UNIT - III

TUNED AMPLIFIERS

Introduction to tuned circuits

When a radio or television set is turned on, many events take place within the
"receiver" before we hear the sound or see the picture being sent by the
transmitting station. Many different signals reach the antenna of a radio receiver
at the same time. To select a station, the listener adjusts the tuning dial on the
radio receiver until the desired station is heard. Within the radio or TV receiver,
the actual "selecting" of the desired signal and the rejecting of the unwanted
signals are accomplished by means of a tuned circuit.
A tuned circuit consists of a coil and a capacitor connected in series or parallel.
Whenever the characteristics of inductance and capacitance are found in a tuned
circuit, the phenomenon as RESONANCE takes place.
Resonance circuits

The frequency applied to an LCR circuit causes XL and XC to be equal, and the
circuit is RESONANT. If XL and XC are equal ONLY at one frequency (the
resonant frequency). This fact is the principle that enables tuned circuits in the
radio receiver to select one particular frequency and reject all others.

This is the reason why so much emphasis is placed on XL and X C . figure 1-1
Shows that a basic tuned circuit consists of a coil and a capacitor, connected either
in series, view (A), or in parallel, view (B). The resistance (R) in the circuit is
usually limited to the inherent resistance of the components (particularly the
resistance of the coil).

[Source: Sedra and Smith, ―Micro Electronic Circuits‖; Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press]
Tuned amplifier
 Communication circuit widely uses tuned amplifier and they are used in MW
& SW radio frequency 550 KHz – 16 MHz, 54 – 88 MHz, FM 88 – 108 MHz,
cell phones 470 - 990 MHz
 Band width is 3 dB frequency interval of pass band and –30 dB frequency
interval
 Tune amplifiers are also classified as A, B, C similar to power amplifiers based
on conduction angle of devices.

Series resonant circuit

Series resonant features minimum impedance (RS) at resonant.
 f r = ½ √LC; q = L/Rs at resonance L=1/c, BW=fr/Q
 It behaves as purely resistance at resonance, capacitive below and inductive
above resonance
Paralel resonant circuit
 Paralel resonance features maximum impedance at resonance = L/RsC
 At resonance Fr=1/2√1/(LC-Rs2/L2); if Rs=0, fr=1/2√(LC)
 At resonance it exhibits pure resistance and below fr parallel circuit exhibits
inductive and above capacitive impedance

Need for tuned circuits:

To understand tuned circuits, we first have to understand the phenomenon of self-

induction. And to understand this, we need to know about induction. The first
discovery about the interaction between electric current and magnetism was the
realization that an electric current created a magnetic field around the conductor.
It was then discovered that this effect could be enhanced greatly by winding the
conductor into a coil. The effect proved to be two-way: If a conductor, maybe in
the form of a coil was placed in a changing magnetic field, a current could be
made to flow in it; this is called induction.

So imagine a coil, and imagine that we apply a voltage to it. As current starts to
flow, a magnetic field is created. But this means that our coil is in a changing
magnetic field, and this induces a current in the coil. The induced current runs
contrary to the applied current, effectively diminishing it. We have discovered
self-induction. What happens is that the self-induction delays the build-up of
current in the coil, but eventually the current will reach its maximum and stabilize
at a value only determined by the ohmic resistance in the coil and the voltage
applied. We now have a steady current and a steady magnetic field. During the
buildup of the field, energy was supplied to the coil, where did that energy go? It
went into the magnetic field, and as long as the magnetic field exists, it will be
stored there.

Now imagine that we remove the current source. Without a steady current to
uphold it, the magnetic field starts to disappear, but this means our coil is again
in a variable field which induces a current into it. This time the current is in the
direction of the applied current, delaying the decay of the current and the
magnetic field till the stored energy is spent. This can give a funny effect: Since
the coil must get rid of the stored energy, the voltage over it rises indefinitely
until a current can run somewhere! This means you can get a surprising amount
of sparks and arching when coils are involved. If the coil is large enough, you can
actually get an electric shock from a low-voltage source like an ohmmeter.

Applications of tuned amplifier

A tuned amplifier is a type of electronic device designed to amplify specific

ranges of electrical signals while ignoring or blocking others. It finds common
use in devices that work with radio frequency signals such as radios, televisions,
and other types of communication equipment; however, it also can be useful in
many other applications. Tuned amplifiers can be found in aircraft autopilot
systems, audio systems, scientific instruments, spacecraft, or anywhere else there
is a need to select and amplify specific electronic signals while ignoring others.

