10.

5 Two-Port Models for Amplifiers 665

DESIGN
NOTE
Remember, the transfer function analysis in SPICE is a dc analysis and should not be used
in circuits containing capacitors and inductors!

10.5.2 The Hybrid or h-parameters

The h-parameter description is also widely used in electronic circuits and is one convenient
model for a current amplifier:
v1 = h 11 i1 + h 12 v2
(10.18)
i2 = h 21 i1 + h 22 v2
Figure 10.7 is the network representation of these equations.

i1 i2
+ h 11 +
v1 h 12 v 2 h 21i 1 1
v2
h 22
– –

Figure 10.7 Two-port h-parameter representation.

As with the g-parameters, the h-parameters are determined from a given network using a
combination of open- and short-circuit measurement conditions:

v1 
h 11 =  = short-circuit input resistance
i1 v2 =0

v1 
h 12 =  = reverse open-circuit voltage gain
v2 i1 =0
 (10.19)
i2 
h 21 =  = forward short-circuit current gain
i1 v2 =0

i2 
h 22 =  = open-circuit output conductance
v2 i1 =0

EXAMPLE 10.2 FINDING A SET OF h-PARAMETERS

This example provides an example of calculating the h-parameters of a network containing a
controlled source.

PROBLEM Find the h-parameters for the circuit in Ex. 10.1.

SOLUTION Known Information and Given Data: Circuit given in Ex. 10.1 including specified element
values; h-parameter definitions in Eq. (10.19)
Unknowns: Values of the four h-parameters
666 Chapter 10 Analog Systems

Approach: Apply the boundary conditions specified for each h-parameter, and then use circuit
analysis to find the four parameter values. Note that each set of boundary conditions applies to
two parameters.
Assumptions: None
Analysis — h11 and h21 : Looking at the definitions of the g-parameters, we see that h 11 and h 21
use the same boundary condition.
 
v1  i2 
h 11 =  and h 21 = 
i 1 v2 =0 i 1 v2 =0

Current source i1 is applied to the input port, and the output port is short circuited (i.e., v2 is set
to zero) as shown in the figure here.

i1 i2
+ 20 k +
i= 0
i1 v1 v2 = C
50i1 200 k
– –

h11 : Since v2 = 0, input voltage v1 is equal to the voltage across the 20-k
resistor:
v1
v1 = (20 k
)i1 and h 11 = = 2 × 104

i1
h21 : To find i2 , we sum the currents at the output node, realizing that the current in the 200-k

resistor is forced to be zero by the short circuit across the output terminals
i2
i1 + 50i1 + i2 = 0 or i2 = −51i1 = −51 and h 21 =
i1
h12 and h22 : Looking again at the definitions of the h-parameters, we see that h 12 and h 22 use
the same boundary condition.
 
v1  i2 
h 12 =  and h 22 = 
v 2 i1 =0 v 2 i1 =0

For these parameters, we apply a voltage source v2 to the output port, and the input port is
open-circuited (i.e., i1 is set to zero).

i1 = 0 i2
+ 20 k
v1 200 k v2
50i1 = 0
–

h22 and h12 : With i1 = 0, the current in the dependent current source is also zero. Therefore,
v2 i2 1
i2 = and h 22 = = = 5 × 10−6 S
200 k
v2 200 k

 10.5 Two-Port Models for Amplifiers 667

and
v1
v1 = (20 k
)i1 + v2 = v2 and h 12 = = +1
v2
since the boundary sets i1 = 0.
The final h-parameter equations for the network are
v1 = 2 × 104 i1 + v2
i2 = −51i1 + 5 × 10−6 v2
Check of Results: The results are confirmed below using SPICE.
Discussion: Here again we see that the value of the forward transfer parameter is much larger
than that of the reverse transfer parameter −h 21 h 12 . We will make use of this observation
when we study feedback in Chapter 18.
Computer-Aided Analysis: Numerical values for two-port parameters are easily found using
the transfer function (TF) analysis capability of SPICE. In order to find the h-parameters for the
circuit in Ex. 10.2, we drive the network with current source I1 at the input and voltage source V2
at the output as in the figure here. These choices correspond to the boundary conditions in the
definitions of the g-parameters. Zero-value voltage-source VAM F1 acts as an ammeter and
senses the controlling current for CCCS F1. Note that both independent sources are assigned
zero values.

