Analog Electronics Interview and Viva Questions
Analog Electronics Interview and Viva Questions
QUESTIONS
Engineering Funda YouTube Channel
By Prof. Hitesh Dholakiya
SSASIT, SURAT
ANALOG ELECTRONICS VIVA QUESTIONS
Ans The open loop configuration of an op-amp indicate the No connection, exist between
The output signal is not fed-back in any form into the input.
Q-14 How many configuration in open-loop op-amp configuration?
Ans there are three open-loop op-amp configurations:
1 Differential –amplifier.
2 Inverting amplifier
3 Non- inverting amplifier
Q-15 What do you mean by voltage follower?
Ans The lowest gain that can be obtained from a non-inverting amplifier with feedback Is
1. When the non-inverting amplifier is configured for unity, it is called a voltage
Follower.
Q-16 What do you mean by a comparator?
Ans Comparator is an open-loop op-amplifier which compares the input voltage at other
one terminal to a reference voltage at other terminal and produce a voltage at their
output terminal.
Q-17 What do you mean by a zero-crossing detector?
Ans Zero-detector is a comparator in which a zero reference is applied at their non-inverting
terminal. Zero-crossing detector switches their output from one state to another state if
the input voltage crosses the zero point.
Q-18 What do mean by a Schmitt trigger?
Ans Schmitt trigger is a type of comparator which uses positive feedback. Schmitt trigger
convert a sinusoidal signal to a square wave signal.
Q-19 How many types of Schmitt trigger used?
Ans There are two types Schmitt trigger are used.
1. Inverting Schmitt trigger.
2. Non-inverting Schmitt trigger.
Q-20 What do you mean by threshold voltage of Schmitt trigger?
Ans The input voltage of Schmitt trigger for which the Schmitt trigger changes their output
is called threshold voltage.
Q-21 What do you mean by hysteresis of Schmitt trigger?
Ans Hysteresis is the voltage difference between turn-on and turn-off voltage of
comparator.
Q-22 Explain the main effect of a hysteresis?
Ans The main effect of hysteresis are-
1. It improves the noise immunity.
2. It reduces the response time.
3. It reduces the false triggering.
4. When hysteresis increases then sensitivity reduce.
Q-23 What do you mean by a voltage to frequency converter?
Ans A device which convert an analog voltage into a pulse signal which frequency is
proportional to the applied input voltage.
Q-24 What is the function of frequency to voltage converter?
Ans A device which convert the frequency of the input signal into a proportional output
voltage.
Q-25 What are main application of frequency to voltage converter?
Ans The main applications of these are follows-
1. It is used to control the speed of motor.
2. It is used for rotational measurement.
Ans An ADC converter that perform conversion in an indirect manner by first changing the
analog I/P signal to a linear function of time or frequency and then to a digital code is
known as integrating type A/D converter.
Q-68 Explain in brief the principle of operation of successive Approximation ADC?
Ans The circuit of successive approximation ADC consists of a successive approximation
register (SAR), to find the required value of each bit by trial & error.With the arrival
of START command, SAR sets the MSB bit to 1. The O/P is converted into an analog
signal & it is compared with I/P signal. This O/P is low or high. This process continues
until all bits are checked.
Q-69 What are the main advantages of integrating type ADCs?
Ans i. The integrating type of ADC’s do not need a sample/Hold circuit at the input.
ii. It is possible to transmit frequency even in noisy environment or in an isolated form.
Q-70 Define conversion time?
Ans It is defined as the total time required to convert an analog signal into its digital output.
It depends on the conversion technique used & the propagation delay of circuit
components. The conversion time of a successive approximation type ADC is given
by T (n+1)
Where T---clock period
Tc---conversion time
n----no. Of bits
Q-71 Define resolution of a data converter?
Ans The resolution of a converter is the smallest change in voltage which may be produced
at the output or input of the converter. Resolution (volts) = VFS/2n-1=1 LSB
increment. The resolution of an ADC is defined as the smallest change in analog input
for a one-bit change at the output.
Q-72 Explain in brief stability of a converter?
Ans The performance of converter changes with temperature age & power supply variation.
So all the relevant parameters such as offset, gain, linearity error & monotonicity must
be specified over the full temperature & power supply ranges to have better stability
performances.
Q-73 What is meant by linearity?
Ans The linearity of an ADC/DAC is an important measure of its accuracy & tells us how
close the converter output is to its ideal transfer characteristics. The linearity error is
usually expressed as a fraction of LSB increment or percentage of full-scale voltage.
A good converter exhibits a linearity error of less than ±½LSB.
Q-74 What is filter?
Ans A filter circuit is a device that converts pulsating output of a rectifier into a steady dc
level. Hence, it becomes essential to reduce the ripples from the pulsating dc supply
available from rectifier circuits to the minimum. This is achieved by using a filter or
smoothing circuit which removes (or filters out) the ac components and allows only
the dc component to reach the load. Obviously, a filter circuit should be placed
between, the rectifier and the load.
Q-75 What is filter circuit?
Ans A filter is generally a combination of inductors L and Capacitors C. The filtering action
of L and C depends upon the facts that an inductor allows only dc and a capacitor
allows ac only to pass. So a suitable L and C network can effectively filter out (or
remove) the ac components from the rectified output.
Q-76 What are the commonly used types of filter circuits?
Ans When a portion of both positive and negative of each half cycle of the input voltage is
to be clipped (or removed), combination clipper is employed.
Q-93 Drawbacks of Series Diode Clippers?
Ans In series clippers, when diode is in ‘off’ position, there should be no transmission of
input signal to output. But in case of high frequency signals transmission occurs
through diode capacitance which is undesirable. This is the drawback of using diode
as a series element in such clippers.
Q-94 What are oscillators?
Ans Oscillators produce a waveform (mostly sine or square waves) of desired amplitude
and frequency. They can take input from the output itself. For a complete oscillator
circuit we require a feedback device, amplifier and feedback factor. Oscillators
designed to produce a high-power AC output from a DC supply are usually called
inverters
Q-95 Application of electronic oscillator?
Ans An electronic oscillator is an electronic circuit that produces a repetitive electronic
signal, often a sine wave or a square wave. They are widely used in innumerable
electronic devices. Common examples of signals generated by oscillators include
signals broadcast by radio and television transmitters, clock signals that regulate
computers and quartz clocks, and the sounds produced by electronic beepers and video
games.
