KONERU LAKSHMAIAH EDUCATION FOUNDATION

(Deemed to be University estd, u/s, 3 of the UGC Act, 1956)

(NAAC Accredited “A++” Grade University)

Green Fields, Guntur District, A.P., India – 522502

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

(DST - FIST Sponsored Department)

B.Tech. III ECE PROGRAM

A.Y.2023-24 ODD, Semester-I
21EC3061 Analog VLSI Design
CO1

Session 5: Common source amplifier - II

1. Course Description (Description of the subject)

Analog VLSI Design is a course offered to create academically and practically skilled
students in designing analog circuits required as building blocks for real-time applications.
This course provides insights into amplifiers, Op-amps and mixer circuits. During this course,
the students will learn about analyzing the different parameters of a circuit by varying loads
and configurations.

2. Aim

To study the CS amplifier with different configurations and analyze the gain and related
issues.

3. Instructional Objectives (Course Objectives)

 Apply the fundamentals of MOS transistors for the design of single stage amplifiers.
 Realize the active & passive current Mirrors and analyze the differential amplifiers
with qualitative and quantative approaches.
 Analyze the CMOS Op Amps, and various types of Op Amps with qualitative and
quantative approaches.
 Analyze the high frequency response of CS, CG and CD amplifiers and noise analysis
of various amplifiers and mixers.

4. Learning Outcomes (Course Outcome)

CO1: Apply the fundamentals of MOS transistors for the design of single stage amplifiers.

5. Module Description (CO-1 Description)

Remember the basics properties of MOS Devices. Understand the functionality and Electrical
Properties of MOS Devices. Understand and apply the concept of various amplifiers to find
the circuit parameters.

6. Session Introduction

“Common source amplifier - II”

The session provides insights to design a simple CS single stage amplifier and study different
parameters affecting the gain of the amplifier.

7. Session description

7.1 Common source stage with source degeneration

In a Common Source (CS) amplifier stage with source degeneration, a resistor is added in
series with the source terminal of the MOSFET. This configuration provides several benefits,
including improved linearity, increased stability, and better control over the amplifier's gain.

Fig.1 CS stage with source degeneration

The CS amplifier stage with source degeneration operates as follows:

The input voltage, Vin, is applied to the gate terminal of the MOSFET. The MOSFET
amplifies the input voltage, and the amplified signal appears at the drain terminal. The source
resistor (RS) is connected in series with the source terminal of the MOSFET. The source
resistor provides degeneration, introducing negative feedback that improves linearity and
stability of the amplifier. The amplified output voltage is taken at the drain terminal. By
adjusting the value of the source resistor (R S), designers can control the gain of the CS
amplifier stage and achieve desired trade-offs between gain, linearity, and stability. The
source degeneration technique is commonly used in amplifier designs to enhance
performance in various applications, including audio amplification, instrumentation
amplifiers, and signal processing.

The voltage gain of a Common Source (CS) amplifier with source degeneration can be
calculated using the following formula:

Av = -gm * (RD || RL)

Where:

Av is the voltage gain of the amplifier.

 gm is the transconductance of the MOSFET.

RD is the drain resistor.

RL is the load resistor.

Here are the steps to calculate the voltage gain:

Calculate the transconductance (gm) of the MOSFET. The transconductance is given by

the formula gm = 2 * sqrt(Kp * ID), where Kp is the transconductance parameter of the
MOSFET and ID is the bias current. Determine the effective resistance seen at the drain
terminal. In the presence of source degeneration, the effective resistance is the parallel
combination of the drain resistor (RD) and the load resistor (RL), represented as RD ||
RL. Calculate the voltage gain (Av) using the formula Av = -gm * (RD || RL). The
negative sign indicates the inversion of the signal.

Note: The value of RD || RL should be significantly larger than the source resistance (RS)
to maintain the accuracy of the voltage gain calculation.

It's important to note that this is a simplified calculation and assumes ideal conditions. In
practice, there may be other factors to consider, such as the influence of parasitic
elements, non-idealities in the MOSFET, and frequency-dependent effects. Additionally,
the voltage gain may vary with the operating point and biasing conditions of the
amplifier. Therefore, it's recommended to use circuit simulation tools or more detailed
analysis techniques for accurate and comprehensive gain calculations in specific amplifier
designs.