The most common tuned amplifiers an average person interacts with can be found
in home or portable entertainment equipment, such as FM stereo receivers. An
FM radio has a tuned amplifier that allows listening to only one radio station at a
time. When the knob is turned to change the station, it adjusts a
variable capacitor, inductor, or similar device inside the radio, which alters
the inductive load of the tuned amplifier circuit. This retunes the amplifier to
allow a different specific radio frequency to be amplified so a different radio
station can be heard.

CLASSIFICATION:
 1. Single tuned amplifier
2. Double tuned amplifier
3. Stagger tuned amplifier

1. Single tuned amplifier

Single Tuned Amplifiers consist of only one Tank Circuit and the amplifying
frequency range is determined by it. By giving signal to its input terminal of
various Frequency Ranges. The Tank Circuit on its collector delivers High
Impedance on resonant Frequency, Thus the amplified signal is Completely
Available on the output Terminal. And for input signals other than Resonant
Frequency, the tank circuit provides lower impedance, hence most of the signals
get attenuated at collector Terminal.
[Source: Sedra and Smith, ―Micro Electronic Circuits‖; Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press]

Ri- input resistance of the next stage

R0-output resistance of the generator gmVb’e

Cc & CE are negligible small

The equivalent circuit is simplified by

[Source: Sedra and Smith, ―Micro Electronic Circuits‖; Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press]

Double tuned amplifier

An amplifier that uses a pair of mutually inductively coupled coils where both
primary and secondary are tuned, such a circuit is known as “double tuned
amplifier”. Its response will provide
substantial rejection of frequencies near the pass band as well as relative flat pass
band response. The disadvantage of POTENTIAL INSTABILITY in single tuned
amplifiers can be overcome in Double tuned amplifiers.
A double tuned amplifier consists of inductively coupled two tuned circuits. One
L1, C1 and the other L2, C2 in the Collector terminals. A change in the coupling
of the two tuned circuits results in change in the shape of the Frequency response
curve.
[Source: Sedra and Smith, ―Micro Electronic Circuits‖; Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press]

By proper adjustment of the coupling between the two coils of the two tuned
circuits, the required results (High selectivity, high Voltage gain and required
bandwidth) may be obtained.
Operation:
The high Frequency signal to be amplified is applied to the input terminal of the
amplifier. The resonant Frequency of TUNED CIRCUIT connected in the
Collector circuit is made equal to signal Frequency by varying the value of C1.
Now the tuned circuit L1, C1 offers very high Impedance to input signal
Frequency and therefore, large output is developed across it. The output from the
tuned circuit L1,C1 is transferred to the second tuned circuit L2, C2 through
Mutual Induction. Hence the Frequency response in Double Tuned amplifier
depends on the Magnetic Coupling of L1 and L2
Equivalent circuit of double tuned amplifier:

[Source: Sedra and Smith, ―Micro Electronic Circuits‖; Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press]
This condition is known as critical coupling.

For the values of k<1/Q the peak gain is less than the maximum gain and the
coupling is poor. For the values k> 1/Q, the circuit is overcoupled and the
response shows double peak. This double peak is useful when more bandwidth
is required
The ratio of peak and dip gain is denoted as γ and it represents the magnitude of
the ripple in the gain curve.

2. Staggered tuned amplifier

Double tuned amplifier gives greater 3 dB bandwidth having steeper sides and
flat top. But alignment of double tuned amplifier is difficult.
To overcome this problem two single tuned cascaded amplifiers having certain
bandwidth are taken and their resonant frequencies are so adjusted that they are
separated by an amount equal to the bandwidth of each stage. Since the resonant
frequencies are displaced or staggered, they are known as staggered tuned
amplifiers. If it is desired to build a wide band high gain amplifier, one procedure
is to use either single tuned or double tuned circuits which have been heavily
loaded so as to increase the bandwidth.
The gain per stage is correspondingly reduced, by virtue of the constant gain-
bandwidth product. The use of a cascaded chain of stages will provide for the
desired gain. Generally, for a specified gain and bandwidth the double tuned
cascaded amplifier is preferred, since fewer tubes are often possible, and also
since the pass-band characteristics of the double tuned cascaded chain are more
favorable, falling more sensitive to variations in tube capacitance and coil
inductance than the single tuned circuits.

