EC1254 LINEAR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
UNIT-I  CIRCUIT CONFIGURATION FOR LINEAR ICs 
 2 marks questions 
1.Mention the advantages of integrated circuits. 
         *Miniaturisation and hence increased equipment density. 
         *Cost reduction due to batch processing. 
         *Increased system reliability due to the elimination of soldered joints. 
         *Improved functional performance. 
         *Matched devices. 
         *Increased operating speeds. 
         *Reduction in power consumption.  
2.Write down the various processes used to fabricate ICs using silicon planar  
    technology. 
          *Silicon wafer preparation. 
          * Epitaxial growth 
          *Oxidation. 
          *Photolithography. 
          *Diffusion. 
          *Ion implantation. 
          *Isolation. 
          *Metallisation. 
          *Assembly processing and packaging.  
3.What is the purpose of oxidation? 
          *SiO
2
 is an extremely hard protective coating and is unaffected by almost all 
             reagents. 
*By selective etching of SiO
2, 
diffusion of impurities through carefully defined  
            windows can be accomplished to fabricate various components.  
4.Why aluminium is preferred for metallization? 
           *It is a good conductor. 
           *it is easy to deposit aluminium films using vacuum deposition. 
           *It makes good mechanical bonds with silicon. 
           *It forms a low resistance contact.  
5. What are the popular IC packages available? 
            Metal can package. 
            Dual-in-line package. 
            Ceramic flat package. 
QUESTION BANK , 2 MARKS WITH ANSWERS
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6. Define an operational amplifier. 
             An operational amplifier is a direct-coupled, high gain amplifier consisting of 
one or more differential amplifier. By properly selecting the external components, it can 
be used to perform a variety of mathematical operations.          
7.Mention the characteristics of an ideal op-amp. 
            * Open loop voltage gain is infinity. 
            *Input impedance is infinity. 
            *Output impedance is zero. 
            *Bandwidth is infinity. 
            *Zero offset.    
8.What happens when the common terminal of V
+ 
and V
-
 sources is not grounded? 
            If the common point of the two supplies is not grounded, twice the supply voltage 
will get applied and it may damage the op-amp.  
9.Define input offset voltage. 
           A small voltage applied to the input terminals to make the output voltage as zero 
when the two input terminals are grounded is called input offset voltage.  
10. Define input offset current. State the reasons for the offset currents at the input 
of the op-amp. 
               The difference between the bias currents at the input terminals of the op-amp is  
      called as input offset current. The input terminals conduct a small value of dc current  
      to bias the input transistors.Since the input transistors cannot be made identical,there  
      exists a difference in bias currents.  
11. Define CMRR of an op-amp. 
               The relative sensitivity of an op-amp to a difference signal as compared to a  
      common mode signal is called the common mode rejection ratio. It is expressed   
      in decibels.    
                      CMRR= A
d
/A
c  
12.What are the applications of current sources? 
               Transistor current sources are widely used in analog ICs both as biasing 
      elements and as load devices for amplifier stages.  
13. Justify the reasons for using current sources in integrated circuits. 
                *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.   
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14. What is the advantage of widlar current source over constant current source? 
               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.  
15.Mention the advantages of Wilson current source. 
               *provides high output resistance. 
               *offers low sensitivity to transistor base currents.  
16.Define sensitivity. 
              Sensitivity is defined as the percentage or fractional change in output current  
     per percentage or fractional change in power-supply voltage.   
17.What are the limitations in a temperature compensated zener-reference source? 
              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.    
18.What do you mean by a band-gap referenced biasing circuit? 
              The biasing sources referenced to V
BE 
has a negative temperature co-efficient   
      and V
T
  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 V
BE 
and V
T
 so that by proper weighting, zero temperature co-efficient can be                    
      achieved.  
19.In practical op-amps, what is the effect of high frequency on its performance? 
              The open-loop gain of op-amp decreases at higher frequencies  due to the  
     presence of parasitic capacitance. The closed-loop gain increases at higher frequencies 
     and leads to instability.  