7.2 Common Drain amplifier

A Common Drain (CD) amplifier, also known as a source follower or voltage follower, is a
type of field-effect transistor (FET) amplifier configuration. In this configuration, the output
is taken from the drain terminal of the FET, while the input is applied to the gate terminal.
The source terminal is connected to a fixed voltage reference or ground. The CD amplifier
provides a unity voltage gain but offers high input impedance and low output impedance. It is
commonly used as a buffer or impedance matching stage in electronic circuits.

The Common Drain amplifier operates as follows:

The input voltage, Vin, is applied to the gate terminal of the MOSFET. The MOSFET acts as
a voltage buffer, following the input voltage and providing a unity voltage gain. The source
terminal of the MOSFET is connected to a fixed voltage reference or ground. The output
voltage, Vout, is taken from the drain terminal of the MOSFET. The drain resistor (RD) is
typically used to set the operating point and provide a load for the amplifier. The Common
Drain amplifier configuration offers benefits such as high input impedance, low output
impedance, and excellent voltage buffering capabilities. It finds applications in various
circuits, including audio amplifiers, level shifting circuits, and impedance matching stages.

Fig. Source followers small signal model

Drawbacks of Source Follower:

Nonlinearity due to body effect, Voltage headroom consumption due to level shift, Poor
driving capability and introduce substantial noise.

8. Activities/ Case studies/related to the session

1. Activity: CD Amplifier Design and Analysis

Description: Design a CD amplifier using a specific MOSFET and given design

specifications such as supply voltage, biasing conditions, and desired output impedance.
Simulate the circuit using a simulation tool (e.g., LTspice, Cadence, or Multisim) to analyze
the voltage gain, input/output impedance, and frequency response. Compare the simulation
results with the expected theoretical values and discuss the performance characteristics of the
CD amplifier.

2. Case Study: Voltage Buffer for Audio Applications

Description: Explore the application of a CD amplifier as a voltage buffer in audio systems.

Investigate the impact of the CD amplifier on the input impedance, output impedance, and
signal quality in an audio circuit. Compare the performance of the CD amplifier with other
amplifier configurations (e.g., Common Source or Common Emitter) and discuss the
advantages of using the CD amplifier as a voltage buffer in audio applications.

3. Activity: CD Amplifier Load Line Analysis

Description: Analyze the load line of a CD amplifier by varying the drain resistor (RD) value.
Plot the load line on the output characteristic curve of the MOSFET to understand how
different RD values affect the operating point, output voltage swing, and maximum power
transfer capability. Discuss the trade-offs between gain, linearity, and output impedance
based on the load line analysis.

9. Examples & contemporary extracts of articles/ practices to convey the idea of the
session

1. Example: "Design and Performance Analysis of a Low-Noise Common Drain Amplifier

for Biomedical Applications"
Description: This article focuses on the design and analysis of a low-noise CD amplifier for
biomedical applications. It discusses the importance of high input impedance and low output
impedance in biomedical signal processing and presents a detailed design methodology for
achieving optimal performance. The article includes simulation results and performance
analysis, highlighting the advantages of using a CD amplifier in biomedical systems.

Contemporary extract: "In biomedical applications, maintaining the integrity of weak signals
is crucial. We propose a low-noise CD amplifier design that offers high input impedance,
ensuring minimal signal loading, and low output impedance for effective signal transmission.
Simulation results demonstrate excellent signal fidelity and noise performance, making this
CD amplifier suitable for biomedical signal processing in healthcare monitoring systems."

2. Example: "A CD Amplifier-Based Buffer Stage for High-Speed Data Communication"

Description: This example discusses the application of a CD amplifier as a buffer stage in
high-speed data communication systems. It addresses the challenges of impedance matching
and signal integrity in high-frequency applications and presents a CD amplifier-based buffer
design that overcomes these challenges. The article showcases the performance improvement
achieved by using the CD amplifier in terms of signal integrity and reduced reflections.

Contemporary extract: "As data communication speeds continue to rise, signal integrity
becomes a critical concern. Our CD amplifier-based buffer stage design ensures impedance
matching between stages, minimizing signal reflections and maintaining high data
transmission rates. Experimental results show significant improvements in signal integrity
and reduced distortion, making this CD amplifier configuration highly suitable for high-speed
data communication systems."