Q-96 Types of electronic oscillator?
Ans. There are two main types of electronic oscillator: the harmonic oscillator and the
relaxation oscillator.
Q-97 What is Harmonic oscillator?
Ans The harmonic, or linear, oscillator produces a sinusoidal output. The basic form of a
harmonic oscillator is an electronic amplifier with the output attached to an electronic
filter, and the output of the filter attached to the input of the amplifier, in a feedback
loop. When the power supply to the amplifier is first switched on, the amplifiers output
consists only of noise. The noise travels around the loop, being filtered and re-
amplified until it increasingly resembles the desired signal.
Q-98 Types of Harmonic oscillator?
Ans There are many ways to implement harmonic oscillators, because there are different
ways to amplify and filter. Some of the different circuits are:
• Hartley oscillator
• Colpitts oscillator
• Cross-coupled LC oscillator
• crystal oscillator
• Phase-shift oscillator
• RC oscillator (Wien Bridge and Twin-T)
Q-99 What are LC oscillators?
Ans Inductive oscillators also known as LC oscillators are built of a tank circuit, which
oscillates by charging and discharging a capacitor through an inductor. These
oscillators are typically used when a tuneable precision frequency source is necessary,
such as with radio transmitters and receivers
Q-100 What is phase-shift oscillator?
Ans A phase-shift oscillator is a simple electronic oscillator. It contains an inverting
amplifier, and a feedback filter which shifts the phase of the amplifier output by 180
degrees at the oscillation frequency. The filter produces a phase shift that increases
with frequency. It must have a maximum phase shift of considerably greater than 180
ENGINEERING FUNDA YOUTUBE CHANNEL PROF. HITESH DHOLAKIYA
ANALOG ELECTRONICS VIVA QUESTIONS
degree at high frequencies, so that the phase shift at the desired oscillation frequency
is 180 degree.
Q-101 How to produced 180° phase shift?
Ans The most common way of achieving this kind of filter is using three identical cascaded
resistor capacitor filters, which together produce a phase shift of zero at low
frequencies, and 270 degrees at high frequencies. At the oscillation frequency each
filter produces a phase shift of 60 degrees and the whole filter circuit produces a phase
shift of 180 degrees.
Q-102 How to implement the phase-shift oscillator?
Ans A version of this circuit can be made by putting an op-amp buffer between each R-C
stage which simplifies the calculations. The voltage gain of the inverting channel is
always unity.
Q-103 What is the applications of 555 Timer?
Ans o Astable multivibrator
o Monostable multivibrator
o Missing pulse detector
o Linear ramp generator
o Frequency divider
o Pulse width modulation
o FSK generator
o Pulse position modulator
o Schmitt trigger
Q-104 List the applications of 555 timers in monostable mode of operation?
Ans * pulse detector
* Linear ramp generator
* Frequency divider
* Pulse width modulation.
Q-105 List the applications of 555 timers in Astable mode of operation?
Ans * FSK generator
* Pulse-position modulator
Q-106 Define 555 IC?
Ans The 555 timer is an integrated circuit specifically designed to perform signal generation
and timing functions.
Q-107 List the basic blocks of IC 555 timers?
Ans o A relaxation oscillator
o S flip flop
o Two comparator
o Discharge transistor.
Q-108 List the features of 555 Timer?
Ans It has two basic operating modes: monostable and astable
· It is available in three packages. 8 pin metals can, 8 pin dip, 14 pin dip.
· It has very high temperature stability.
Q-109 Define duty cycle?
Ans The ratio of high output and low output period is given by a mathematical parameter
called duty cycle. It is defined as the ratio of ON Time to total time.
Q-110 Define VCO.
Ans A voltage controlled oscillator is an oscillator circuit in which the frequency of
oscillations can be controlled by an externally applied voltage.
Ans IC741 has a low slew rate because of the predominance of capacitance present in the
circuit at higher frequencies. As frequency increases the output gets distorted due to
limited slew rate.
Q-124 What causes slew rate?
Ans There is a capacitor with-in or outside of an op-amp to prevent oscillation. It is this
capacitor which prevents the output voltage from responding immediately to a fast
changing input.
Q-125 Define thermal drift?
Ans The bias current, offset current & offset voltage change with temperature. A circuit
carefully nulled at 25oC may not remain so when the temperature raises to 35oC.This
is called thermal drift. Often, offset current drift is expressed in nA/oC and offset
voltage drift in mV/oC.
Q-126 Define supply voltage rejection ratio (SVRR)?
Ans The change in OPAMP’s input offset voltage due to variations in supply voltage is
called the supply voltage rejection ratio. It is also called Power Supply Rejection Ratio
(PSRR) or Power Supply Sensitivity (PSS).
Q-127 What is the need for an instrumentation amplifier?
Ans In a number of industrial and consumer applications, the measurement of physical
quantities is usually done with the help of transducers. The output of transducer has to
be amplified So that it can drive the indicator or display system. This function is
performed by an instrumentation amplifier.
Q-128 List the features of instrumentation amplifier:
Ans 1. High gain accuracy
2. High CMRR
3. High gain stability with low temperature co-efficient
4. Low dc offset
5. Low output impedance
Q-129 What is a comparator?
Ans A comparator is a circuit which compares a signal voltage applied at one input of an
op-amp with a known reference voltage at the other input. It is an open loop op - amp
with output + Vsat.
Q-130 What is the applications of comparator?
Ans 1. Zero crossing detectors
2. Window detector
3. Time marker generator
4. Phase detector
Q-131 What is a Schmitt trigger?
Ans Schmitt trigger is a regenerative comparator. It converts sinusoidal input into a square
wave output. The output of Schmitt trigger swings between upper and lower threshold
voltages, which are the reference voltages of the input waveform.
Q-132 What is a multivibrator?
Ans Multivibrators are a group of regenerative circuits that are used extensively in timing
applications. It is a wave shaping circuit which gives symmetric or asymmetric square
output. It has two states stable or quasi- stable depending on the type of multivibrator.
Q-133 What is the rectifier?
Ans The process of converting A.C. voltage into D.C. voltage which is in only one
direction, a process known as rectification is called rectification and it is done by
rectifier.
Ans Transistor current sources are widely used in analog ICs both as biasing elements and
as load devices for amplifier stages.
Q-187 Justify the reasons for using current sources in integrated circuits.
Ans *superior insensitivity of circuit performance to power supply variations and
temperature.