Response of individual stages

[Source: Sedra and Smith, ―Micro Electronic Circuits‖; Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press]

Stagger Tuned Amplifiers are used to improve the overall frequency response of
tuned Amplifiers. Stagger tuned Amplifiers are usually designed so that the
overall response exhibits maximal flatness around the centre frequency. It needs
a number of tuned circuits operating in union. The overall frequency response of
a Stagger tuned amplifier is obtained by adding the individual response together.
Since the resonant Frequencies of different tuned circuits are displaced or
staggered, they are referred as STAGGER TUNED AMPLIFIER.
The main advantage of stagger tuned amplifier is increased bandwidth. Its
Drawback is Reduced Selectivity and critical tuning of many tank circuits. They
are used in RF amplifier stage in Radio Receivers.
Analysis:
Gain of the single tuned amplifier:

Gain of the cascaded amplifier:

NEUTRALIZATION METHODS
In tuned RF amplifiers, transistor are used at the frequencies nearer to their
unity gain bandwidths (i.e. fT), to amplify a narrow band of high frequencies
centred around a ratio frequency. At this frequency, the inter junction
capacitance between base and collector, Cbc of the transistor becomes
dominant, i.e., its reactance between low enough to be considered, which is
otherwise infinite to be neglected as open circuit. Being CE configuration
capacitance Cbe, shown in the ig. 3.35 come across input and output circuits of
an amplifier. As reactance of Cbc at RF is low enough it provide the feedback path
from collector to base. With this circuit condition, if some feedback signal
manages to reach the input from output in a positive manner with proper phase
shift, then there is possibility of circuit converted to a positive manner with
proper phase shift, then there is possibility of circuit converted to an unstable
one, generating its own oscillations and can stop working as an amplifier. This
circuit will always oscillate if enough energy is fed back from the collector to the
base in the correct phase to overcome circuit losses. Unfortunately, the
 conditions for best gain and selectivity are also those which promote oscillation.
In order to prevent oscillations in tuned RF amplifiers it was necessary to reduce
the stage gain to a level that ensured circuit stability. This could be accomplished
in several ways such as lowering the Q of tune circuits; stager tuning, losse
coupling

[Source: Sedra and Smith, ―Micro Electronic Circuits‖; Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press]

between the stages or inserting a ‘loser’ element into the circuit. While all these
methods reduced gain, detuning and Q reduction had detrimental effects on
selectivity. Instead of loosing the circuit performance to achieve stability, the
professor L.A. Hazeltine introduced a circuit in which the troublesome effect o the
collector to base capacitance of the transistor was neutralized by introducing a signal
which cancels the signal coupled through the collector to base capacitance. He
proved that the neutralization can be achieved by deliberately feeding back a portion
of the output signal to the input in such a way that it has the same amplitude as the
unwanted feedback but the opposite phase. Later on many neutralizing circuits were
introduced. Let us study some of these circuits.

Hazeltine Neutralization
The ig. 3.36 shows one variation of the Hazeline circuit. In this circuit a small
value of variable capacitance CN is connected from the bottom of coil, point B,
to the base. Therefore, the internal capacitance Cbc, shown dotted, feeds a
signal from the top end of the coil, point A, to the transistor base and the
CN feeds a signal o equal magnitude but opposite polarity rom the bottom o coil,
point B, to the base. The neutralizing capacitor, CN can be adjusted correctly to
completely nulliy the signal ed through the Cbc.
[Source: Sedra and Smith, ―Micro Electronic Circuits‖; Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press]

Neutralization using coil

The Fig. 3.38 shows the neutralization o RF amplifier using coil. In this circuit, L
part of the tuned circuit at the base o next stage is oriented or minimum coupling
to the other winding. It is wound on a separate from and is mounted at right
angle to the coupled windings. If the windings are properly polarized, the voltage
across L due to the circulating current in the base circuit will have the proper
phase to cancel the signal coupled through the base to collector,
Cbc capacitance.
[Source: Sedra and Smith, ―Micro Electronic Circuits‖; Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press]

Important Short Questions and Answers

TUNED AMPLIFIERS
1. What is tuned amplifier? What are the various types of tuned
amplifiers?
A tuned amplifier amplifies a certain range of frequencies (narrow band of
frequencies) in the radio frequency region and rejects all other frequencies.
Types:
The various types of tuned amplifiers are
i) Single tuned amplifier
ii) Double tuned amplifier
iii) Stagger tuned amplifier & synchronously tuned amplifier.

2. Define tuned amplifier.

A tuned amplifier is defined as an amplifier circuit which amplifies a certain
range of frequencies (narrow band of frequencies) in the radio frequency region
and reject all other frequencies.
3. Why tuned amplifier cannot be used at low frequency?
For low frequencies the size L and C are large. So the circuit will be bulky and
expensive, hence the tuned amplifiers cannot be used at low frequency.
4. What is the other name for tuned amplifier?
Tuned amplifiers used for amplifying narrow band of frequencies hence it si also
known as “narrow band amplifier” or “Band pass amplifier”.
5. Mention The Two Applications of tuned amplifiers.
i) They are used in IF amplifiers in Radio and TV receivers.
ii) They are used in wireless communication systems.
6. State two advantages and two disadvantages of tuned amplifiers.
Advantages:
i) They amplify defined frequencies
ii) Signal to noise ratio (SNR) at output is good.
iii) They are suited for radio transmitters and receivers.
Disadvantages:
i) They are not suitable to amplify audio frequencies.
ii) Circuit is bulky and costly.
iii) The design is complex.

