac{i<sub>c</sub>*R<sub>c1</sub>+i<sub>c</sub>*R<sub>c2</sub>}{2}}{2i<sub>c</sub>}

Rc1=Rc2=Rc

=\frac{i<sub>c</sub>*R<sub>c</sub>+i<sub>c</sub>*R<sub>c</sub>}{2*2i<sub>c</sub>}

=\frac{2R<sub>c</sub>}{4}

=\frac{R<sub>c</sub>}{2}

Don't use itex; it's just tex. And, don't use the SUB /SUB construct within tex (but you can use it in the non-tex ordinary part of your post); use the underline prefix instead. For example your first tex expression should be like this:

Roc=\frac{v_{oc}}{i_{c1}+i_{c2}}

That didn't work out as intended. It looks like you get an extra carriage return when following the non-tex part with some tex. Maybe you should put everything inside tex:

R_{oc}=\frac{v_{oc}}{i_{c1}+i_{c2}}
 
hisotaso said:
Now, in the homework problem I am working on, VA is given as infinite, which means ro =~ VA/Ic is infinite, which means μf = gm*ro is infinite. However, in the solutions (authors solution manual) given my prof., Roc is given as Rc/2 which is much less than Rod (in this problem Rod =~ 2*Rc = 94kΩ, and and the given solution to Roc = Rc/2 = 13.5kΩ).

So my question is: what is Roc? I have googled around a bit and have not been able to find any reference to it. I would be happy with a link to a derivation (preferable actually) as opposed to just an expression, though at this point any help would be appreciated.


Maybe you should ask your instructor what the definition of common mode output impedance is.

If you put an AC short (a big capacitor) between the differential outputs and calculate the impedance from that point to ground, I think you get the result you quote for Roc.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
8K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K