*more economical than resistors in terms of die area required to provide bias currents
of small value.
*When used as load element, the high incremental resistance of current source results
in high voltage gain at low supply voltages.
Q-188 What is the advantage of widlar current source over constant current source?
Ans Using constant current source output current of small magnitude (microamp range) is
not attainable due to the limitations in chip area. Widlar current source is useful for
obtaining small output currents. Sensitivity of widlar current source is less compared
to constant current source.
Q-189 Mention the advantages of Wilson current source.
Ans *provides high output resistance.
*offers low sensitivity to transistor base currents.
Q-190 Define sensitivity.
Ans Sensitivity is defined as the percentage or fractional change in output current per
percentage or fractional change in power-supply voltage.
Q-191 What are the limitations in a temperature compensated zener-reference source?
Ans A power supply voltage of atleast 7 to 10 V is required to place the diode in the
breakdown region and that substantial noise is introduced in the circuit by the
avalanching diode.
Q-192 What do you mean by a band-gap referenced biasing circuit?
Ans The biasing sources referenced to VBE has a negative temperature co-efficient and VT
has a positive temperature co-efficient. Band gap reference circuit is one in which the
output current is referenced to a composite voltage that is a weighted sum of Vbe and
Vt so that by proper weighting, zero temperature co-efficient can be achieved.
Q-193 What are the applications of V-I converter?
Ans * Low voltage dc and ac voltmeter
* LED
* Zener diode tester
Q-194 What do you mean by a precision diode?
Ans The major limitation of ordinary diode is that it cannot rectify voltages below the cut
± in voltage of the diode. A circuit designed by placing a diode in the feedback loop of
an op ± amp is called the precision diode and it is capable of rectifying input signals of
the order of millivolt.
Q-195 Write down the applications of precision diode.
Ans * Half - wave rectifier
* Full - Wave rectifier
* Peak ± value detector
* Clipper
* Clamper
Q-196 List the applications of Log amplifiers:
Ans 1. Analog computation may require functions such as lnx, log x, sin hx etc. These
functions can be performed by log amplifiers
2. Log amplifier can perform direct dB display on digital voltmeter and spectrum
analyzer
3. Log amplifier can be used to compress the dynamic range of a signal
Q-197 What are the limitations of the basic differentiator circuit?
Ans * At high frequency, a differentiator may become unstable and break into oscillations
/n
*The input impedance decreases with increase in frequency, thereby making the circuit
sensitive to high frequency noise.
Q-198 Write down the condition for good differentiation :-
Ans For good differentiation, the time period of the input signal must be greater than or
equal to Rf C1
T ≥ Rf Cf
Where, Rf is the feedback resistance
Cf is the input capacitance
Q-199 Mention any two audio frequency oscillators :
Ans 1. RC phase shift oscillator
2. Wein bridge oscillator
Q-200 What are the characteristics of a comparator?
Ans 1. Speed of operation
2. Accuracy
3. Compatibility of the output
Q-201 What mean by a filter?
Ans Filter is a frequency selective circuit that passes signal of specified band of frequencies
and attenuates the signals of frequencies outside the band
Q-202 What are the demerits of passive filters?
Ans Passive filters works well for high frequencies. But at audio frequencies, the inductors
become problematic, as they become large, heavy and expensive. For low frequency
applications, more number of turns of wire must be used which in turn adds to the
series resistance degrading inductor’s performance i.e. low Q, resulting in high power
dissipation.
Q-203 What are the advantages of active filters?
Ans Active filters used op- amp as the active element and resistors and capacitors as passive
elements.
1. By enclosing a capacitor in the feedback loop , inductor less active filters can be
obtained
2. Op-amp used in non ± inverting configuration offers high input impedance and low
output impedance, thus improving the load drive capacity.
Q-204 Mention some commonly used active filters :
Ans 1. Low pass filter
2. High pass filter
3. Band pass filter
4. Band reject filter.
Q-205 Mention some areas where PLL is widely used:
Ans *Radar synchronisation
*satellite communication systems
*air borne navigational systems
*FM communication systems
*Computers.
Ans fo = 0.25/Rt.Ct
Q-218 Define Voltage to Frequency conversion factor.
Ans Voltage to Frequency conversion factor is defined as,
Kv = Δf0/ΔVc = 8f/Vcc
Where ΔVc , is the modulation voltage required to produce the frequency shift Δf0
Q-219 What is the purpose of having a low pass filter in PLL?
Ans *It removes the high frequency components and noise.
*Controls the dynamic characteristics of the PLL such as capture range, lock-in
range,band-width and transient response.
*The charge on the filter capacitor gives a short- time memory to the PLL.
Q-220 Discuss the effect of having large capture range.
Ans The PLL cannot acquire a signal outside the capture range, but once captured, it will
hold on till the frequency goes beyond the lock-in range. Thus, to increase the ability
of lock range, large capture range is required. But, a large capture range will make the
PLL more susceptible to noise and undesirable signal.
Q-221 Mention some typical applications of PLL:
Ans Frequency multiplication/division
· Frequency translation
· AM detection
· FM demodulation
· FSK demodulation.
Q-222 What is a compander IC? Give some examples.
Ans The term companding means compressing and expanding. In a communication system,
the audio signal is compressed in the transmitter and expanded in the receiver.
Examples: LM 2704- LM 2707; NE 570/571.
Q-223 What are the merits of companding?
Ans *The compression process reduces the dynamic range of the signal before it is
transmitted.
*Companding preserves the signal to noise ratio of the original signal and avoids
nonlinear distortion of the signal when the input amplitude is large.
*It also reduces buzz, bias and low level audio tones caused by mild interference.
Q-224 List the applications of OTA:
Ans OTA can be used in
· programmable gain voltage amplifier
· sample and hold circuits
· voltage controlled state variable filter
· Current controlled relaxation oscillator.
Q-225 Where are the successive approximation type ADC’s used?
Ans The Successive approximation ADCs are used in applications such as data loggers &
instrumentation where conversion speed is important.
Q-226 What is the main drawback of a dual-slop ADC?
Ans The dual slope ADC has long conversion time. This is the main drawback of dual
slope ADC.
Q-227 State the advantages of dual slope ADC:
Ans It provides excellent noise rejection of ac signals whose periods are integral multiples
of the integration time T.
Q-228 Define accuracy of converter.