20. What is the need for frequency compensation in practical op-amps? 
              Frequency compensation is needed when large bandwidth and lower closed loop  
       gain is desired. Compensating networks are used to control the phase shift and hence   
       to improve the stability.       
21.Mention the frequency compensation methods. 
             *Dominant-pole compensation 
             *Pole-zero compensation.  
22.What are the merits and demerits of Dominant-pole compensation? 
             *noise immunity of the system is improved. 
             *Open-loop bandwidth is reduced.  
23.Define slew rate.    
             The slew rate is defined as the maximum rate of change of output voltage caused 
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     by a step input voltage.An ideal slew rate is infinite which means that op-amps output 
     voltage should change instantaneously in response to input step voltage.  
24.Why IC 741 is not used for high frequency applications? 
              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.   
25.What causes slew rate? 
              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.               
16 marks questions  
1.Explain in detail the fabrication of  ICs using silicon planar technology.  
 Ans: 
          *Silicon wafer preparation. 
          * Epitaxial growth 
          *Oxidation. 
          *Photolithography. 
          *Diffusion. 
          *Ion implantation. 
          *Isolation. 
          *Metallisation. 
          *Assembly processing and packaging.   
2.Design  an  active  load  for  an  emitter-coupled  pair(differential  amplifier)  and 
perform  a  detailed  analysis  to  find  its  differential  mode  gain  and  the  output 
resistance.    
Ans: 
    Output voltage,      V
o
=V
cc
 V
BE(on)
 + 2V
A(eff)
 tanh(V
id
 / 2V
T
)  
    Gain ,                    A
vd
 = 1 / ( V
T
/V
AN
  +  V
T
/V
AP
 )  
    Output resistance,R
o
 = r
onpn
 || r
opnp     
3.Design a Widlar current source and obtain the expression for output current.Also  
   prove that widlar current source has better sensitivity than constant current     
   source.  
  Ans: 
   For Widlar current source,  V
T
 ln( I
c1
/ I
c2
 ) = I
c2
 R
2 
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   Sensitivity is defined as the percentage or fractional change in output current  
   per percentage or fractional change in power-supply voltage.  
   For constant current source sensitivity is unity because the output current is  directly  
   proportional to supply voltage. The sensitivity of a widlar current source is  better  
   compared to constant current source because the output current has a logarithmic  
   dependence on power supply voltage.   
4. Explain the supply independent biasing technique using V
BE
 as the reference  
    voltage.Also, find the dependence of its output current on temperature.  
    Ans: 
    The output current is given by, I
out 
= V
BE1 
/ R
2
 = (V
T
 /R
2
) ln ( I
ref
 / I
s1 
)   
    (Circuit diagram, self-biasing V
BE
 reference circuit, start-up circuit to avoid zero- 
      current state) 
     Temperature co-efficient, TC
F
 = V
BE1
/ V
BE1
 T   -- R/ R T       
5.Explain supply independent biasing using zener-referenced bias circuit. 
   Also,design a temperature compensated zener-reference source.  
   Ans: 
   The output current is given by, I
out 
= V
Z 
/ R
2  
  (Circuit diagram, self-biasing zener bias reference circuit, temperature compensated  
    zener reference source )   
6.Obtain the frequency response of an open-loop op-amp and discuss about  the  
    methods of frequency compensation .  
    Ans: 
     The open-loop gain of op-amp decreases at higher frequencies  due to the presence of  
     parasitic capacitance. The closed-loop gain increases at higher frequencies and leads  
     to instability. Frequency compensation is needed when large bandwidth and lower  
     closed loop gain is desired. Compensating networks are used to control the phase shift  
     and hence to improve the stability.        
    Frequency compensation methods: 
             *Dominant-pole compensation 
             *Pole-zero compensation.    
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UNIT II   :    APPLICATIONS OF OP  AMPS  
2 Marks Questions:  
1.Mention some of the linear applications of op  amps : 
  Adder, subtractor, voltage to- current converter, current to- voltage converters, 
instrumentation  amplifier,  analog  computation  ,power  amplifier,  etc  are  some  of  the 
linear op-amp circuits.  
