Latest Amplifiers Technical Articles

Learn how a push-pull Class B amplifier functions, how to calculate its efficiency, and how its performance compares to…

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.

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

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.

How does a Class B power amplifier work? What makes it more efficient than a Class A power amplifier? Learn the answers…

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.

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

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

RF amplifier design is a challenging task, involving trade-offs between linearity, efficiency, gain, and output power.…

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.

Learn how the available power gain concept can help us solve the problem of designing a bilateral RF amplifier for a…

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.

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

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

This project will cover the design, construction, and testing of an analog filter meeting the ITU-R BS.468-4…

This project will cover the design, construction, and testing of an analog filter meeting the ITU-R BS.468-4 specification, which aims to evaluate the disturbing effects of noise on audio broadcast signals.

Learn ways to test an RF amplifier's stability, techniques to stabilize its operation, and how RF design software can…

Learn ways to test an RF amplifier's stability, techniques to stabilize its operation, and how RF design software can help you do both.

For newbie RF designers, the field's variety of power gain definitions can cause confusion. This article explains how,…

For newbie RF designers, the field's variety of power gain definitions can cause confusion. This article explains how, why, and when to use the operating power gain definition in RF amplifier design.

Learn about the behavior and benefits of hysteresis in comparator circuits, magnetic components, and high-power devices.

Learn about the behavior and benefits of hysteresis in comparator circuits, magnetic components, and high-power devices.

This article explores the design of bilateral RF amplifiers for maximum transducer gain, and explains how to assess…

This article explores the design of bilateral RF amplifiers for maximum transducer gain, and explains how to assess whether an RF amplifier is bilateral or unilateral.

Found both in nature and in engineered systems, hysteresis is a crucial design technique in certain electronic…

Found both in nature and in engineered systems, hysteresis is a crucial design technique in certain electronic applications. In this article, we'll introduce its theoretical underpinnings.

Learn about the role of gain analysis in the design of unilateral RF amplifiers, first by reviewing the basic concepts…

Learn about the role of gain analysis in the design of unilateral RF amplifiers, first by reviewing the basic concepts and then by working through a pair of design examples.

Learn about the theory and implementation of MOSFETs, a key component of today’s analog integrated circuits.

Learn about the theory and implementation of MOSFETs, a key component of today’s analog integrated circuits.

Interested in learning about analog integrated circuits? This article explores the design metrics and applications of…

Interested in learning about analog integrated circuits? This article explores the design metrics and applications of these essential but underappreciated ICs.

Stability analysis is an integral part of RF design. Learn the basics of stability analysis, including how to determine…

Stability analysis is an integral part of RF design. Learn the basics of stability analysis, including how to determine whether a device is unconditionally stable or potentially unstable.

The Y-factor method simplifies noise figure measurements by allowing the use of variable attenuators in place of a…

The Y-factor method simplifies noise figure measurements by allowing the use of variable attenuators in place of a calibrated power meter. In addition to defining the Y factor, we will discuss noise source uncertainty and fixturing losses that can introduce errors in your noise figure measurements.

This article presents the design of an unweighted (Z-weighted) audio filter with a flat frequency response from 20 Hz to…

This article presents the design of an unweighted (Z-weighted) audio filter with a flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz for the measurement of audio noise.