Ans Absolute accuracy:
It is the maximum deviation between the actual converter output & the ideal converter
output.
Relative accuracy:
It is the maximum deviation after gain & offset errors have been removed. The
accuracy of a converter is also specified in form of LSB increments or % of full scale
voltage.
Q-229 What is settling time?
Ans It represents the time it takes for the output to settle within a specified band ½LSB of
its final value following a code change at the input (usually a full scale change). It
depends upon the switching time of the logic circuitry due to internal parasitic
capacitance & inductances. Settling time ranges from 100ns. 10μs depending on word
length & type circuit used.
Q-230 What is monotonic DAC?
Ans A monotonic DAC is one whose analog output increases for an increase in digital input
Q-231 What is multiplying DAC?
Ans A digital to analog converter which uses a varying reference voltage VR is called a
multiplying DAC (MDAC). If the reference voltage of a DAC, VR is a sine wave given
by:
V(t) = Vin cos2Πft ,
Then
V(o) = Vom cos(2Πft +180°)
Q-232 What is meant by delta modulation?
Ans Delta modulation is a technique capable of performing analog signal quantisation with
smaller bandwidth requirements. Here, the binary output representing the most recent
sampled amplitude will be determined on the basis of previous sampled amplitude
levels.
Q-233 Mention some applications of 555 timer:
Ans *Oscillator
*pulse generator
*ramp and square wave generator
*mono-shot multivibrator
*burglar alarm
*traffic light control.
Q-234 What is the need for a tuned amplifier?
Ans In radio or TV receivers, it is necessary to select a particular channel among all other
available channels. Hence some sort of frequency selective circuit is needed that will
allow us to amplify the frequency band required and reject all the other unwanted
signals and this function is provided by a tuned amplifier.
Q-235 Give the classification of tuned amplifier:
Ans (i) Small signal tuned amplifier
*Single tuned
*Double tuned
*Stagger tuned
(ii) Large signal tuned amplifier
Q-236 What is an ideal diode?
Ans An ideal diode is one which offers zero resistance when forward biased and infinite
resistance when reverse biased.
Q-237 Compare ideal diode as a switch.
Ans An ideal diode when forward biased is equivalent a closed (ON) switch and when
reverse biased, it is equivalent to an open (OFF) switch.
Q-238 Define knee/cut-in/threshold voltage of a PN diode.
Ans It is the forward voltage applied across the PN diode below which practically no current
flows.
Q-239 What is the effect of junction temperature on cut-in voltage of a PN diode?
Ans Cut-in voltage of a PN diode decreases as junction temperature increases.
Q-240 What is the effect of junction temperature on forward current and reverse
current of a PN diode?
Ans For the same forward voltage, the forward current of a PN diode increases and reverse
saturation current increases with increase in junction temperature.
Q-241 Differentiate between breakdown voltage and PIV of a PN diode.
Ans The breakdown voltage of a PN diode is the reverse voltage applied to it at which the
PN junction breaks down with sudden rise in reverse current. Whereas, the peak inverse
voltage (PIV) is the maximum reverse voltage that can be applied to the PN junction
without damage to the junction.
Q-242 Differentiate avalanche and zener breakdowns.
Ans Zener Breakdown
1. Breakdown occurs due to heavily doped junction and applied strong electric field.
2. Doping level is high.
3. Breakdown occurs at lower voltage compared to avalanche breakdown.
Avalanche Breakdown
1. Breakdown occurs due to avalanche multiplication between thermally generated
ions.
2. Doping level is low.
3. Breakdown occurs at higher voltage.
Q-243 Differentiate between drift and diffusion currents
Ans Drift Current
1. It is developed due to potential gradient.
2. This phenomenon is found both in metals and semiconductors.
Diffusion Current
1. It is developed to charge concentration gradient.
2. It is found only in semiconductors.
Q-244 List the PN diode parameters.
Ans 1. Bulk Resistance. (rB )
2. Static Resistance/Junction Resistance (or) DC Forward Resistance (Rf or rf)
3. Dynamic Resistance (or) AC Forward Resistance (rd or rf or Rac )
4. Reverse Resistance (Rr )
5. Knee Voltage (Vk )
6. Breakdown Voltage (Vb )
7. Reverse Current (or) Leakage Current
Q-245 State the PN diode ratings.
Ans Even PN-Junction has limiting values of maximum forward current, peak inverse
voltage and maximum power rating.
Q-246 Define reverse recovery time.
Ans It is maximum time taken by the device to switch from ON to OFF stage.
Q-247 List the PN diode switching times.
Ans 1. Recovery Time
*PZM = IZM x VZ
Q-252 State the principle of operation of an LED.
Ans When a free electron from the higher energy level gets recombined with the hole , it
gives out the light output. Here, in case of LEDs, the supply of higher level electrons
is provided by the battery connection.
Q-253 State any four advantages of LED.
Ans
ting temperature.
o Wrist watches.
o Telephones and cellular phones.
o Digital panel meters.
o PCO monitors.
o Calculators.
o For space applications.
o In digital clocks.
o Televisions.
o Automobiles, etc.
Q-259 Compare LEDs and LCDs.
Ans LEDs
1. More power is required.
2. Fastest displays.
3. More life.
4. LED is light source.
5. More temperature range.
6. Mounting is easy.
LCDs
1. Less power is required
2. Slowest displays.
3. Less life.
4. LCD is not light source. It is a light reflector.
5. Less temperature range.
6. Mounting is difficult.
Q-260 Define rectifier. Mention the types.
Ans Rectifier: A rectifier is a circuit that converts AC into pulsing DC. It uses unidirectional
conducting devices like PN diodes.
Rectifiers are classified into two types based on the conduction of AC input.
They are:
Disadvantages.
Types of filter circuits: Depending upon the components used in the filter circuits
and the way they are connected, the filter circuits are classified as:
(i) Shunt capacitor filter
(ii) Series inductor filter
(iii) Choke-input (LC) filter
(iv) Capacitor-input (π) filter.
Q-267 List some advantages and disadvantages of Choke-input filter[CLC) filters.
Ans
Q-268 What is the need for voltage regulators? What are the drawbacks of unregulated
power supply?
Ans An ordinary (unregulated) power supply from the following drawbacks:
ch fluctuates at
different times of the day and is different at different locations.
t of ripples is
not acceptable.
Q-269 Define voltage regulator? List some types.