3. Example: "Enhancing Audio Amplifier Performance with CD Amplifier Configuration"

Description: This example explores the use of a CD amplifier configuration to enhance the
performance of audio amplifiers. It discusses the benefits of the CD amplifier in terms of low
output impedance, high input impedance, and voltage buffering capabilities. The article
presents a case study of integrating a CD amplifier into an audio amplifier circuit,
showcasing the improved signal quality and reduced distortion achieved with this
configuration.
Contemporary extract: "Audio amplifiers require low output impedance and high input
impedance to maintain signal fidelity and drive speakers efficiently. By incorporating a CD
amplifier configuration as a voltage buffer stage, we achieved remarkable improvements in
signal quality, reduced distortion, and enhanced audio performance. Listening tests confirmed
the enhanced clarity and dynamics, making the CD amplifier a valuable addition to audio
amplifier designs."

10. SAQ's-Self Assessment Questions

1. The Common-Source (CS) amplifier is primarily used for:

a) Voltage amplification

b) Current amplification

c) Power amplification

d) Frequency modulation

2. In the CS amplifier, the input signal is applied to the:

a) Gate terminal

b) Source terminal

c) Drain terminal

d) Body terminal

3. The CS amplifier provides:

a) High input impedance and high voltage gain

b) Low input impedance and high voltage gain

c) High input impedance and low voltage gain

d) Low input impedance and low voltage gain

4. The load resistor in the CS amplifier is connected to the:

a) Drain terminal

b) Source terminal

c) Gate terminal

d) Body terminal

5. The small-signal voltage gain of the CS amplifier is primarily determined by the:

 a) Transconductance parameter (gm)

b) Output resistance (rd)

c) Input capacitance (Cgs)

d) Bias current (ID)

6. The coupling capacitor in the CS amplifier is used to:

a) Block the DC component of the input signal

b) Provide negative feedback

c) Increase the input capacitance

d) Increase the output resistance

7. The CS amplifier exhibits which type of phase shift between input and output signals?

a) 0 degrees

b) 90 degrees

c) 180 degrees

d) 360 degrees

8. The biasing arrangement in the CS amplifier is used to:

a) Set the operating point of the transistor

b) Provide voltage gain

c) Provide current gain

d) Increase the bandwidth

9. The DC biasing voltage at the gate terminal of the CS amplifier is typically:

a) Greater than the threshold voltage (Vth)

b) Equal to the threshold voltage (Vth)

c) Less than the threshold voltage (Vth)

d) Independent of the threshold voltage (Vth)

10. The CS amplifier operates in which region of the MOSFET?

a) Saturation
 b) Cut-off

c) Triode

d) Active

11. The voltage gain of the CS amplifier is determined by the ratio of:

a) Output resistance to input resistance

b) Load resistance to input resistance

c) Transconductance to output resistance

d) Load resistance to transconductance

12. The CS amplifier has a voltage gain of approximately:

a) -1

b) 0

c) +1

d) Infinity

13. The CS amplifier exhibits a high input impedance because of the:

a) Gate-source capacitance (Cgs)

b) Drain-source capacitance (Cds)

c) Input resistance (Rin)

d) Output resistance (Rout)

14. The CS amplifier exhibits a low output impedance because of the:

a) Transconductance parameter (gm)

b) Drain-source capacitance (Cds)

c) Input resistance (Rin)

d) Output resistance (Rout)

15. The frequency response of the CS amplifier is limited by the:

a) Transconductance parameter (gm)

b) Output resistance (rd)

 c) Input capacitance (Cgs)

d) Bias current (ID)

16. The CS amplifier can be made more stable by adding:

a) Bypass capacitors

b) Feedback resistors

c) Coupling capacitors

d) Compensation capacitors

17. The CS amplifier is susceptible to:

a) Voltage drift

b) Current drift

c) Thermal runaway

d) Frequency distortion

18. The CS amplifier can provide:

a) Voltage amplification only

b) Current amplification only

c) Both voltage and current amplification

d) Neither voltage nor current amplification

19. The CS amplifier is commonly used in:

a) Audio amplifiers

b) Power amplifiers

c) Radio receivers

d) Digital circuits

20. The CS amplifier is classified as a:

a) Common-emitter amplifier

b) Common-base amplifier

c) Common-collector amplifier
 d) Common-drain amplifier

11. Summary

A Common Source (CS) amplifier with source degeneration utilizes a resistor connected
between the source terminal and ground to provide negative feedback, enhancing stability,
linearity, and reducing parameter variations. This configuration reduces the amplifier's gain
and increases its output impedance, making it less affected by changes in load impedance.
The voltage gain of a CS amplifier with source degeneration is determined by the ratio of the
drain resistor to the sum of the drain and source resistors. The source resistor improves input
and output impedance by increasing the former and increasing the latter due to the negative
feedback. Careful selection of resistor values is crucial to meet performance specifications,
ensuring adequate negative feedback without compromising gain or causing excessive power
dissipation.

