BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
OFFICE OF THE DEAN
Capitol Drive, Capitol Compound
City of Balanga 2100 Bataan
PHILIPPINES
SUPERHETERODYNE FIRST IF AMPLIFIER STAGE
VISION
A leading university in the Philippines recognized for its proactive contribution
to Sustainable Development through equitable and inclusive programs and
services by 2030
Telefax: (6347) 2379214
(6347) 2379214
Website: www.bpsu.edu.ph
MISSION
To develop competitive graduates and empowered community
members by providing relevant, innovative and transformative
knowledge, research, extension and production programs and
services through progressive enhancement of its human
resource capabilities and instructional mechanisms
 BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
OFFICE OF THE DEAN
Capitol Drive, Capitol Compound
City of Balanga 2100 Bataan
PHILIPPINES
Performance Objectives
A. Identify a typical first IF amplifier stage found
in transistor radios and measure the dc
operating voltages.
B. Demonstrate the operation and measure the
bandwidth of a typical two stage IF amplifier
by plotting a frequency response curve.
Basic Concepts
1. Two or more IF amplifier stages, each
with tuned input and output circuits,
are usually used for IF amplification.
2. With two IF stages, selectivity and
gain are increased.
Introductory Information
IF amplifiers provide by far the largest portion of
signal gain in equipment such as AM and FM radios,
television sets, and radar receivers. Generally, the
signal inputs are in microvolts or millivolts, and the
output signal of a couple of volts must be delivered to a
detector stage. To get this voltage gain, it is usually
necessary to connect two or more IF amplifier stages in
cascade.
The high gains of IF amplifiers increase the chance of
stray coupling between stages when a cascade
arrangement is used. The greater the number of
cascaded stages, the more chance there is of feedback
through the stray coupling. This can cause instability
and oscillation, and result in distortion and a decrease
in gain. As a result, careful shielding, good circuit
layout, and effective decoupling networks are
important in cascaded IF amplifiers.
The first IF amplifier stage is usually similar to the
second stage (covered in the previous laboratory
exercise). Two IF transformers are used here also. The
output IF transformer of the first stage also serves as
the input IF transformer of the second stage.
VISION
A leading university in the Philippines recognized for its proactive contribution
to Sustainable Development through equitable and inclusive programs and
services by 2030
Telefax: (6347) 2379214
(6347) 2379214
Website: www.bpsu.edu.ph
The voltage gain of the first IF amplifier stage is
usually controlled by the dc bias voltage of the
transistor. This can be done electronically by a method
called automatic volume control (AVC) which will be
covered in a later laboratory exercise.
Equipment and Materials
Power Source 9Vdc, 100mA
RF Generator
Oscilloscope
Electronic VOM
Practical Electronics Trainer
RL – 8.2Ω , 1W
Experiment Board 2
Exercise Procedure
Objective A. Identify a typical first IF amplifier stage
found in transistor radios and measure the dc operating
voltages.
1) a) Examine the two stage IF amplifier circuit
shown in Fig. 8-1.
The first IF amplifier consists of IF input
transformer T1, common-emitter transistor
amplifier Q2, and IF output transformer T2. The
first IF stage is essentially the same as the second,
except for the method of forward biasing Q2. With
a jumper lead between the bottom of bias resistor
R6 and ground (shown by the dashed line) the
circuit behaves the same as the second stage IF. R5
and R6 set the forward bias voltage. Emitter dc
stabilizing resistor R7 is bypassed for 455kHz by
C5. Input IF transformer T1 couples the incoming
455kHz signal from the previous stage (called the
converter stage) to the base of Q2. Output IF
transformer T2 couples the amplified 455kHz
signal at the collector of Q2 to the base of Q3. You
can see IF transformer T2 serves as an output
transformer for the first stage and as an input
transformer for the second stage.
MISSION
To develop competitive graduates and empowered community
members by providing relevant, innovative and transformative
knowledge, research, extension and production programs and
services through progressive enhancement of its human
resource capabilities and instructional mechanisms
 BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE Telefax: (6347) 2379214
(6347) 2379214
OFFICE OF THE DEAN Website: www.bpsu.edu.ph
Capitol Drive, Capitol Compound
City of Balanga 2100 Bataan
PHILIPPINES