0V R1

20 k
VAM_F1
I1 R2 200 k V2
F1
0A 0V

The TF analysis calculates how variables change in response to changes in an independent

source, and a starting point of zero is therefore valid. The zero-value sources directly satisfy the
boundary conditions required to calculate the h-parameters.
Two TF analyses are used — one to find h 11 and h 21 and a second to find h 12 and h 22 .
The first analysis requests calculation of the transfer function from current source I1 to (the
current in) source V2, and SPICE will produce values for the transfer function and the input re-
sistance presented to I1. The SPICE results are transfer function = 51.0 and input resistance =
20.0 k
. Note that parameter h 21 is the negative of the TF value. The sign difference arises
from the convention assumed by SPICE in which positive current is directed downward through
source V2. Parameter h 11 equals the input resistance and is in agreement with our hand
calculations.
The second analysis requests the transfer function from source V2 to the voltage appearing
across I1 (the input node of the two-port). The results are transfer function = 1.00, input
resistance = 200 k
, and output resistance = 20.0 k
. Reverse voltage-gain parameter h 12 is
equal to the transfer function value. Conductance parameter h 22 is equal to the reciprocal of the
200-k
resistance presented to source I2, which is the “input resistance” in this calculation. We
find precise in agreement with our hand calculations.
668 Chapter 10 Analog Systems

Exercise: Find the h-parameters for the circuit in Ex. 10.2 if the 200-k resistor is replaced
with a 50-k resistor, and the dependent source is changed to 75i1 .
Answers: 2.00 × 104 ; −76.0; +1.00; 2.00 × 10−5 S

Exercise: Confirm your calculations in the previous exercise using SPICE.

EXAMPLE 10.3 NETWORK ANALYSIS USING THE h-PARAMETERS

Now we will use the h-parameters to find the voltage gain of a network with a source and load
attached.

PROBLEM Find the voltage gain Av = vo /vs for the network below with R S = 5 k
and R L = 1 k
.
Assume the two-port can be described by the h-parameters found in Ex. 10.2.

RS i1 i2
+ +
v1 Two-port from v2 RL
vs
Ex. 10.2
– –

SOLUTION Known Information and Given Data: Circuit above with R S = 5 k
and R L = 1 k
; The
two-port is described by
v1 = 2 × 104 i1 + v2
i2 = −51i1 + 5 × 10−6 v2
Unknowns: Voltage gain Av = vo /vs
Approach: Relate vs to v1 and i1 and v2 to i2 . Substitute the relations into the two-port equations
and solve for the voltage ratio vo /vs .
Assumptions: None
Analysis: Let us solve the problem symbolically before substituting the numbers into the equa-
tions. The h-parameter description for the two-port is
v1 = h 11 i1 + h 12 v2
i2 = h 21 i1 + h 22 v2
At the input port, we have to v1 = vs − i1 R S , and at the output port, i2 = −v2 /R S . Substituting
these relationships into the h-parameter equations and collecting terms yields
vs = (h 11 + R S )i1 + h 12 v2
 
1
O = h 21 i1 + h 22 + v2
RL
 10.5 Two-Port Models for Amplifiers 669

Using the second equation to eliminate i1 in the first gives

 
1
(h 11 + R S ) h 22 +
RL
vs = − v2 + h 12 v2
h 21
and the voltage gain is given by
v2 1
Av = =  
v1 (h 11 + R S ) 1
− h 22 + + h 12
h 21 RL
Substituting the numerical values into the voltage gain expression gives a gain of
1
Av = = 0.670
(2 × 104 + 5 × 103 ) −6 −3
− (5 × 10 + 10 ) + 1
−51
Check of Results: As a check we can also find the voltage gain directly from the original circuit
(which is left as an upcoming exercise). This direct analysis yields the same result, so the answer
is correct.
Computer-Aided Analysis: The voltage gain can be found using the transfer function (TF)
capability of SPICE. The two-port is modeled in SPICE by its equivalent circuit from Fig. 10.7,
as shown in the figure here. Zero-value current source IVM H12 functions as a voltmeter in
parallel with the output and provides the controlling voltage for VCVS EH12. In this circuit,
CCCS FH21 depends on the current in source EH12. A zero value input source is used for VS,
as discussed in the previous two examples. The TF analysis calculates the transfer function from
source VS to the output node voltage appearing across resistor RL.

RS RH11

5k 20 k IVM_HI2
VS 0V RH22 RL 1k
EH12 FH21 200 k 0A

The SPICE results are transfer function = 0.670, input resistance = 75.7 k
, and output
resistance = 328
.