Ans A voltage regulator is a circuit which makes the rectifier-filter output voltage constant
regardless of the variations in the input voltage or load.
Types of regulators: There are three principal types of regulators, viz.,
Ans Because silicon has smaller cut-off current ICBO , small variations in ICBO due to
variations in temperature and high operating temperature as compared to those in case
of Germanium.
Q-284 Why collector is made larger than emitter and base?
Ans Collector is made physically larger than emitter and base because collector is to
dissipate much power.
Q-285 Why the width of the base region of a transistor is kept very small as compared
to other regions?
Ans Base region of a transistor is kept very small and lightly doped so as to pass most of
the injected charge carriers to the collector.
Q-286 Why emitter is always forward biased with respect to base?
Ans To supply majority charge carrier to the base.
Q-287 Why collector is always reverse biased with respect to base?
Ans To remove the charge carriers away from the collector-base junction.
Q-288 Why CE configuration is most popular in amplifier circuits?
Ans Because it’s current, voltage and power gains are quite high and the ratio of output
impedance and input impedance are quite moderate.
Q-289 Why is CC configuration seldom used?
Ans Because its voltage gain is always less than unity.
Q-290 How many h-parameters are there for a transistor?
Ans Four – hi, ho, hr hf or h11, h12, h21, h22.
Q-291 What are the units for h11 and h22?
Ans h11 – ohm; h22 – mho (or) siemen.
Q-292 What are the parameters hr and h0 called?
Ans hr – reverse transfer voltage.
ho – output admittance.
Q-293 Why h-parameters are called hybrid parameters?
Ans Because they have different units are mixed with other parameters.
Q-294 Which is the smallest of the four h-parameters of a transistor?
Ans h0 or h12
Q-295 What is the typical value of hie?
Ans 1 kΩ
Q-296 Which of the BJT configuration is suitable for impedance matching application
and why?
Ans CC configuration is suitable for impedance matching applications because of very high
input impedance and low output impedance.
Q-297 Give the current gain expression for a common emitter transistor configuration?
Ans γ = ΔIE/ΔIB
Q-298. What are the tools used for small signal analysis of BJT?
Ans i. h – Parameter circuit model.
ii. z – Parameter circuit model.
iii. y – Parameter circuit model.
iv. Trans conductance parameter circuit model.
v. Physical model.
vi. T-model.
Q-299 What is the significance of ICBO and ICO?
Ans ICBO is the leakage current from the collector to base with emitter open. ICO is the
leakage current from collector to emitter with base open (ICO = ICEO).
Q-300 Why field effect transistor are called unipolar transistors?
Ans Because current conduction is by only one type of majority carriers.
Q-301 Why FET’s are so called? (or) Why FETs are voltage controlled devices?
Ans The output characteristics of a FET can be controlled by the applied electric field
(voltage) and hence the name FET and are voltage controlled devices.
Q-302 How is drain current controlled in a JFET?
Ans By controlling the reverse bias given to its gate, i.e., VGS.
Q-303 What is the pinch-off voltage in a JFET?
Ans The value of VDS at which the channel is pinched-off, i.e., all the free charges from
the channel get removed, is called the pinch-off voltage in a JFET.
Q-304 What are the parameters that control the pinch-off voltage of JFET?
Ans Electron charge, donor/acceptor concentration density, permittivity of channel material
and half-width of channel bar.
Q-305 How does the FET behave
(i) For small values of |VDS| and
(ii) For large values of |VDS| ?
Ans (i) FET behaves as an ordinary resistor for small values of |VDS|, i.e., in ohmic region.
(ii) FET behaves as a constant current source for large values of |VDS| till breakdown
occurs.
Q-306 What is meant by saturation region?
Ans The region of drain characteristic of a FET in which drain current remains fairly
constant is called the saturation or pinch-off region.
Q-307 What is meant by drain-source saturation current IDSS?
Ans The drain current in pinch-off region with VDS = 0 is called IDSS.
Q-308 Why is the input impedance of FET very high?
Ans Because it’s input circuit (gate-to-source) is reverse biased and the input gate current
is very small (nA).
Q-309 Why MOSFET is called IGFET?
Ans MOSFET is constructed with the gate terminal insulated from the channel. So it is
called as insulated gate FET or IGFET.
Q-310 Why E-MOSFET is called sometimes normally-off MOSFET?
Ans E-MOSFET operates with large positive gate voltages only and does not conduct when
VGS = 0. So, it is called normally-off MOSFET.
Q-311 What is meant by gate-to-source threshold voltage VGST in E-MOSFET?
Ans It is the minimum value of VGS that is required to form the inversion layer.
Q-312 Why MOSFETs are never connected or disconnected in the circuit when power
is ON?
Ans If a MOSFET is connected or disconnected in a circuit when power is ON, the transient
voltages caused by inductive kickback and other effects may exceed VGS(max) and
thus wipe out the MOSFET.
Q-313 Name the factors which make the JFET superior to BJT?
Ans High input impedance, low output impedance and low noise level.
Q-314 List the JFET parameters.
Ans Trans conductance (gm), drain resistance (rd) and amplification factor (μ)
μ = gm.rd
Q-315 List some applications of JFETs.
Ans 1. Used as buffers in measuring equipment, receivers and other general purpose
devices.
2. Used in RF amplifiers of FM tuners and communication equipment.
3. Used in mixer circuits in FM and TV receivers and communication equipment.
4. Used in cascade amplifiers in measuring and test equipment.
5. Used as voltage variable resistor (VVR) in OP-AMPs and tone controls.
6. Used in hearing aids and inductive transducers.
7. Used in oscillator circuits.
8. As the physical size is small, it finds use in digital circuits in computers, large scale
integration (LSI) and memory circuits.
9. Used as current sources.
Q-316 List some advantages of MOSFETs.
Ans MOSFETs combine the inherent advantages of solid-state devices such as:
1. Small size
2. Low power consumption
3. Simplicity of construction
4. Mechanical ruggedness.
With the inherent advantages of electron tubes such as: 1. Very high input impedance
2. Square law transfer characteristics.
Q-317 What is a differential amplifier?
Ans An amplifier, which is designed to give the difference between two input signals, is
called the differential amplifier.
Q-318 What is the function of a differential amplifier?