12. Terminal Questions

1. How does source degeneration in a CS amplifier improve stability and linearity?

2. What is the purpose of the source resistor in a CS amplifier with source degeneration?
3. How does source degeneration affect the voltage gain of a CS amplifier?
4. What is the impact of the source resistor on the input and output impedance of a CS
amplifier with source degeneration?
5. How can the values of the source and drain resistors be selected to optimize the
performance of a CS amplifier with source degeneration?
6. Explain the trade-off between gain and power dissipation in a CS amplifier with source
degeneration.
7. Compare the performance of a CS amplifier with source degeneration to a basic CS
amplifier without source degeneration in terms of stability, linearity, and impedance
characteristics.

13. Case Studies (Co Wise)

1. Case study for MOSFET basics:

Application: Power amplification in audio systems
Description: MOSFETs are commonly used in audio amplifiers due to their high power-
handling capabilities and low distortion. A case study could involve designing a high-fidelity
audio amplifier using MOSFETs, considering parameters such as power output, distortion,
and efficiency.

2. Case study for operating regions of a MOSFET:

Application: Digital logic gates
Description: MOSFETs are widely used in digital circuits to implement logic gates. A case
study could involve designing a digital circuit that utilizes MOSFETs in various operating
regions (cutoff, triode, and saturation) to demonstrate their switching characteristics and
understand their impact on digital signal processing.

3. Case study for VI characteristics of a MOSFET:

Application: Solar power conversion
Description: MOSFETs are utilized in solar power inverters for converting DC power
generated from solar panels into AC power suitable for household consumption. A case study
could involve analyzing the VI characteristics of a MOSFET in a solar inverter circuit,
considering factors such as efficiency, maximum power point tracking, and grid
synchronization.

14. Answer Key

Answers:

1. a) Voltage amplification

2. a) Gate terminal

3. a) High input impedance and high voltage gain

4. a) Drain terminal

5. a) Transconductance parameter (gm)

6. a) Block the DC component of the input signal

7. c) 180 degrees

8. a) Set the operating point of the transistor

9. c) Less than the threshold voltage (Vth)

10. d) Active

11. b) Load resistance to input resistance

12. c) +1

13. a) Gate-source capacitance (Cgs)

14. d) Output resistance (Rout)

15. c) Input capacitance (Cgs)

16. d) Compensation capacitors

17. c) Thermal runaway

18. c) Both voltage and current amplification

19. a) Audio amplifiers

20. c) Common-collector amplifier

15. Glossary

Source degeneration: Source degeneration is a technique used in electronic amplifiers to

improve their performance by reducing their sensitivity to changes in transistor parameters
and variations in load impedance. It involves adding a resistor between the source terminal of
a transistor and ground to provide negative feedback. The negative feedback reduces the gain
of the amplifier, but also improves its stability, linearity, and frequency response.

16. References of books, sites, links

Text Books:

1) BehzadRazavi, “Design of Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits”, Tata Mc Graw Hill, (2005)

2) Jacob Baker, “CMOS Mixed Signal Circuit Design”, John Wiley, (2008)

Reference Books:

1) Neil H. E. Weste and David. Harris Ayan Banerjee, “CMOS VLSI Design” – Pearson
Education, 1999.

2) Gray& Mayer, “Analysis & Design of Analog Integrated Circuits”, 4th edition, Wiley,
(2001).

Web references:

1. https://www.coursera.org/learn/mosfet
2. https://nptel.ac.in/courses/108106068
3. https://www.coursera.org/learn/rf-mmwave-circuit-design#syllabus

17. Keywords

Common Source amplifier, Source degeneration, Negative feedback, Stability, Linearity,

Gain, Output impedance, Load impedance