2.Mention some of the non  linear applications of op-amps:- 
  Rectifier,  peak  detector,  clipper,  clamper,  sample  and  hold  circuit,  log  amplifier, 
anti log amplifier, multiplier are some of the non  linear op-amp circuits.  
3.What are the areas of application of non-linear op- amp circuits? 
      industrial instrumentation 
      Communication 
      Signal processing  
4.What is the need for an instrumentation amplifier? 
  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.   
5.List the features of instrumentation amplifier: 
      high gain accuracy 
      high CMRR 
      high gain stability with low temperature co-efficient  
      low dc offset 
  low output impedance  
6.What are the applications of V-I converter? 
      Low voltage dc and ac voltmeter 
      L E D 
      Zener diode tester  
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7.What do you mean by a precision diode? 
                     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.  
8.Write down the applications of precision diode. 
      Half - wave rectifier 
      Full  - Wave rectifier 
      Peak  value detector 
      Clipper 
      Clamper  
9.List the applications of Log amplifiers: 
    Analog computation may require functions such as lnx, log x, sin hx  
              etc.  These functions can be performed by log amplifiers 
    Log amplifier can perform direct dB display on digital voltmeter and  
    spectrum analyzer 
    Log amplifier can be used to compress the dynamic range of a signal  
10.What are the limitations of the basic differentiator circuit? 
    At  high frequency, a differentiator may become unstable and break  
              into oscillations 
    The input impedance decreases with increase in frequency , thereby  
              making the circuit sensitive to high frequency noise.  
11.Write down the condition for good differentiation :- 
    For  good  differentiation,  the  time  period    of  the  input  signal  must  be 
greater than or equal to R
f 
C1 
          T  >  R 
f
 C1 
  Where,  R
f
 is the feedback resistance 
      C
f
 is the input capacitance  
12.What is a comparator? 
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    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 .  
13.What are the applications of comparator? 
      Zero crossing detector 
      Window detector 
      Time marker generator 
  Phase detector  
14.What is a Schmitt trigger? 
                       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.  
15.What is a multivibrator? 
    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  either stable or quasi- stable   depending on 
the type of multivibrator.  
16.What do you mean by monostable multivibrator? 
    Monostable  multivibrator  is  one  which  generates  a  single  pulse  of 
  specified  duration  in  response  to  each  external  trigger  signal.    It  has  only  one 
stable state.  Application of a trigger causes a change to the quasi-stable state.An external 
trigger  signal  generated  due  to  charging  and  discharging    of  the  capacitor  produces  the 
transition to the original stable state.  
17.What is an astable multivibrator? 
    Astable  multivibrator  is  a  free  running  oscillator  having  two  quasi-stable 
states.  Thus, there is oscillations between these two states and no external  signal  are 
required to produce the change in state.  
18.What is a bistable multivibrator? 
    Bistable  multivibrator  is  one  that  maintains  a  given  output  voltage  level 
unless  an  external  trigger  is  applied  .  Application  of  an  external  trigger  signal  causes  a 
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change of state, and this output level is maintained indefinitely until an second trigger is 
applied .  Thus, it requires two external triggers before it returns to its initial state  
19.What  are  the  requirements  for  producing  sustained  oscillations  in  feedback 
circuits? 
    For sustained oscillations, 
    The total phase shift around the loop must be zero at the desired    
              frequency of oscillation, fo. ie,  AB 0  (or)  360 
    At fo, the magnitude of the loop gain | A  | should be equal to unity   
20.Mention any two audio frequency oscillators : 
      RC phase shift oscillator 
      Wein bridge oscillator  
21.What are the characteristics of a comparator? 
      Speed of operation 
      Accuracy 
      Compatibility of the output  
22.What is a filter? 
    Filter is a frequency selective circuit that passes signal of specified  band 
of frequencies and attenuates the signals of frequencies outside the  band  
23.What are the demerits of passive filters? 
    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 inductors performance ie, low Q, resulting in high 
power dissipation.  