Ans The function of a differential amplifier is to amplify the difference of two signal inputs
Q-319 When two signals V1 and V2 are connected to the two inputs of a difference
amplifier, define a difference signal Vd and common-mode signal Vc
Ans The difference signal Vd is defined as the difference of the two signal inputs,
i.e., Vd = V1 – V2
The common-mode signal Vc is defined as the average of the two signals,
I.e., Vc = .5(V1 + V2)
Q-320 What is the differential-mode voltage gain of a differential amplifier?
Ans It is given by , Ad = .5(A1 - A2)
Q-321 What is the common-mode gain AC in terms of A1 and A2?
Ans It is given by Ac = A1 + A2
Q-322 Define CMRR.
Ans The common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of a differential amplifier is defined as the
ratio of the differential-mode gain to common-mode gain.
CMRR = |Ad/Ac|
Q-323 What are the ideal values of Ad and Ac with reference to the differential
amplifier?
Ans Ideally, Ac should be zero and Ad should be large, ideally infinite.
Q-324 Express CMRR in d
Ans CMRR (dB) = 20 log Ad – 20log Ac.
Q-325 What are advantages of differential amplifier?
Q-338 What are the conditions for a series RC circuit to act as an integrator?
Ans i. RC Greater than T
ii. R ≥ 10XC
Q-339 List the applications of low-pass RC circuits.
Ans 1. Used as bypass capacitors.
2. To perform mathematical integration in analog computers.
3. To generate triangular and ramp waveforms.
4. Used to discriminate pulses of different lengths.
Q-340 What are the characteristics of pulse waveforms?
Ans Rise time, fall time and tilt.
Q-341 Define Clamping.
Ans Clamping is the process of shifting the input signal above or below the zero level. By
clamping the input signal suitably, we can introduce (insert) any required DC level into
the signal. So clampers are also called DC level restorers.
Q-342 What is a Clamper?
Ans The circuit with which the waveform can be shifted, such that, a particular part of it
(say positive or negative peak) is maintained at a specified level, is called a “clamping
circuit or simply, clamper”.
Q-343 List the types of Clampers.
Ans 1. Positive Clamper
2. Negative Clamper
3. Biased Clamper
Q-344 What is the function of a positive clamper?
Ans It shifts the signal towards the positive side such that the negative side of the signal
reduces to zero.
Q-345 What is the function of a negative clamper?
Ans It shifts the signal towards to negative side such that the positive side of the signal
reduces to zero.
Q-346 What is biased clamper?
Ans A biased clamper means that clamping can be done at any voltage level other than zero.
Q-347 List the applications of Clampers.
Ans 1. They are used in T.V. receivers to restore the original DC reference signal
(corresponding to the brightness level of the picture) to the video signal.
2. They are used to produce a DC voltage is a multiple of peak AC input voltage i.e.,
they are used a as voltage multipliers.
3. They are used to supply power to high voltage/low current devices like CRTs used
in T.V receivers, CROs and computer displays.
Q-348 Define clipper?
Ans The circuit with which the waveform is shaped by removing (or clipping) a certain
portion of the input signal voltage above or below a present level is called clipping
circuit or simply, clipper. They are used to limit the amplitude of the input signal.
Q-349 List the types of clippers.
Ans . Based on limiting action:
1. Positive Clipper
2. Negative Clipper
3. Biased Clipper
4. Combination Clipper
Q-350 What is the difference between the output from a clipper and a clamper?
ENGINEERING FUNDA YOUTUBE CHANNEL PROF. HITESH DHOLAKIYA
ANALOG ELECTRONICS VIVA QUESTIONS
Ans The output of a clipper appears as if a portion of the input signal were clipped off, but
a clamper simply shifts the input to a different DC level.
Q-351 What is the difference between positive and negative clippers?
Ans The positive clippers removes the positive half cycles, while the negative clipper
removes the negative half cycles, of the input waveform.
Q-352 What is the difference between positive and negative clampers?
Ans A positive clamper pushes the signal on the positive side or upward while a negative
clamper pushes the signal on the negative side or downward.
Q-353 A clamper circuit sometimes uses a DC battery in addition to diode, a capacitor
and a resistor. Why?
Ans To cause an additional shift.
Q-354 How does a clamper affect the peak-to-peak and RMS values of a waveform?
Ans No change.
Q-355 List the applications of clippers.
Ans 1. They are used to remove unwanted portions like noise accumulated on peaks of
waveforms.
2. They are used in T.V receivers to separate since pulses from the composite video
signal.
3. Two level clippers are used as square wave generators.
4. They are used in PPM modulators.
Q-356 What is a multivibrator? List the different types of multivibrators.
Ans A Multivibrator is basically a two stage amplifier with 100% feedback between the
two stages such that output of one is fed back to the other.
The feedback from one stage to the other is so arranged that when one transistor is
drive to cut-off, the other is driven to saturation. Thus at any particular instant of time,
one transistor is ON and the other is OFF.
Types: There are three basic types of multivibrators depending on the type of coupling
network used. They are:
1. Astable multivibrators (AMV) or free running generator.
2. Monostable multivibrator (MMV) or one-shot multivibrator or univibration.
3. Bistable multivibrator (BMV) or flip-flop.
4. An AMV uses capacitive coupling.
5. An MMV uses RC coupling.
6. An BMV uses resistive coupling.
Q-357 What is AMV? Why is it called a square wave generator?
Ans An AMV is essentially a two-stage RC coupled amplifier with output of one stag
supplied back to the input of another stage.
An AMV generates square wave of known frequency (or period). So, it is called a
“square wave generator”.
Q-358 How does a MMV circuit be constructed from a AMV?
Ans By replacing one R-C timing circuit by a DC voltage divider.
Q-359 What is the function of commutating capacitors in multivibrator?
Ans To improve the switching characteristics of the circuit.
Q-360 Why are monostable Multivibrators called one-short Multivibrators?
Ans They generate one output pulse for every trigger pulse and hence the name “one shot
Multivibrators or univibrators”.
Q-361 Whey the BMV is called a flip-flop?
Ans In a BMV, one trigger pulse causes the Multivibrator to flip from one state to the other
state and the next pulse causes it to flop back to its original state. So, it is called the
flip flop.
Q-362 What are the applications of AMVs?
Ans AMVs are used as
1. Square wave generators.
2. Voltage to frequency converters.
3. Pulse synchronization circuits.
4. Clock for binary logic signals.
Q-363 What are the applications of MMVs?
Ans MMVs are used for
1. Generation of well-defined pulses
2. Logic design of pulse delay
3. Variable pulse width
Q-364 What are the applications of BMVs?
