SCHOOL: SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

COURSE: BSc ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING

UNIT NAME: ANALOG ELECTRONICS II

UNIT CODE: EEE 3209

EXPERIMENT TITLE: CLASS B AMPLIFIERS

EXPERIMENT DATE: 29/03/2023

SUBMISSION DATE: 6/04/2023

Group member Registration number

ABSTRACT
A Class B amplifier is a type of amplifier that uses two transistors, one for the positive half of the input
signal and one for the negative half. Each transistor operates for only half of the input signal cycle, which

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results in a high efficiency and low crossover distortion. An elementary class B amplifier was designed
from principles reviewed in class. The amplifier was constructed during the laboratory period and
measurements carefully taken to verify that the design was correct and that all results agreed with
theoretical predictions. Extensive calculations were made to ensure that the amplifier data agreed
accurately with theory before leaving the laboratory. This helped us conclude on the characteristics of
class B amplifiers.

INTRODUCTION
Class B amplifiers are a type of amplifier that are commonly used in audio applications due to their high
efficiency, low distortion, and high output power. They use two transistors, one for the positive half of
the input signal and one for the negative half, which results in a more accurate output signal with less
distortion. Class B amplifiers are also known for their high efficiency, as they only use one transistor at a
time and have low quiescent current.

In this lab report, we will investigate the performance characteristics of a Class B amplifier. We will
measure the amplifier's gain, frequency response, distortion, and output power, and analyze the effects
of changing the input signal characteristics. We will also explore the importance of proper biasing,
impedance matching, and grounding techniques in order to minimize sources of error and improve the
amplifier's performance.

. A class A amplifier is conducting through all the period of the signal; Class B only for one-half the input period,
class C for much less than half the input period. A Class D amplifier operates its output device in a switching
manner; the fraction of the time that the device is conducting is adjusted so a pulse-width modulation output is
obtained from the stage. Additional letter classes are defined for special-purpose amplifiers, with additional active
elements or particular power supply improvements; sometimes a new letter symbol is used by a manufacturer to
promote its proprietary design.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this experiment are;
 Study of a “single ended” amplifier
 Study of a “push-pull” amplifier

THEORY
Class B amplifier
Class B amplifier can be defined as, whenever the collector current (Ic) supplies simply throughout the positive half
cycle of the input signal, then this is called class B amplifier. This is one kind of power amplifier that uses two
complementary types of transistors (PNP &NPN) to conduct the half cycles of the i/p signal. So, the conduction of
this amplifier is 180 degrees. When one of the complementary transistors is positively biased, another transistor
will be turned off, so it will conduct the positive signal.

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Similarly, when the transistor is negative biased then it will conduct a negative signal so the positive transistor will
be turned off and the negative transistor will be turned ON. These alternate two complementary transistors cause
the crossover distortion in the output signal. But this alternate switching generates low heat & increases efficiency
to 78% so that it can be used in battery-operated devices.
Transformer Coupled Class B Amplifier Circuit
The class B power amplifier’s efficiency is higher as compared to class A because, in class B, there is no DC base
bias current because its quiescent current (IQ) is zero so that the DC power is very small. In a Class-B amplifier, the
transistors are biased to cutoff, so that there is no power dissipation of transistor when there is no i/p signal. So
this gives great efficiency to Transformer Coupled Class B Amplifier than the Class-A circuit. The circuit diagram of
the transformer-coupled class b amplifier is shown below.

This circuit can be configured by using two identical transistors like T1 & T2. The base terminals of these two
transistors are simply connected to the center-tapped i/p transformer (Tr1) whereas the emitter terminals are
shorted and the collector terminals are connected to VCC using a Tr2 transformer. The arrangement of this class-b
push-pull amplifier circuit can be done similarly to the class A push-pull amplifier apart from the biasing resistors in
class-A, biased transistors are used in class-B at the cut-off region.

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Class B Amplifier Working
From the above circuit diagram, we can conclude that both the transformers like TR1 & TR2 are center-tapped. At
the input, no signal is applied then both the transistors will be in the cut-off region, and thus no flow of current
throughout the collector terminal. When no current is used from VCC, then there is no waste of power.
Once the input signal is applied to the circuit, then it is supplied to the Tr1 transformer then it divides the signal
into two separate signals. These two signals are 180 degrees out of phase through each other. These signals are
directly given to the two T1 & T2 transistors. For the upper half cycle, the T1 transistor’s base terminal will become
positive & current flows throughout the collector.
Simultaneously, the T2 transistor has a lower (-Ve) half cycle, which moves the T2 transistor into the cutoff region
& thus there is no flow of current through the collector terminal. The output waveform is generated like the
following. So, for both the upper (+ve) and lower (-ve) cycles, every transistor will conduct alternately. The Tr3
output transformer serves to connect the two currents generating an almost exact o/p waveform.

Cross Over Distortion

Whenever the transistors start conduction just after the amplitude of the input signal has increased above 0.7V,
then the input signal regions where the amplitude is below 0.7V will be not there with the output signal, known as
cross-over distortion. The cross-over distortion waveform is shown below. So in this diagram, you can notice that
the input waveform regions which are below 0.7V are not there within the o/p waveform.