24.What are the advantages of active filters? 
    Active  filters  used  op-  amp  as  the  active  element  and  resistors  and 
  capacitors as passive elements.  
    By enclosing a capacitor in the feed back loop , inductor less active  
    fulters  can be obtained  
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    Op-amp used in non  inverting configuration offers high input    
              impedance and low output impedance, thus improving the load drive  
              capacity.  
25.Mention some commonly used active filters : 
      Low pass filter 
      High pass filter 
      Band pass filter 
      Band reject filter. 
16 marks questions:  
1.Discuss the need for an instrumentation amplifier? Give a detailed analysis for the 
same. 
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.  
Circuit diagram, instrumentation amplifier with transducer bridge, 
Analysis, Expression for out put voltage.  
2.Explain the operation of the 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. 
Circuit diagram, Analysis. 
Expression for upper and lower threshold voltages with and without Vref. 
Hysterisis width. 
Waveforms.  
3.Discuss in detail the operation of Astable multivibrator. 
Ans: 
            Astable  multivibrator  is  a  free  running  oscillator  having  two  quasi-stable  states.  
Thus, there is oscillations between these two states and no external signal are required to 
produce the change in state. 
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Circuit diagram, Analysis. 
Expression for time period ,  T  2RC ln ( 1 +   ) / ( 1    ) 
Waveforms. 
Circuit for asymmetric square wave generator.  
4. Discuss in detail the operation of   Monostable multivibrator. 
Ans: 
            Monostable multivibrator is one which generates a single pulse of   specified 
duration  in  response  to  each  external  trigger  signal.    It  has  only  one  stable  state.  
Application  of  a  trigger  causes  a  change  to  the  quasi-stable  state.An  external  trigger 
signal generated due to charging and discharging  of the capacitor produces the transition 
to the original stable state. 
Circuit diagram, Analysis. 
Expression for time period ,  T = RC ln ( 1 + V
D
 / Vsat ) / ( 1    ) 
Waveforms.  
5.  What  are  the  requirements  for  producing  sustained  oscillations  in  feedback 
circuits?Discuss any two audio frequency oscillators. 
Ans: 
For sustained oscillations, 
    The total phase shift around the loop must be zero at the desired    
              frequency of oscillation, fo. ie,  AB 0  (or)  360 
    At fo, the magnitude of the loop gain | A  | should be equal to unity.  
RC  phase  shift  oscillator:    Circuit  diagram,Derive  the  condition  for  frequency  of 
oscillation. 
                                             Gain,Av  >= - 29 
Wein  bridge  oscillator      :      Circuit  diagram,Derive  the  condition  for  frequency  of 
oscillation. 
                                             Gain, Av = 3   
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UNIT  3 :ANALOG MULTIPLIER  AND  PLL  
2 marks questions  
1.Mention some  areas where  PLL is widely used: 
           *Radar synchronisation 
           *satellite communication systems 
           *air borne navigational systems 
           *FM communication systems 
           *Computers.   
2.List the basic building blocks of PLL: 
           *Phase detector/comparator 
           *Low pass filter 
           *Error amplifier 
           *Voltage controlled oscillator   
3.What are the three stages through which PLL operates? 
           *Free running 
           *Capture 
           *Locked/ tracking  
4.Define lock-in range of a PLL: 
          The range of frequencies over which the PLL can maintain lock with the incoming 
signal is called the lock-in range or tracking  range.It is expressed as  a percentage of the 
VCO free running frequency.  
5.Define capture range of  PLL: 
           The range of frequencies over which the PLL can acquire lock with an input signal 
is  called  the  capture  range.  It  is  expressed  as  a  percentage  of  the  VCO  free  running 
frequency.  
6.Define Pull-in time. 
           The total time taken by the PLL  to establish lok is called pull-in time.It depends  
on  the  initial  phase  and  frequency  difference  between  the  two  signals  as  well  as  on  the 
overall loop gain and loop filter characteristics.  