Ans BMVs are used as
1. Memory elements in shift registers, counters, etc.,
Q365 What are the applications of Schmitt trigger?
Ans 1. Amplitude comparator
2. Squaring circuit
3. Flip flop
Q-366 Why an AMV is called free running relaxation oscillator?
Ans Because it runs and relaxes alternately.
Q-367 Which portion of the UJT characteristic is used to make UJT to generate saw
tooth waves?
Ans Negative resistance region.
Q-368 Define PN junction.
Ans When a p type semiconductor is joined to an N type semiconductor the contact surface
is called PN junction.
Q-369 Explain the forward bias of diode (PN junction).
Ans If p type terminal is connected to Anode (positive electrode), and N type terminal is
connected to cathode (Negative electrode) it is known as forward bias. At forward
bias, large current will flow in the range of milli amperes (10-3A). Forward bias is
equivalent to short circuit.
Q-370 Explain reverse bias of diode (PN Junction).
Ans If p type is connected to cathode and N type is connected to anode, it is reverse bias.
At reverse bias, small current will flow in the range of micro amperes (10^-6). Reverse
bias is equivalent to open circuit.
Q-371 Explain the V-I characteristics of PN Junction diode.
Ans It is a graph drawn between voltage in x axis and current in y axis.
Q-372 Define knee voltage.
Ans It is the forward voltage of a PN diode at which the current thorough the junction starts
increasing rapidly.
Q-373 Define breakdown voltage.
Ans It is the reverse voltage of a PN junction diode at which the junction breaks down with
sudden rise in the reverse current.
Q-374 Explain the Half wave circuit.
Ans Half wave rectifier circuit consists of one Semiconductor Diode D1 and load
Resistance RL. That is current will flow during positive half cycle and no current will
be conducted during negative half cycle.
Q-375 List the advantages of full bridge rectifier.
Ans 1. Centre-tapped transformer is not needed.
2. For the same secondary voltage, the output is doubled than that of the centre-tap
circuit.
Q-376 Define Zener diode.
Ans A zener diode is a properly doped crystal diode which has a sharp breakdown voltage.
Q-377 Compare between half wave and full wave rectifiers.
Ans 1. The efficiency of a full wave rectifier is double that of a half wave rectifier
2. The ripple factor is large and frequency of voltage is low in a half wave rectifier,
hence the waveform cannot be easily smoothed whereas in full wave rectifier, the
frequency is large therefore can be filtered easily with simple filtering circuits.
Q-378 Define ripple factor
Ans The ripple factor is a measure of purity of the dc output of a rectifier and is defined as
r = rms value of the component of wave / average or dc value
Q-379 What is rectifier efficiency?
Ans The rectification efficiency tells us what percent of total input ac power is converted
into useful dc output power. Thus rectification efficiency is defined as
η = dc power delivered to load / ac input power from transformer secondary
Q-380 Define voltage regulation(rectifier)
Ans Voltage regulation is a measure of the ability of a rectifier to maintain a specified
output voltage with the variation of load resistance and is defined as follows.
Voltage regulation = (output at no load - output at full load) / output at full load
Q-381 List the classification of filters
Ans 1. Low pass filter which transmits low frequencies to the load and attenuates high
frequencies.
2. High pass filter which transmit high frequencies.
3. Band pass filter which transmits a band of frequencies.
Q-382 Define LED.
Ans The PN junction diode can emit light through a process known as electroluminescence.
When a diode is forward biased, majority of the carriers on both side of the junction
will cross the junction potential barrier. This recombination emission is responsible for
the diode emitting light.
Q-383 Define LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
Ans A thin film of LC fluid is sandwiched between two glass plates. The glass plates are
coated with conductive transparent in the film formed of the desired alpha numeric
image. LCD’s consume less power and have the shortest life.
Q-384 Mention the types of LCD.
Ans 1. Dynamic scattering
2. Field effect.
Q-385 Mention the materials used in LED.
Ans 1. Gallium Arsenic Zinc Antimony.
2. Gallium Phosphorous.
3. GA As Ps.
4. Ga PN.
Q-386 Define Amplifier.
Q-398 In a transistor operating in the active region although the collector junction is
reverse biased, the collector current is quite large.
Ans Forward biasing the input side and reverse biasing the output side are the requirements
of a transistor in the active region. The collector current is experimentally equal to the
emitter current. Therefore the collector current will be large as emitter current is large
on the other hand, in CE operation IB is multiplied by β, hence we get large collector
current.
Q-399 Why CE configuration is considered to be the most versatile one?
Ans The common emitter configuration provides very good voltage gain about 500CE
configuration finds excellent usage in audio frequency applications, hence used in
receivers and transmitter.
Q-400 Define bipolar junction transistors.
Ans These devices operate with both holes and electrons and hence are called bipolar
junction.
Q-401 Write the junction transistor operation may be drawn from the analysis.
Ans 1. The major charge carriers in the PNP junction transistor are holes.
2. The major charge carriers in the NPN junction transistor are electrons.
Q-402 Define JFET
Ans A Junction field effect Transistor is a three terminal semiconductor device in which
current conduction is by one type of carrier (i.e., either electron or holes)
Q-403 Define channel.
Ans It is a bar like structure which determines the type of FET. Different types of N channel
are FET and P channel FET.
Q-404 Explain the biasing of JFET.
Ans Input is always reverse biased and output is forward biased. (Note: In transistor input
is forward biased and output is reverse biased).
Q-405 Define Drain resistance.
Ans It is the ratio of change in Drain – source voltage (ΔVDS) to the change in Drain current
(ΔID) at constant gate source voltage (VGS).
Q-406 Define Trans conductance.
Ans It is the ratio of change in drain current (ΔID) to the change in Gate – Source Voltage
(ΔVGS) at constant Drain – Source voltage(VDS)
Q-408 Write the advantages of JFET
Ans 1. Input impedance of JFET is very high. This allows high degree of Isolation between
the Input and Output circuit.
2. Current carriers are not crossing the junction hence noise is reduced drastically
Q-409 Mention the two types of field effect transistors
Ans 1. N-channel FET
2. P-channel FET
Q-410 Define pinch off voltage.
Ans As the reverse bias is further increased, the effective width of the channel decreases,
the depletion region or the space charge region widens, reaching further into the
channel and restricting the passage of electrons from the source to drain. Finally at a
certain gate to source voltage VGS = VP.