Power calculations
1. Useful power
When the voltage across the load R L has a max. amplitude V M , the useful power dissipated in the load is:

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 VM 2

PU =
2 ⋅R L
2. Power Pcc supplied by the power supply
This is the average value of the power supplied by the power supplies, and is:
2 V cc V M
Pcc =
( π R L)
3. Power dissipated in the transistor
This is the average value of the power dissipated in each transistor:
Vcc V M V M 2

P D= −
π RL 4 ⋅ RL
P D is max. if;
V
V M = 2 cc
π
So:
2
V cc
P Dmax= 2
π RL
P Umax
which corresponds to
5

4. Efficiency
It is defined as the ratio between the useful power o the load Pu and that supplied by the power supply Pcc:
PU π V M
η= =
PCC 4 V Cc
From this we see that the efficiency is a linear function of V M , and is max. for;

( π
V M =V c η max= =78.5 %
4 )
The practical efficiency of the amplifiers in class B is actually around the 70% mark
Advantages
The advantages of a class B amplifier include the following.
1. High efficiency: Class B amplifiers have high efficiency, as they use only one transistor to amplify
the positive or negative half of the input signal, and the other half is handled by another
transistor. This reduces power dissipation and increases efficiency.
2. Low crossover distortion: Class B amplifiers have low crossover distortion, as each transistor
only amplifies one half of the input signal, and the output signal is recombined at the output
stage. This leads to a more accurate output signal with less distortion.
3. Low quiescent current: Class B amplifiers have low quiescent current, as the transistors are only
conducting when there is an input signal present. This reduces power consumption and heat
dissipation.
4. High output power: Class B amplifiers can deliver high output power, making them suitable for
use in applications where high power is required, such as audio amplifiers.

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 5. Simple circuitry: Class B amplifiers have a relatively simple circuitry, as they only use two
transistors and a few other components, making them easy to design and build.

Disadvantages
The disadvantages of class B amplifiers include the following.
 Crossover distortion can be created in these types of amplifiers
 Distortion is more as compared to class A
 The current supply will be changed through signal so stabilized supply is necessary.
 It is very difficult to obtain two complementary transistors with the same characteristics.
 We need both positive & negative voltage supplies.
 No need for self-bias.
 When transformers are connected to this amplifier circuit then size & cost can be increased.
 Transformer coupling can cause vibrations within the output, so it will affect the frequency
response.
Applications
The applications of class B amplifiers include the following.
 These are mainly used in the low-cost design.
 These amplifiers are very significant as compared to the class-A amplifiers.
 This type of amplifier suffers mainly from distortion if the level of signal is low.
 These are mainly used in two complementary transistors like bipolar and FET.
Thus, this is all about an overview of the class b power amplifier and its working. These are preferred
highly over Class A amplifier designs in high-power applications like PA systems & audio power
amplifiers. Similar to a class-A amplifier, one method is used to boost the current gain of the Class B
push-pull amplifier by using Darlington transistors pairs in place of single transistors within its output
circuitry. Here is a question for you, what are Class b power amplifier types?

APPARATUS
1. Function generator
2. Oscilloscope
3. Multimeter

PROCEDURE

PART A

1. all jumpers were disconnected all switches S off

2. jumpers J54, J55, J56, J57 were inserted to obtain a circuit shown in the manual.
3. trimmer RV11 was adjusted to have a collector voltage of 6 V of T7
4. voltage across R33 and R34 was measured and recorded,
5. The function generator was connected at terminals 14 and 15 with a sine wave 1kHz and V pp= 4
v. The amplitude of the output signal was then measured and checked if the output was
distorted and calculated Gain of the amplifier.
6. Switch S6 was turned on and answered the questions.
7. S6 off was turned off, the function generator was adjusted to obtain max amplitude without
distortions and calculated: Useful power P U, Power PCC supplied by the power supply and Power
dissipated in the transistor PD.
PART B

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 1. power supply was Switched off and removed all jumpers
2. Jumpers J48, J49, J50, J51, J52, J53 were inserted and trimmer RV9 & RV10 Adjusted to mid
position
3. Switch on power supply & adjust trimmer RV8 to obtain a voltage V CEQ of about 5V across T3
4. RV9 was adjusted so that dc voltages present across the bases of the two transistors T4 & T5
are equal.
5. the function generator was connected at terminals 13 and ground with a sine wave 1kHz
and 4 VPP.
6. the oscilloscope was connected channel 1 at terminal 13 (i/p signal) and channel 2 across
R28(o/p signal)
7. RV10 was adjusted to obtain max amplitude of the o/p signal with min distortion.
8. switch S10 was turned on and answered question Q5
9. S10 was turned off, displayed o/p signal across R28 and collector voltage T3 on the
oscilloscope. Increase the amplitude of input signal and observe the distortions on o/p signal
10. S4 was turned on and answered question 6 after which turn it off and display o/p voltage
across R28
11. the signal generator was adjusted to produce a max output signal without distortion
12. the amplitude VM of the o/p signal was measured and calculated useful power P U , Power
supplied by the power supply PCC and Power dissipated by one transistor PD .
DATA COLLECTION AND PRESENTATION