7.For  perfect  lock,  what  should  be  the  phase  relation  between  the  incoming  signal  and 
VCO output signal? 
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           The    VCO  output  should  be  90  degrees  out  of  phase  with  respect  to  the  input 
signal.  
8.Give the classification of phase detector: 
           *Analog phase detector 
           *Digital phase detector  
9.What is a switch type phase detector? 
          An  electronic  switch  is  opened  and  closed    by    signal  coming  from  VCO  and  the 
input signal is chopped at a repetition rate determined by the VCO frequency.This type of 
phase detector is called a half wave detector since the phase information for only one half 
of the input signal is detected and averaged.  
10.What are the problems associated with switch type phase detector? 
          *The  output  voltage  Ve  is  proportional  to  the  input  signal  amplitude.This  is 
undesirable  because  it  makes  phase  detector  gain  and  loop  gain  dependent  on  the  input 
signal amplitude. 
          *The output is proportional to cos    making it non linear.  
11.What is a voltage controlled oscillator?  
          Voltage  controlled  oscillator  is  a  free  running  multivibrator  operating  at  a  set 
frequency  called  the  free  running  frequency.This  frequency  can  be  shifted  to  either  side 
by  applying  a  dc  control  voltage  and  the  frequency  deviation  is  proportional  to  the  dc 
control voltage.  
12.On what parameters does the free running frequency of VCO depend on? 
          *External timing resistor,R
T  
          *External timing capacitor,C
T 
          *The dc control voltage Vc.  
13.Give the expression for the VCO free running frequency. 
            f
o
 = 0.25 / R
T
 C
T  
14.Define Voltage to Frequency conversion factor. 
           Voltage to Frequency conversion factor is defined as, 
                     Kv    f
o
 /   V
c
= 8f
o
 /V
cc 
where.    V
c
 is the modulation voltage required to produce the frequency shift  
 f
o  
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15.What is the purpose of having a low pass filter in PLL? 
           *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.  
16.Discuss the effect of having large capture range. 
            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.  
17.Mention some typical applications of  PLL: 
  Frequency  multiplication/division 
  Frequency translation 
  AM detection 
  FM demodulation 
  FSK demodulation.  
18.What is a compander IC? Give some examples. 
           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.  
19.What are the merits of companding? 
*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  
              non linear distortion of the signal when the input amplitude is large. 
            *It also reduces buzz,bias and low level audio tones caused by mild interference.  
20.List the applications of OTA: 
     OTA can be used in 
  programmable gain voltage amplifier 
  sample and hold circuits 
  voltage controlled state variable filter 
  current controlled relaxation oscillator.  
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                                                                     16 marks  
1.  Briefly explain the block diagram of PLL and derive the expression for Lock 
range and capture range.  
Block diagram of PLL 
Explanation for each block.  
            Derivation for capture range and lock range.        
2.  With a neat functional diagram, explain the operation of VCO. Also derive 
an expression for fo.  
Internal diagram for VCO IC. 
Explanation 
Derivation for fo.      
3.  Analyse  the Gilberts four quadrant multiplier cell with a neat circuit 
diagram.Discuss  its applications.  
Circuit diagram 
Analysis  
Expression for output current 
Applications. 
     4.   In detail dicuss the applications of PLL:            
           AM detection 
           FM demodulation 
           FSK demodulation 
           Frequency multiplication/division. 
UNIT IV  A/D  AND  D/A  CONVERTERS 
2 marks questions   
1.  List the broad classification of ADCs. 
                      1.  Direct type ADC. 
                      2.  Integrating type ADC.  
2.  List out the direct type ADCs. 
1.  Flash (comparator) type converter 
2.  Counter type converter 
3.  Tracking or servo converter 
4.  Successive approximation type converter  
3.  List out some integrating type converters. 
1.  Charge balancing  ADC  
2.   Dual slope ADC 
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4.  What is integrating type converter? 
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.  
5.  Explain in brief the principle of operation of successive Approximation ADC. 
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.  
6.  What are the main advantages of integrating type ADCs?  
i.  The integrating type of ADCs 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.  
