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Introduction to the Common-Drain Amplifier: Small-Signal Behavior

Introduction to the Common-Drain Amplifier: Small-Signal Behavior

The common-drain amplifier is a single-stage configuration that uses the gate as its input and the source as its output. Learn about its small-signal characteristics in this article.


Introduction to the Common-Drain Amplifier: Large-Signal Behavior

Introduction to the Common-Drain Amplifier: Large-Signal Behavior

Also known as the source follower, the common-drain amplifier is notable for its low output impedance. This article introduces the basic common-drain configuration and examines its large-signal characteristics.


Simulating MOSFET Current-Voltage Characteristics Using Advanced SPICE Models

Simulating MOSFET Current-Voltage Characteristics Using Advanced SPICE Models

In this article, we use a SPICE model for 90 nm CMOS to plot key electrical relationships of an NMOS transistor.


Using Advanced SPICE models to Characterize an NMOS Transistor

Using Advanced SPICE models to Characterize an NMOS Transistor

SPICE models designed for specific CMOS process nodes can enhance simulations of integrated-circuit transistors. Learn where to find these models and how to use them.


Using Clever Techniques to Convert a Passive Audio Filter Into an Active Filter

Using Clever Techniques to Convert a Passive Audio Filter Into an Active Filter

This project covers two fascinating and useful circuit design techniques—the Burton Transform and Dualling—that allow us to transform a passive network into an active network while building an audio noise filter.


Projects Jun 02, 2024 by John Woodgate
Simulating the Short-Circuit Power Dissipation of a CMOS Inverter

Simulating the Short-Circuit Power Dissipation of a CMOS Inverter

Current briefly flows through both transistors during logic-level transitions. This article explores the resulting power dissipation and provides some helpful LTspice tips for measuring current and power.


Introduction to MOSFET Switching Losses

Introduction to MOSFET Switching Losses

This article will help you optimize your switch-mode regulator and driver circuits by explaining important sources of MOSFET power dissipation.


Op Amp Slew Rate and Rise Time Explained

Op Amp Slew Rate and Rise Time Explained

To avoid distortion and slow transitions in an operational amplifier's output signal, it's important to understand slew rate. In this article, we examine its causes and effects.


Understanding Output Signal Swing in Op Amps

Understanding Output Signal Swing in Op Amps

Learn about the characteristics and limitations of an operational amplifier’s output voltage range.


Understanding Input Signal Swing in Op Amps

Understanding Input Signal Swing in Op Amps

This article, the first in a two-part series on op amp signal swing, explains the characteristics and limitations of an operational amplifier’s input voltages.


Frequency Response of the MOSFET Common-Source Amplifier

Frequency Response of the MOSFET Common-Source Amplifier

In this article, we learn about the frequency response of the MOSFET common-source amplifier by examining its s-domain transfer function.


Introduction to the MOSFET Common-Source Amplifier

Introduction to the MOSFET Common-Source Amplifier

In this article, we cover the basic behavior of the MOSFET common-source amplifier with different types of load.


Balun Basics and Practical Performance Parameters

Balun Basics and Practical Performance Parameters

Learn about the balun, a special type of transformer used in mixers, amplifiers, and signaling.


Basic Principles of the Push-Pull Class B Power Amplifier

Basic Principles of the Push-Pull Class B Power Amplifier

Learn how a push-pull Class B amplifier functions, how to calculate its efficiency, and how its performance compares to the inductively-loaded Class A design.


Small-Signal MOSFET Models for Analog IC Design

Small-Signal MOSFET Models for Analog IC Design

The small-signal characteristics of MOSFETs play an important role in analog IC design. In this article, we learn how to model MOS transistors' small-signal behaviors.


Introduction to the Class B Power Amplifier

Introduction to the Class B Power Amplifier

How does a Class B power amplifier work? What makes it more efficient than a Class A power amplifier? Learn the answers in this article.


Introduction to the Inductively-Loaded Class A Power Amplifier

Introduction to the Inductively-Loaded Class A Power Amplifier

Learn how an inductively-loaded common-emitter stage can function as a power amplifier.


Introduction to Class A Power Amplifiers: The Common-Emitter PA

Introduction to Class A Power Amplifiers: The Common-Emitter PA

RF amplifier design is a challenging task, involving trade-offs between linearity, efficiency, gain, and output power. Here, we examine how a common-emitter circuit can, or can't, function as a power amplifier.


Using the Available Power Gain to Design a Bilateral Low-Noise Amplifier

Using the Available Power Gain to Design a Bilateral Low-Noise Amplifier

Learn how the available power gain concept can help us solve the problem of designing a bilateral RF amplifier for a specified gain and noise figure.


Learn About Designing Unilateral Low-Noise Amplifiers

Learn About Designing Unilateral Low-Noise Amplifiers

In this article, we learn about noise parameters and use Smith charts to design a unilateral low-noise amplifier (LNA) for a specified gain.