Q-411 Explain the depletion node of operation in MOSFET.
Ans When the gate is at negative bias, the thickness of the depletion layer further increases
owing to the further increase of the induced positive charge. Thus the drain current
decreases, as the gate is made more negative. This is called depletion mode of
operation.
Q-412 Explain the term Drain in FET.
Ans The drain is the terminal through which the current leaves the bar. Convention current
entering the bar is designated as ID.
Q-413 Explain the terms source in FET.
Ans The source is the terminal through which the current enters the bar. Conventional
current entering the bar is designated as IS.
Q-414 Define the term Gate in FET.
Ans The gate consists of either P+ or N+ impurity regions, heavily doped and diffused to
the bar. This region is always reverse biased and in fact, controls the drain current ID.
Q-415 Write the relative disadvantages of an FET over that of a BJT.
Ans 1. The gain bandwidth product in case of a FET is low as compared with a BJT.
2. The category, called MOSFET, is extremely sensitive to handling therefore
additional precautions have to be considered while handling.
Q-416 Mention the methods used for biasing circuits in FET.
Ans 1. Self-bias.
2. Potential divider bias.
Q-417 Explain the term MOSFET.
Ans In the insulated gate FET, conductivity is controlled by the potential on the insulated
metal plate lying on the top of the channel the insulated gate field effect transistor is
often called metallic oxide semiconductor FET.
Q-418 Mention the types of feedback.
Ans 1. Positive or regenerative feedback.
2. Negative of degenerative feedback.
Q-419 Define feedback.
Ans The process of injecting a fraction of the output voltage of an amplifier into the input
so that it becomes a part of the input is known as feedback.
Q-420 Define positive feedback.
Ans It is the feedback voltage in phase with the input from the source; it reinforces the
original input signal and is called positive or regenerative feedback.
Q-421 Define Negative feedback.
Ans If the feedback voltage is opposite in phase to the input from the source, i.e., opposes
the original input signal and is called negative or degenerative feedback
Q-422 Mention the four connections in Feedback
Ans 1. Voltage series feedback.
2. Voltage shunt feedback
3. Current series feedback.
4. Current shunt feedback.
Q-423 Explain the voltage series feedback.
Ans In this case, the feedback voltage is derived from the output voltage and fed in series
with input signal. The input of the amplifier and the feedback network are in series is
also known as series parallel in parallel, hence this configuration is also known as series
parallel feedback network.
Q-424 Explain the voltage shunt feedback.
Ans The input of amplifier and the feedback network are in parallel and known as parallel
– parallel feedback network. This type of feedback to the ideal current to voltage
converter, a circulating having very low input impedance and very low output
impedance.
Q-425 Explain the current series feedback.
Ans When the feedback voltage derived from the load current and is fed in series with the
input signal, the feedback is said to be current series feedback, the inputs of the
amplifier and the feedback network are in series and the output are also in series. This
configuration is also called as series-series feedback configuration.
Q-426 Explain the current shunt feedback.
Ans When the feedback voltage is derived from the load current and a fed in parallel with
the input signal, the feedback is said to be current shunt feedback. Herein the inputs of
the amplifier and the feedback network are in parallel and the outputs are in series.
This configuration is also known as parallel series feedback.
Q-427 Write the effects of negative feedback.
Ans 1. The gain becomes stabilized with respect to changes in the amplifier active device
parameters like hfe.
2. The non-linear distortion is reduced there by increasing the signal handling capacity
or the dynamic range of the amplifier.
Q-428 Write the conditions for a circuit to oscillate.
Ans 1. The oscillator circuit should consist of an amplifier and a portion of the output
should be feedback to the input. For sustained oscillations, the feedback voltage must
be in phase with the input, i.e., total phase shift around the loop must be 360°.
2. The amount of energy or power feedback to the input must be sufficient to the input
circuit.
Q-429 Mention the classification of oscillators.
Ans According to the frequency determining networks,
1. RC oscillators
2. LC oscillators
3. Crystal oscillators
Q-430 List the advantages of phase shift oscillator.
Ans 1. The phase shift oscillator does not required conductance or transformers.
2. It is suitable for the low frequency range i.e., from a few hertz to several hundred
KHz. The upper frequency is limited because the impedance of RC network may
become so small that it loads the amplifier heavily.
Q-431 Write the disadvantages of Phase shift oscillator.
Ans 1. It is necessary to change the C or R in all the three RC networks simultaneously for
changing the frequency of oscillations. This is practically difficult.
2. It is not suitable for high frequencies.
Q-432 Write the main drawback of LC oscillators
Ans 1. The frequency stability is not very good.
2. They are too bulky and expensive and cannot be used to generate low frequencies.
Q-433 Define Piezo electric effect.
Ans Certain crystal, when suitable wt, develop a potential difference between opposite
faces, magnitude and polarity of which depends on pressure or tension applied to the
other pair of perpendicular faces. This effect is called Piezo electric effect.
Q-434 Define differential amplifier.
Ans When two or more input is applied to the amplifier and receive the single output is
called differential amplifier.
VO = V1 - V2
Ans It is also called the one shot multivibrator. The one shot multivibrator is driven, it is
not free running unlike the bistable trigger, and the monostable has one stable state to
which it returns after the eternal driving pulse has caused it to execute its cycle.
Q-449 Define Schmitt Trigger.
Ans When the input is sinusoidal signal and converted to square waveform in output is
called Schmitt trigger. Generation of pulses when the voltage level rises to a certain
value is achieved by using a circuit.
Q-450 Define high pass filter.
Ans At very high frequencies the capacitor acts as a virtual short circuit and the output falls
to zero. Hence this circuit passes the low frequencies of the input and attenuates the
high frequency is called low pass filter.
Q-451 Define duty cycle.
Ans It is the ration of the ON period to the total period.
(T = TON + TOFF)
Therefore, Duty cycle = Ton/T
Q-452 Write the application of Astable Multivibrator.
Ans 1. The astable multivibrator is used as square wave generator, voltage to frequency
convertor and in pulse synchronization, as clock for binary logic signals and so on.
2. Since it produces square waves it is a source of production of harmonic frequencies
of higher order,
Q-453 Write the applications of monostable multivibrator.
Ans 1. The monostable multivibrator is used to function as an adjustable pulse width
generator.
2. It is used to generate uniform width pulses from a variable width input pulse train.