7.  Where are the successive approximation type ADCs used? 
    The Successive approximation ADCs are used in applications such as  data 
loggers & instrumentation where conversion speed is important.  
8.  What is the main drawback of a dual-slop ADC? 
The dual slope ADC has long conversion time.  This is the main drawback 
of dual slope ADC.  
9.  State the advantages of dual slope ADC: 
It  provides  excellent  noise  rejection  of  ac  signals  whose  periods  are 
integral multiples of the integration time T.  
10. Define conversion time. 
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  
11. Define resolution of a data converter. 
The resolution of a converter is the smallest change in voltage which may 
be produced at the output or input of the  converter. 
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Resolution (in volts)= VFS/2
n
-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.  
12. Define accuracy of converter. 
           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.  
13. What is settling time? 
It  represents  the  time  it  takes  for  the  output  to  settle  within  a  specified 
band LSB 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. 
10s depending on word length & type circuit used.  
14. Explain in brief stability of a converter: 
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.  
15. What is meant by linearity? 
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 
LSB.  
16. What is monotonic DAC? 
A monotonic DAC is one whose analog output increases for an increase in 
digital input.  
17. What is multiplying DAC? 
A digital to analog converter which uses a varying reference voltage V
R
 is 
called  a  multiplying  DAC(MDAC).  If  the  reference  voltage  of  a  DAC,  V
R
  is  a 
sine wave give by 
V(t)=V
in
 Cos 2  ft 
            Then, Vo(t)=V
om
Cos(2  ft  180)  
      18.What is a sample and hold circuit? Where it is used? 
                        A sample and hold circuit is one which samples an input signal and  holds   
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            on to its last sampled value until the input is sampled again. This circuit is mainly  
            used in digital interfacing, analog  to  digital systems, and  pulse code modulation 
            systems.  
      19.Define sample period and hold period. 
                        The time during which the voltage across the capacitor in sample and hold  
           circuit  is equal to the input voltage is called sample period.The time period during  
           which the voltage across the capacitor is held constant is called hold period.  
      20.What is meant by delta modulation? 
                         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.  
                                                          16 marks  
 1.  What is integrating type converter?Explain the operation of dual slope ADC:  
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. 
Functional diagram of Dual slope ADC. 
Explanation, Derivation.  
 2.  Explain the principle of operation of successive Approximation ADC. 
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. 
Functional diagram 
Operation 
Truth table, Output graph.     
   3 .  Explain the operation of sample and hold circuit .                         
          Circuit diagram 
          Operation 
          Output waveforms.   
   4.  Explain the various types of digital to analog converters:            
          Weighted resistor DAC 
          R-2R ladder DAC 
          Inverted R-2R ladder DAC  
          Circuit diagram & operation for each  
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   5.What is delta sigma modulation?Explain the A/D conversion using Delta       
modulator.  
       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. 
       Functional diaaagram 
      Operation.                                                            
UNIT V  SPECIAL FUNCTION ICs 
2 mark questions  
1.Mention some applications of 555 timer: 
        *Oscillator 
        *pulse generator 
        *ramp and square wave generator 
        *mono-shot multivibrator 
        *burglar alarm 
        *traffic light control.  
2.List the applications of 555 timer in monostable mode of operation: 
        *missing pulse detector 
        *Linear ramp generator 
        *Frequency divider 
        *Pulse width modulation.  
3. List the applications of 555 timer in Astable mode of operation: 
        *FSK generator 
        *Pulse-position modulator          
4.What is a voltage regulator? 
          A  voltage  regulator  is  an  electronic  circuit  that  provides  a  stable  dc  voltage 
independent of the load current, temperature, and ac line voltage variations.  
5.Give the classification of voltage regulators: 
          *Series / Linear regulators 
          *Switching regulators.  
6.What is a linear voltage regulator? 
           Series  or  linear  regulator  uses  a  power  transistor  connected  in  series  between  the 
unregulated dc input and the load and it conducts in the linear region .The output voltage 
is controlled by the continous voltage drop taking place across the series pass transistor. 