7. What is Single tuned and double tuned amplifier?

Single tuned amplifier:
A amplifier circuit that uses a single parallel tuned circuit as a load is called
single tuned amplifier.
Double tuned amplifier:
The amplifiers having two parallel resonant circuit in its load are called double
tuned amplifiers.
8. What are the advantages of double tuned amplifier over single tuned
amplifier?
i) Provides higher gain
ii) Provides large 3dB bandwidth.
iii) Possess flatter response having steeper sides.
9. What are the different coil losses?
i) Hysteresis loss
ii) Copper loss
iii) Eddy current loss
10. What are the differences between single tuned and synchronously tuned
amplifiers?

11. What is Stagger tuned amplifier

If two or more tuned circuits which are cascaded are tuned to slightly different
resonant frequencies, it is possible to obtain an increased bandwidth with a flat
passbandwith steep sides. This technique is known as stagger tuning and the
amplifier using this technique is called as stagger tuned amplifier.
12. What are the different types of neutralization?
i) Hazeltine neutralization
ii) Neutrodyne neutralization
iii) Rice neutralization
13. Why neutralization required in tuned amplifiers? & Draw the circuit for
Narrow Band neutralization.
In order to prevent oscillations in tuned RF amplifiers it was necessary to reduce
the stage gain to a level that ensured circuit stability. This can be accomplished
in several ways such as lowering the Q of the tuned circuits, stagger tuning ,loose
coupling between the stages. Instead of losingthe circuit performance to achieve
stability, a circuitin which the troublesome effect of the collector to base
capacitance of the transistor was neutralised by introducing a signal which
cancels the signal coupled through the collector to base capacitance.
[Source: Sedra and Smith, ―Micro Electronic Circuits‖; Sixth Edition, Oxford University Press]

14. Define loaded and unloaded Q.

Unloaded Q:
It is defined as the ratio of stored energy to dissipated energy in a reactor or
resonator. For an inductor or capacitor

Where X= reactance:
Rs= series resistance
Loaded Q:
The loaded Q or QL of a resonator is determined by how tightly the resonator is
coupled to its terminations.

15. What is the effect of cascading n stages of identical single tuned amplifiers
(synchronously tuned) on the overall 3db bandwidth?
The bandwidth of n stage cascaded single tuned amplifier is given as
From the above equation it is clear that the overall 3dB bandwidth reduces.
16. Mention the bandwidth of a double tuned amplifier

Q is the Quality factor of the coil alone

b- is a constant
17. Where is the Q-point placed in a class C type amplifier? What are its
applications?
In a class C type amplifier the Q-point is placed below the X-axis.
Applications:
 The Class C amplifiers are used to amplify the signals at radio frequencies.
 They are also used in mixer circuits.
18. Brief the relation between bandwidth and Q-factor.
The quality factor determines the 3dB bandwidth for the resonant circuit. The
3dB bandwidth for resonant circuit is given by
BW=fr/Q
Where, fr= centre frequency of a resonator
BW= f2-f1
19. What is narrow band neutralization?
The process of cancelling the instability effect due to the collector to base
capacitance of the transistor in tuned circuits by introducing a signal which
cancels the signal coupled through the collector to base capacitance is called
narrow band neutralization.
20. Mention two important features of stagger tuned amplifier.
i) It has better flat, wide band characteristics.
ii) Increased bandwidth
21. What is the need for neutralization circuits?
In tuned RF amplifiers, the inter-junction capacitance Cbc of the transistor
becomes dominant (i.e) its reactance is low, it provides the feedback signal from
collector to base. If some feedback signal manages to reach the input from output
in a positive manner with proper phase shift, then amplifier keeps oscillating, thus
stability of amplifier gets affected. Hence neutralization is employed.
22. Draw a class C tuned amplifier circuit and what is its efficiency.

23. Derive the resonance frequency for the tank circuit shown:

At resonance XL=XC

24. A tuned circuit has resonant frequency of 1600 KHz and bandwidth of
10 KHz. What is the value of its Q-factor?

25. A tuned amplifier has its maximum gain at a frequency of 2 MHz and
has a bandwidth of 50 [Link] the Q-factor.

26. An inductor of 250µH has Q=300 at 1MHz. Determine R s and Rp of the

inductor.

27. A parallel resonant circuit has an inductance of 150µH and a

capacitance of 100pF. Find the resonant frequency.