e) Connect a short jumper lead ( J1) between

What identifies the first stage in an IF the bottom of the base bias resistor R6 and
amplifier? ground as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 8-
1.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ f) Connect a short jumper lead (J2) between
_____________________________________ the +Vcc line and T2 shown by the dashed
_____________________________________ lines in Fig. 8.1.
_____________________________________
g) Adjust the dc power source to 9Vdc. Vcc
for the first amplifier stage will be
b) Connect the positive and negative terminals approximately 8Vdc because of the dc voltage
of the radio printed circuit board to the 9Vdc drops across CR1, R26, R27, and R28.
power source. Make sure the negative side of
the power source is directly grounded at the h) Measure and record the dc voltages (with
source by connecting a short jumper lead respect to the ground) at the base, emitter, and
between the negative output terminal of the collector of Q2. Use the Electronic VOM to
power source and the nearest equipment make all transistor dc voltage measurements.
ground terminal.
VB2 = ________________Vdc
c) Connect RL (8.2) across the output VE2 = ________________Vdc
terminals of the audio amplifier. This is a good VC2 = ________________Vdc
practice to follow because some power
amplifiers may be damaged when not loaded i) Is Q2 correctly biased as a class A common-
by a speaker. emitter amplifier?

d) Remove the connecting jumper between the j) Return the power source to zero volts.
arm of volume control and audio input
capacitor C10. This will prevent any signal
from being applied to the audio amplifier
stages.

Fig. 8.1

VISION MISSION

A leading university in the Philippines recognized for its proactive contribution
to Sustainable Development through equitable and inclusive programs and
services by 2030
To develop competitive graduates and empowered community
members by providing relevant, innovative and transformative
knowledge, research, extension and production programs and
services through progressive enhancement of its human
resource capabilities and instructional mechanisms
 BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE Telefax: (6347) 2379214
(6347) 2379214
OFFICE OF THE DEAN Website: www.bpsu.edu.ph
Capitol Drive, Capitol Compound
City of Balanga 2100 Bataan
PHILIPPINES

Objective B. Demonstrate the operation and measure Reduce the output of the RF Generator until a 2
the bandwidth of a typical two stage IF amplifier by volts peak-to-peak signal shows on the
plotting a frequency response curve. oscilloscope screen. Use a non-metallic
screwdriver or alignment tool to make your
2) a) Set the calibrated oscilloscope controls for adjustments.
0.05V/cm deflection, 1us/cm sweep times, and
triggering to normal sync, internal source, + slope, h) Adjust the tuning slug in the top of IF
and auto level. Connect the low capacitance X10 transformer T2 for maximum amplifier output.
multiplier probe to the vertical input of the Reduce the output of the RF Generator as required
oscilloscope. (Remember to multiply all amplitude to maintain an output signal of 2 volts peak-to-
measurements by 10.) peak.

i) Adjust the tuning slug in the top of input IF

b) Connect the oscilloscope across the output
transformer T1 for maximum amplifier output.
winding of the last IF transformer T3 (the probe to
Reduce the output of the RF Generator as required
test point TP4 and the shield to printed circuit
to maintain an output signal of 2 volts peak-to-
board ground).
peak.
c) Connect the output of the RF Generator between
NOTE: Due to circuit loading by the RF
transistor Q1 collector C eyelet and board ground.
Generator, you may observe only a slight change
The output of the RF Generator to transistor Q1
in the signal.
collector C eyelet disables the local oscillator
circuit, preventing any unwanted signals from
j) Is the 2 volts peak-to-peak output waveform
interfering with your measurements.
distorted?
d) Adjust the dc power source to 9Vdc.
The total voltage gain of the IF amplifier is equal
to the gain of the second stage, and thus is
e) Set the RF Generator for an unmodulated output
extremely high (greater than 1000). It is difficult to
at 455kHz. The RF Generator should be in its
measure the input signal level using standard test
lowest output position.
equipment because the input signal is in the
microvolt range. If needed, an RF step attenuator
f) Adjust the output level of the RF Generator until
could be used to reduce the known signal in
a 455kHz sine-wave shows on the oscilloscope
accurate steps. It is enough to know the output
screen. Adjust the stability control on the
level of the RF Generator can be much lower when
oscilloscope for a stable display.
two stages of IF are being used than when one
stage was used as in the previous laboratory
g) Adjust the tuning slug in the top of output IF
exercise.
transformer T3 for maximum amplifier output.
3) a) Another advantage of using two IF stages,
besides high gain, is the improvement in selectivity
or narrowing of the 455kHz bandwidth.

