What is the Frequency for Unity Loop Gain in Low-Pass Amplifier with Feedback?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the frequency at which the loop gain of a low-pass amplifier with feedback equals unity, based on a provided Bode plot. Participants explore the definitions of loop gain and closed loop gain, and how these relate to the problem at hand.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant identifies a frequency of approximately 1500 Hz from the Bode plot where the open loop gain is around 1 dB, questioning why this answer was marked incorrect.
  • Another participant clarifies that loop gain is defined as A.β, and with β=0.1, the required gain for unity loop gain is A=10.
  • A subsequent reply calculates the corresponding decibel gain as 20 dB, suggesting a frequency of 500 Hz as the correct answer.
  • Participants discuss the distinction between loop gain and closed loop gain, with one participant asserting that the latter's formula was incorrectly presented due to missing parentheses.
  • A correction is made regarding the closed loop gain formula, emphasizing the importance of proper notation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct frequency for unity loop gain, with one suggesting 1500 Hz and others proposing 500 Hz. There is no consensus on the correct answer, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the interpretation of the Bode plot and the definitions of loop gain versus closed loop gain. The discussion also highlights potential ambiguities in the mathematical expressions used.

roam
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Homework Statement



I need some help with the following problem (it is from an old test paper).

Below is the Bode plot of the open loop gain of an amplifier:

2uhy5au.jpg


A constant fraction β=0.1 of the output is fed back to the input. This feedback does not load the amplifier.

Using the Bode plot determine the frequency for which the magnitude of the loop gain of this circuit is equal to unity.

The Attempt at a Solution



Clearly looking at the first graph ##|A|_{dB} = 1## at around ##1500 \ Hz##. I've marked this with a pen on the graph. But my answer was marked as incorrect. Why is that?

Clearly the graph touches 1 dB roughly at ##f = 1500 \ Hz##. So why is my answer wrong? :confused:

Any help is greatly appreciated.

P.S. The value of the amplifier's closed loop gain at DC was calculated to be -9.1.
 

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If loop gain is defined as A.β
and you are told β=0.1, then you are looking for f where A=10

(I like to write this as 10 volts/volt, whatever, as a reminder it is not 10 dB)

So, how many dB gain are you looking for?

NOTE: 'loop gain' is quite different to 'closed loop gain'. Can you distinguish the difference?
 
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Thank you so much for your response.

So, in decibel it is ##|A|_{dB}=20 \ log_{10} 10 = 20 \ dB##, therefore the frequency would be @ f=500 Hz. Is that right??

Yes, I distinguish the difference, loop gain is Aβ whereas closed loop gain is ##A(s)/1-A(s) \beta (s)##.
 
roam said:
Thank you so much for your response.

So, in decibel it is ##|A|_{dB}=20 \ log_{10} 10 = 20 \ dB##, therefore the frequency would be @ f=500 Hz. Is that right??
That should be right.


Yes, I distinguish the difference, loop gain is Aβ whereas closed loop gain is ##A(s)/1-A(s) \beta (s)##.
I would mark that last expression wrong, because it is missing an essential set of parentheses. :frown:
 
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I meant ##A(s)/[1-A(s) \beta (s)]##. Thank you very much.
 

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