Exercise: Find the voltage gain of the circuit in Ex. 10.3 by direct analysis rather than using
the two-port equations.
Answer: 0.670

Exercise: Find the voltage gain Av = vo /vs for the network in Ex. 10.3 if resistor RL is
increased to 5 k.
Answer: 0.909
670 Chapter 10 Analog Systems

Exercise: Use the two-port equations to verify the input and output resistance values cal-
culated by SPICE.
Answers: 75.8 k; 328 

10.5.3 The Admittance or y-parameters

The admittance, or y-parameter, description will be used during the analysis of feedback ampli-
fiers in Chapter 18,

i1 = y11 v1 + y12 v2
(10.20)
i2 = y21 v1 + y22 v2

Figure 10.8 is a network representation of these equations.

i1 i2
+ +
v1 1 y 12v 2 y 21v1 1 v2
y 11 y 22
– –

Figure 10.8 Two-port y-parameter representation.

The y-parameters are often referred to as the short-circuit parameters because they are de-
termined from a given network using only short-circuit terminations:

i1 
y11 = = short-circuit input conductance
v1 v2 =0

i1 
y12 = = reverse short-circuit transconductance
v2 v1 =0
 (10.21)
i2 
y21 = = forward short-circuit transconductance
v1 v2 =0

i2 
y22 = = short-circuit output conductance
v2 v1 =0

EXAMPLE 10.4 y-PARAMETER ANALYSIS

This example provides an example of calculating the y-parameters of a network containing a
controlled source.

PROBLEM Find the y-parameters for the circuit in Ex. 10.1

SOLUTION Known Information and Given Data: Circuit given in Ex. 10.1 including specified element
values; y-parameter definitions in Eq. (10.21)
Unknowns: Values of the four y-parameters
 10.5 Two-Port Models for Amplifiers 671

Approach: Apply the boundary conditions specified for each h-parameter, and then use circuit
analysis to find the four parameter values. Note that each set of boundary conditions applies to
two parameters.
Assumptions: None
Analysis — y11 and y21 : Looking at the definitions of the y-parameters, we see that y11 and y21
use the same boundary condition.
 
i1  i2 
y11 =  and y21 = 
v 1 v2 =0 v 1 v2 =0

Voltage source v1 is applied to the input port, and the output port is short-circuited (v2 is set to
zero), as shown in the figure here.

i1 i2

20 k +
i= 0
v1 v2 = 0
50i1 200 k
–

y11 : Since v2 = 0, input voltage v1 appears directly across the 20-k
resistor:
v1 i1 1
i1 = and y11 = = = 5 × 10−5 S
20 k
v1 20 k

y21 : To find i2 , we sum the currents at the output node, realizing that the current in the 200-k

resistor is forced to be zero by the short circuit across the output terminals:
v1
i1 + 50i1 + i2 = 0 or i2 = −51i1 with i1 =
20 k

i2 51 1 −3
y21 = =− =− == −2.55 × 10 S
v1 20 k
392

y12 and y22 : Looking again at the definitions of the y-parameters, we see that y12 and y22 use
the same boundary condition.
 
i1  i2 
y12 =  and y22 = 
v 2 v1 =0 v 2 v1 =0

For these parameters, we apply a voltage source v2 to the output port, and the input port is
short-circuited (v1 is set to zero).
i1 i2

20 k
v1 = 0 50i1 200 k v2

y12 : With v1 = 0, voltage v2 appears directly across the 20-k
resistor, and
v2 i1 1
i1 = − and y12 = =− = −5 × 10−5 S
20 k
v2 20 k

672 Chapter 10 Analog Systems

y22 : To find i2 , we can apply KCL at the output node.

v2 v2 v2
i2 = − 50i1 + and we know i1 = −
200 k
20 k
20 k

Combining these equations gives the short-circuit output conductance y22 :

v2 v2 i1 1
i2 = + 51 and y22 = = = 2.56 × 10−3 S
200 k
20 k
v2 391

The final y-parameter equations for the network are

i1 = 5 × 10−5 v1 − 5 × 10−5 v2

i2 = −2.55 × 10−3 v1 + 2.56 × 10−3 v2

Check of Results: This result appears to be unusual since both equations are nearly the same;
i.e., i2 ∼
= −i1 . We can also observe that the determinant of the system is very close to zero.
This is another indication of potential problems using these equations. If we look back at the
derivations and keep all the significant digits, we find that

i1 = 5.000 × 10−5 v1 − 5.000 × 10−5 v2

i2 = −2.550 × 10−3 v1 + 2.555 × 10−3 v2

Discussion: The determinant of this system of equations is 2.50 × 10−10 , which is much smaller
than any of the individual coefficients. This result indicates that analyses using this equation
set may be highly sensitive to round-off errors, and therefore the y-parameters are probably
not a good parameter set to use to model this network. Note that we still see that the value
of the forward transfer parameter is much larger than that of the reverse transfer parameter
−y21 y12 .
Computer-Aided Analysis: Numerical values for two-port parameters can be found using the
transfer function (TF) analysis of SPICE. In order to find the y-parameters for the circuit in
this exercise, we drive the network with voltage source V1 at the input and voltage source V2
at the output, as in the figure here. These choices correspond to the boundary conditions in the
definitions of the y-parameters. Zero-value voltage-source VAM I1 is added to the circuit and
functions as an ammeter sensing the controlling current for CCCS F1.