Useful power

Pu = 3.047 x 10-2w

Power supplied by the power supply (Pcc)

Pcc = 4.048 x 10-2W

The power dissipated in the transistor (PD

PD = 4.97*10-3W

DATA ANALYSIS, DISCUSSION & BRAINSTROM QUESTIONS

QN 1 In this condition what is current through load R35

The current is zero

Voltage across R33 and R34 is 0.0 volts

Output signal is 6.8 volts and the wave has crossover distortion

Gain of the amplifier =Vout/Vin=6.08/3.84=1.58 approx. 2

QN 2 What is the effect on the output signal

The signal has distortions on the positive half waves

QN 3 What is the reason for this

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 100Ὤ resistor has been set in parallel to the resistor R30

Power calculations

Useful power

Pu=Vm2/2.RL RL= 2.17K

Vm= 11.5V
Pu= (11.5)2/(2 x 2170) = 3.047 x 10-2w

Power supplied by the power supply (Pcc)

Pcc=2 x Vcc x Vm/( π.RL)

=2 X 12 X 11.5/( π X2170)
= 4.048 x 10-2W

The power dissipated in the transistor (PD)

PD= (Vcc*Vm/ π. RL)-Vm2/4.RL

(12*11.5/ π*2.17*103) -(11.52/4*2.17*103)

0.02024-0.01527

=4.97*10-3W

Question 4:

What differences can be noticed between the two signals?

Ans: The output signal is higher than the input one but has small distortions when passing through zero

Question 5:

By considering the change in the signals displayed on the oscilloscope, we can say that:

Ans: The emitter resistance of T3 has changed.

Question 6:

The output signal has changed. What is the reason for this?

Ans: The biasing of T4 and T5 is incorrect

Question 7:

The operation of an amplifier in class B is characterized by conduction angles:

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Ans: Equal to 180 degrees

Question 8:

The operation of an amplifier in class A-B is characterized by the conduction angle:

Ans: Greater than 180 degrees

In other words, it is between 180-360 degrees

Question 9:

To eliminate the cross-over distortion in push-pull amplifiers, you must?

Ans: Bias the bases of the transistor to the threshold voltage (class A-B)

SOURCES OF ERROR

1. Impedance mismatch: Impedance mismatch between the amplifier and the load can lead to a
reduction in power transfer and distortion in the output signal.
2. Power supply noise: Noise in the power supply can couple into the amplifier circuit and cause
distortion in the output signal.
3. A variable power supply displays the output voltages on its main screen. For the time being, the
accuracy of components decreases and your supply might display wrong results. Such cases are
common in general labs where supplies are used thousands of times.
4. Zero errors of the voltmeter and ammeter. This is when there is a measurement reading on the
meter even before using it; it can be positive zero error or negative zero error.
5. Unstable measurements on the meters-measurements were fluctuating so we had to take one
measurement within the range which isn’t so accurate approach.

CONCLUSION

The experiment demonstrated the behavior and characteristics of a single-ended amplifier and push-up
amplifiers.

The amplifier's gain and frequency response were measured, and it was found to have a limited
frequency range.

The experiment demonstrated the importance of proper biasing and grounding techniques in order to
minimize sources of error and improve the amplifier's performance.

Push-Pull Amplifier:

The experiment demonstrated the behavior and characteristics of a push-pull amplifier.

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The amplifier's gain, frequency response, and distortion were measured, and it was found to have better
performance than a single-ended amplifier.

The effects of changing the input signal amplitude and frequency were investigated, and it was found
that the amplifier's performance is dependent on the input signal characteristics.

The experiment demonstrated the importance of proper impedance matching, biasing, and grounding
techniques in order to minimize sources of error and improve the amplifier's performance

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Impedance matching: Use a load with the appropriate impedance to match the amplifier output
impedance.
2. Zero error should be corrected by adjusting the deflection if it a deflection type meter or set from
the manufacturer if it is a digital meter.
3. The reading should be in multiple of least count.
4. Power supply noise: Use a regulated power supply with low noise levels to minimize noise coupling
into the amplifier circuit.
5. The probes used should be of low resistance so that accurate measurements can be obtained.

6. The ammeter is used to measure the current. It always connects in series with the circuit. Wrong
connecting the ammeter will damage the instrument. The voltmeter measures the potential
difference between two points. It connects in parallel to the circuit. Wrong connecting the voltmeter
will yield wrong readings.
REFERENCES

 https://books.google.com/books?id=dm-
HZg99pkIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=class+a+amplifier&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=1&sa
=X&ved=2ahUKEwjD7PHv6_79AhXwUKQEHfWKCiEQ6AF6BAgHEAI
 https://www.elprocus.com/class-b-amplifier/#:~:text=Class%20B%20amplifier%20can%20be,is
%20called%20class%20B%20amplifier.
 https://www.elprocus.com/what-is-a-push-pull-amplifier-circuit-diagram-and-its-working-
principle/

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