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7.What is a switching regulator? 
           Switching  regulators  are  those  which  operate  the  power  transistor  as  a  high 
frequency  on/off  switch,  so  that  the  power  transistor  does  not  conduct  current 
continously.This gives improved efficiency over series regulators.  
8.What are the advantages of IC voltage regulators? 
           *low cost 
           *high reliability 
           *reduction in size 
           *excellent performance  
9.Give some examples of monolithic IC voltage regulators: 
         78XX series  fixed output, positive voltage regulators 
         79XX series  fixed output, negative voltage regulators   
         723 general purpose regulator.  
10.What is the purpose of  having input and output capacitors in three terminal IC 
regulators? 
          A  capacitor  connected  between  the  input  terminal  and  ground    cancels  the 
inductive  effects  due  to  long  distribution  leads.  The  output  capacitor  improves  the 
transient response.  
11. Define line regulation. 
           Line  regulation  is  defined  as  the  percentage  change  in  the  output  voltage  for  a 
change in the input voltage.It is expressed in millivolts or  as a percentage of the output 
voltage. 
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12.Define load regulation. 
           Load  regulation  is  defined  as  the  change  in    output  voltage  for  a  change  in  load 
current. It is expressed in millivolts or  as a percentage of the output voltage.  
13.What is meant by current limiting? 
           Current limiting refers to the ability of a regulator to prevent the load current from 
increasing above a preset value.  
14.Give the drawbacks of linear regulators: 
           *The input step down transformer is bulky and expensive because of low line  
              frequency.      
           *Because of low line frequency,large values of filter capacitors are required to  
             decrease the ripple. 
           *Efficiency is reduced due to the continous power dissipation by the transistor 
             as it operates in the linear region.  
15.What is the advantage of  switching regulators? 
           *Greater efficiency is achieved as the power transistor is made to operate as low 
              impedance switch.Power transmitted across the transistor is in discrete pulses  
              rather than as a steady current flow. 
           *By using suitable switching loss reduction technique, the switching frequency  
             can be increased so as to reduce the size and weight of the inductors and  
             capacitors.   
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16.What is an opto-coupler IC? Give examples. 
            Opto-coupler  IC  is  a  combined  package  of  a  photo-emitting  device  and  a  photo-
sensing device.Examples for  opto-coupler circuit : LED and a photo diode, 
                                                                                   LED and photo transistor, 
                                                                                   LED and Darlington. 
                         Examples for  opto-coupler  IC     :  MCT 2F , MCT 2E .    
17. Mention the advantages of opto-couplers: 
            *Better isolation between the two stages. 
            *Impedance problem between the stages is eliminated. 
            *Wide frequency response. 
            *Easily interfaced with digital circuit. 
            *Compact and light weight. 
            *Problems such as noise, transients, contact bounce,.. are eliminated.  
18.What is an isolation amplifier? 
            An  isolation  amplifier  is  an  amplifier  that  offers  electrical  isolation  between  its 
input and output terminals.  
19.What is the need for a tuned amplifier? 
            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 
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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.   
20.Give the classification of tuned amplifier: 
(i)  Small signal tuned amplifier 
                                     *Single tuned  
                                     *Double tuned 
                                     *Stagger tuned 
(ii)  Large signal tuned amplifier.   
16 marks  
1.What is 555 timer? What are the features of 555 timer? Explain the monostable mode in 
detail?   
Features of 555 
Description about 555 
Circuit diagram 
Derivation for frequency.  
2.Explain the Astable mode of operation using 555 timer.  
Description about 555 
Circuit diagram 
Derivation for frequency. 
3.In detail dicuss the 723 IC general purpose voltage regulator. 
Functional diagram 
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Low and high voltage regulation using 723 
Features of 723.  
4.Explain the operation of switching regulators.Give its advantages.  
Functional diagram 
Operation  
Output waveforms. 
Advantages.  
5.Explain the functional diagram of LM 380 power amplifier.  
Introduction 
Internal diagram 
Operation 
Features. 
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