UNIT I: Small Signal High Frequency Transistor Amplifier Models (BJT & FET)

1. What is the hybrid-π model of a BJT and its significance?

The hybrid-π model is a high-frequency small signal model of a BJT that includes resistive and capacitive
elements. It accurately represents the transistor’s behavior at high frequencies and is used to derive
parameters like input impedance, output impedance, and gain-bandwidth product.

2. Define the hybrid parameters and mention their role in transistor modeling.

Every linear circuit having input and output terminals can be analyzed by four parameters (one measured
in ohm, one in mho and two dimensionless) called hybrid or h Parameters. Hybrid means “mixed”. Since
these parameters have mixed dimensions, they are called hybrid parameters.

3. Explain the gain-bandwidth product.

The gain-bandwidth product is a constant that defines the frequency response of an amplifier. It is
calculated by multiplying the mid-band voltage gain with the bandwidth, indicating the trade-off
between gain and frequency performance.

4. What is the significance of cut-off frequencies in amplifier design?

Cut-off frequencies are crucial in amplifier design as they define the bandwidth over which an amplifier
operates effectively. They represent the frequency at which the amplifier's gain starts to significantly
decrease. Understanding and controlling cut-off frequencies is essential for ensuring proper signal
amplification and preventing distortion.

5. Define short-circuit current gain and its importance in high-frequency analysis.

Short-circuit current gain, often denoted as hfeh sub f e end-sub ℎ𝑓𝑒 or βbeta 𝛽
, measures the ratio of output current to input current when the output of an amplifier is short-
circuited. In high-frequency analysis, it's crucial because it dictates how well an amplifier
maintains its gain across a wider range of frequencies.
6. Write a note on transition frequency (ft)

Transition frequency (fT), also known as the unity current gain frequency, is a measure of how well a
transistor can operate at high frequencies. It's the frequency at which the transistor's current gain drops
to unity (1), meaning the amplified signal is no longer a useful increase over the input. A higher
fT indicates the transistor can handle higher frequencies more effectively.

7. What is the effect of parasitic capacitance in high-frequency amplifier models?

Parasitic capacitances like base-emitter and base-collector junction capacitances influence the
frequency response by introducing phase shift and reducing gain at higher frequencies.

8. Explain the significance of CE short-circuit current gain.

In common-emitter configuration, short-circuit current gain helps in evaluating frequency-dependent

gain and bandwidth by using low-frequency h-parameters.
9. Compare common-source and common-drain amplifiers using FET.

Common-source amplifiers offer high gain and phase inversion, while common-drain (source followers)
have unity gain and high input impedance, suitable for buffering applications at high frequencies.

10. Why is the gain-bandwidth product constant for a given amplifier?

Due to limitations in device physics, as gain increases, the bandwidth decreases proportionally, making
their product constant. This helps in designing amplifiers with balanced performance.

UNIT II: Multistage Amplifiers

1. Define multistage amplifiers and mention their advantages.

Multistage amplifiers are circuits that use multiple amplifier stages in cascade to achieve desired gain.
Their advantages include higher gain, better impedance matching, and improved frequency response.

2. Explain the working of an RC coupled amplifier.

In an RC coupled amplifier, the stages are connected through coupling capacitors and resistors. This type
maintains good voltage gain and flat mid-frequency response, commonly used in audio and voltage
amplifiers.

3. What is a Darlington pair and its benefit?

A Darlington pair consists of two BJTs connected such that the current amplified by the first is further
amplified by the second. It provides very high current gain and high input impedance.

4. Explain cascode amplifier and its performance benefits.

A cascode amplifier uses a common-emitter stage followed by a common-base stage. It offers higher
bandwidth, better isolation, and reduced Miller effect compared to a single-stage amplifier.

5. Describe the operation of a differential amplifier.

A differential amplifier amplifies the voltage difference between two input terminals while rejecting
common-mode signals. It is the basic building block of operational amplifiers and analog ICs.

6. What is bootstrap emitter follower and its use?

A bootstrap emitter follower uses a positive feedback via a capacitor to increase input impedance. It is
useful for impedance buffering in amplifier circuits.

7. Discuss the significance of high input resistance in amplifiers.

High input resistance prevents loading of the previous stage and ensures accurate signal amplification. It
is achieved using special configurations like emitter followers or FETs.
8. What is the effect of coupling methods on amplifier performance?

