Finding the loop gain of an oscillator

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the loop gain of an oscillator circuit, specifically focusing on the roles of feedback components such as resistors and capacitors in determining the transfer functions involved. The scope includes theoretical analysis and mathematical reasoning related to feedback systems in operational amplifier circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the gain of the negative feedback part can be expressed as (1 + R2/R1).
  • Another participant suggests that the feedback can be represented as the transfer function Va/Vo, where Va is the voltage at the + terminal of the op amp.
  • There is confusion among participants regarding whether the resistor and capacitor connected to the '+' terminal of the op amp should be considered in series or parallel.
  • One participant proposes that the loop gain can be expressed as (1 + R2/R1) * (Va/Vo), indicating that A = (1 + R2/R1) and β = (Va/Vo).
  • It is noted that the feedback is voltage/voltage, and the output voltage is sensed and subtracted from the input voltage, which raises considerations about the sign and conditions for positive feedback.
  • A diagram is referenced to clarify the circuit connections and the relationship between the components, emphasizing the importance of matching the circuit to a standard feedback diagram.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the configuration of components and the calculation of the loop gain, indicating that multiple competing views remain on how to approach the problem. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the arrangement of the resistor and capacitor or the implications for calculating B(s).

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need to consider the feedback configuration carefully, especially regarding the assumptions about series and parallel connections, which remain unresolved.

Sinister
Messages
32
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Okay, so I know that I have to find the gain of the negative feedback part (1+ R2/R1).

But then to find the transfer function of the bottom part of the oscillator, would the resistor and capacitor that are attached to the '+' terminal of the op amp be considered in parallel?

I know that the resistor and capacitor connected directly to the output are in parallel.

IMG_20121122_234414.jpg


Homework Equations



L(S)=A(S)*B(S)

A(S)= (1+R2/R1)

The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
That looks like Sedra & Smith :)

The feedback is simply the transfer function Va/Vo where Va is the voltage at the + terminal.

If you are looking at the current heading into the feedback circuit from Vo, you have (R+C)||R and that impedance is fed by the capacitor directly connected to Vo.

This is voltage / voltage feedback where the 'input' is assumed to be in series with the + lead into the op amp but is zero.
 
Son what will be the loop gain :s still confused if the capacitor and resistor on left side in series or parallel and how would you find B(s)
 
Sinister said:
Son what will be the loop gain :s still confused if the capacitor and resistor on left side in series or parallel and how would you find B(s)

The loop gain will be (1+R2/R1)*(Va/Vo) where A=(1+R2/R1) and β=(Va/Vo)

If the feedback is zero, the output is simply A*Vi. Zero the voltage at Va to zero the feedback and imagine Vi at the Va terminal. Then your open loop gain is A=(1+R2/R1).

The feedback is voltage/voltage, meaning the output voltage is sensed and the feedback signal is a voltage subtracted from the input voltage. If the input is Vi and is in series just before the + terminal of the opamp, it is being added to the feedback signal β (so watch the sign and positive feedback condition). Then set Vi=0 for this circuit.


====


Edit: Adding a diagram. Circuit on left, standard feedback diagram on right. You have to match the circuit to the standard diagram.

With no feedback (Va=0), the output is Vo = A*Vi

The feedback β feeds a fraction of the output Vo to the summer (right diagram). The 'summer' (left diagram) is the series connection of Vi and Va. Note that an *addition* is happening, not a subtraction so your condition on the loop gain Aβ for positive feedback will be slightly different (ie not phase = 180 degrees)

I placed Vi like that so it wouldn't affect any part of the circuit operation. If Vi were attached at the ground end of the capacitor at Va, the feedback β would not be easily separated in the circuit. Similarly if Vi were attached at the ground end of the A part of the circuit, the feedback and open loop gain would not be easily found either.
 

Attachments

  • feedback.png
    feedback.png
    3.2 KB · Views: 581
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
7K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K