VISION MISSION

A leading university in the Philippines recognized for its proactive contribution
to Sustainable Development through equitable and inclusive programs and
services by 2030
To develop competitive graduates and empowered community
members by providing relevant, innovative and transformative
knowledge, research, extension and production programs and
services through progressive enhancement of its human
resource capabilities and instructional mechanisms
 BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE Telefax: (6347) 2379214
(6347) 2379214
OFFICE OF THE DEAN Website: www.bpsu.edu.ph
Capitol Drive, Capitol Compound
City of Balanga 2100 Bataan
PHILIPPINES

You will now find the bandwidth of the two e) Return all voltages to zero
stage IF amplifier and compare it with the
f) Plot your recorded output voltage
bandwidth for a single IF stage found in the
measurements on the graph shown in Fig 8-2.
previous laboratory exercise.
Draw a continuous smoothed curve through
the plotted points The curve should have a
Adjust the frequency of the RF Generator peak at the resonant tank frequency (455kHz)
above and below 455kHz while watching the and decrease smoothly through each voltage
output waveform on the oscilloscope screen. point toward the outer edges of the graph.
Does the output decrease or fall off rapidly
when the frequency changes from 455kHz?

_____________________________________
2
b) Reset the RF Generator to 455kHz and peak
each IF transformer for maximum output
again. Adjust the output of the RF Generator VOLTS (PEAK-TO-PEAK)
for a two volts peak-to-peak output signal at 1.5
test point TP4.

c) Change the frequency of the RF Generator

to 450kHz. Measure and record in Table 8-1, 1
the peak-to-peak output voltage at the new
frequency.

d) Repeat C for each of the frequencies listed 0.5

in Table 8-1.

FREQUENCY OUTPUT
KHZ v pk-pk 0
435 445 455 465
440 FREQUENCY (KHZ)
445
Fig. 8-3
450
455 g) Mark the half power voltage points (70.7% pf
460 maximum voltage) on the response curve. These are
the points where the curve crosses the 1.4 volt
465 horizontal line (70.7% of 2 is about 1.4).
470
475

VISION MISSION

A leading university in the Philippines recognized for its proactive contribution
to Sustainable Development through equitable and inclusive programs and
services by 2030
To develop competitive graduates and empowered community
members by providing relevant, innovative and transformative
knowledge, research, extension and production programs and
services through progressive enhancement of its human
resource capabilities and instructional mechanisms
 BATAAN PENINSULA STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE Telefax: (6347) 2379214
(6347) 2379214
OFFICE OF THE DEAN Website: www.bpsu.edu.ph
Capitol Drive, Capitol Compound
City of Balanga 2100 Bataan
PHILIPPINES

h) Draw a straight vertical line from each of the half 2. A typical two stage IF amplifier:
power points to the frequency scale along the bottom
of the graph. The points where these lines meet the a. Has two IF transformers
frequency scale define IF bandwidth. Determine the b. Has three IF transformers
bandwidth of the two stage IF amplifier. c. Has four IF transformers
d. Has one IF transformer.
___________________ bandwidth = __________ kHz

i) Compare the frequency response curve for the single 3. The gain of a two stage IF amplifier:
stage IF amplifier plotted in the previous laboratory
exercise, with the curve for the two stage IF amplifier. a. Is much greater than a single stage
Is the selectivity (bandwidth) sharper or narrower for b. Is determined by the frequency
c. Both (a) and (b)
the two stage IF amplifier?
d. Neither (a) nor (b)
____________________________________________
4. Transistor in IF amplifier have their emitter
resistor bypassed to:
Summary

In this Laboratory Exercise you demonstrated the a. Remove the IF signal from the emitter.
operation of a typical two stage IF amplifier circuit. b. Increase the signal gain.
You measured the dc operating voltages of the first c. Neither (a) nor (b).
stage and determined the transistor was correctly d. Both (a) and (b).
biased for class A operation. You then applied a
455kHz signal and peaked the three IF transformers for 5. IF amplifier use:
a maximum output. You found a two stage IF amplifier
has very high gain. By making output measurements a. Resistor-capacitor coupling.
across a band of frequencies, you plotted a frequency b. Direct coupling.
response curve. Finally, by comparing frequency c. Transformer coupling.
response curve, you saw that a two stage IF amplifier d. A combination of the above.
has a narrower bandwidth and is therefore more
selective than a single IF stage. 6. The bandwidth of a normally tuned two-stage
IF amplifier:
Quiz

1. The transistor in the first stage of an IF a. Is more narrow than a single stage.
amplifier: b. Is the same as a single stage.
c. Is wider than a single stage
a. Is operated in class B. d. Is relatively broad.
b. Is operated in class AB.
c. Is operated in class A.
d. Is operated in class C.

VISION MISSION

A leading university in the Philippines recognized for its proactive contribution
to Sustainable Development through equitable and inclusive programs and
services by 2030
To develop competitive graduates and empowered community
members by providing relevant, innovative and transformative
knowledge, research, extension and production programs and
services through progressive enhancement of its human
resource capabilities and instructional mechanisms