Different coupling methods (RC, transformer, direct) affect the amplifier’s frequency response, gain, and
bandwidth. RC coupling is best for audio, transformer for impedance matching, and direct for DC
amplification.

9. Define midband gain in multistage amplifiers.

Midband gain refers to the flat region of frequency response where the amplifier maintains constant
gain, unaffected by coupling or bypass capacitors.

10. What is the effect of cascading amplifier stages on overall gain?

The overall gain is the product of individual stage gains, leading to high amplification. However, it also
affects bandwidth and requires careful design to ensure stability.

UNIT III: Feedback Amplifiers

1. Define feedback and its types in amplifiers.

Feedback is the process of feeding a portion of the output signal back to the input. It is classified as
positive or negative feedback depending on whether it reinforces or opposes the input signal.

2. Explain the principle of negative feedback in amplifiers.

Negative feedback reduces the overall gain but improves linearity, bandwidth, and stability. It also
minimizes noise and distortion, making the amplifier more predictable.

3. Mention the advantages of negative feedback.

Advantages include reduced distortion, increased bandwidth, stabilized gain, improved input and output
impedance, and enhanced linearity.

4. List and explain the four types of feedback topologies.

Voltage-series (series-shunt)

Voltage-shunt (shunt-shunt)

Current-series (series-series)

Current-shunt (shunt-series)

These are based on whether the feedback signal is voltage or current and whether it is applied in series
or parallel.

5. What are the characteristics of negative feedback amplifiers?

They exhibit stable gain, flat frequency response, reduced sensitivity to component variations, low
output impedance, and high input impedance depending on topology.
6. Define loop gain and its impact on amplifier performance.

Loop gain is the product of amplifier gain (A) and feedback factor (β), denoted Aβ. It determines the
extent of feedback effects and influences gain stability.

7. Explain the effect of negative feedback on bandwidth.

Negative feedback increases the bandwidth of an amplifier by reducing the gain, allowing the amplifier
to operate effectively over a wider frequency range

8. How does feedback affect noise and distortion?

Negative feedback reduces both noise and distortion by cancelling out unwanted components in the
signal path, improving fidelity.

9. Compare performance of open-loop and closed-loop amplifiers.

Open-loop amplifiers have high gain but poor stability, while closed-loop (with feedback) have
controlled gain, improved bandwidth, and better stability.

10. State the method used for analyzing feedback amplifiers.

The open-loop gain and feedback factor are calculated, then closed-loop gain is found using the formula:
This allows for calculating the loop gain (Aβ) and the closed-loop gain with feedback (Af) using the
formula Af = A / (1 + Aβ) for negative

UNIT IV: Oscillators

1. Define an oscillator and state its principle.

An oscillator is an electronic circuit that generates periodic waveforms without an input signal by using
positive feedback and satisfying Barkhausen criterion.

2. State and explain Barkhausen criteria for oscillations.

Barkhausen criterion states that for sustained oscillations:
1. The loop gain |Aβ| must be ≥ 1
2. The total phase shift around the loop must be 0° or 360°
3. Explain the working of RC phase shift oscillator.
It uses three or more RC sections to produce a total phase shift of 180°, and a transistor to provide the
additional 180°, forming a complete positive feedback loop.
4. Discuss the operation of a Wien bridge oscillator.
A Wien bridge oscillator uses a lead-lag RC network to produce a frequency-selective positive feedback.
It offers low-distortion sine waves and is suitable for audio frequencies.
5. Differentiate Hartley and Colpitts oscillators.
Hartley: Uses two inductors and one capacitor.
Colpitts: Uses one inductor and two capacitors.
Both are LC oscillators but differ in tank circuit design.
6. Write the expression for frequency of Hartley oscillator.
The frequency of a Hartley oscillator is determined by the inductance and capacitance values in its
resonant tank circuit. The general formula for the frequency of a Hartley oscillator is:

f = 1 / (2π√(L * C))
7. What is frequency stability in oscillators?
It refers to the oscillator’s ability to maintain constant frequency over time and temperature variations.
It is critical for communication systems.

8. Mention factors affecting stability of oscillators.

Power supply fluctuations

Temperature variation
Component aging
Mechanical vibrations
9. What is amplitude stability in oscillators?
Amplitude stability means the oscillator maintains a constant output amplitude over time without
clipping or distortion.
10. List applications of oscillators.
Carrier generation in communication
Clock generation in microprocessors
Signal generators
RF and audio applications