0V R1

20 k
VAM_I1
V1 R2 200 k V2
F1
0V 0V

Note that both independent sources are assigned zero values. The TF analysis calculates how
variables change in response to changes in an independent source, and a starting point of zero
is therefore valid. The zero-value sources directly satisfy the boundary conditions required to
calculate the y-parameters.
 10.5 Two-Port Models for Amplifiers 673

Two TF analyses are used — the first finds y11 and y21 , and the second y12 and y22 . The
first analysis requests calculation of the transfer function from voltage source V1 to (the
current in) source V2. SPICE will produce values for the transfer function and the input re-
sistance presented to source V1, and the results are transfer function = 2.550 × 10−3 , and
input resistance = 20.0 k
. Parameter y11 is the input conductance and equals the reciprocal of
the 20.0-k
value, and parameter y21 is the negative of the TF value. The sign difference arises
from the convention assumed by SPICE in which positive current is directed downward through
source V2.
The second analysis requests the transfer function from source V2 to the current in voltage
source V1. The results from SPICE are transfer function = 50.0 × 10−6 and input resistance =
391.4
. Reverse transfer conductance y12 is equal to the negative of the transfer function value.
Conductance parameter y22 is equal to the reciprocal of the resistance presented to source V2,
which is the “input resistance” in this calculation. Once again we find precise agreement with
our hand calculations.

Exercise: Find the y-parameters for the circuit in Ex. 10.4 if the 200-k resistor is replaced
with a 50-k resistor, and the dependent source is changed to 75i1 .
Answers: 5.00 × 10−5 S; 5.00 × 10−5 S; 3.80 × 10−3 S; 3.80 × 10−3 S; Here again we see a
problem with the parameter set.

Exercise: Confirm your calculations in the previous exercise using SPICE.

10.5.4 The Impedance or z-parameters

The impedance, or z-parameters, will also be used for analysis of feedback amplifiers in
Chapter 18,

v1 = z 11 i1 + z 12 i2
(10.22)
v2 = z 21 i1 + z 22 i2

Figure 10.9 is a network representation of Eq. (10.22). The z-parameters are determined from
a given network using open-circuit measurement conditions and are often referred to as the

i1 i2
+ z 11 z 22 +
v1 z 12i 2 z 21i 1 v2
– –

Figure 10.9 Two-port z-parameter representation.

674 Chapter 10 Analog Systems

open-circuit parameters:

v1 
z 11 = = open-circuit input resistance
i1 i2 =0

v1 
z 12 = = reverse open-circuit transresistance
i2 i1 =0
 (10.23)
v2 
z 21 = = forward open-circuit transresistance
i1 i2 =0

v2 
z 22 = = open-circuit output resistance
i2 i1 =0

EXAMPLE 10.5 z-PARAMETER ANALYSIS

This example provides an example of calculating the z-parameters of a network containing a
controlled source.

PROBLEM Find the z-parameters for the circuit in Ex. 10.1.

SOLUTION Known Information and Given Data: Circuit given in Ex. 10.1 including specified element
values; z-parameter definitions in Eq. (10.23)
Unknowns: Values of the four z-parameters
Approach: Apply the boundary conditions specified for each z-parameter, and then use circuit
analysis to find the four parameter values. Note that each set of boundary conditions applies to
two parameters.
Assumptions: None
Analysis — z11 and z21 : Looking at the definitions of the z-parameters, we see that z 11 and z 21
use the same boundary condition.
 
v1  v2 
z 11 =  and z 21 = 
i 1 i2 =0 i 1 i2 =0

Current source i1 is applied to the input port, and the output port is open circuited (i2 is set to
zero) as shown in the figure here.

i1 i2 = C
+ 20 k +
i1 v1 200 k v2
50i1
– –

z11 : We can write a loop equation at the input port to find v1 :

v1 = (20 k
)i1 + (i1 + 50i1 )(200 k
)
and
v1
z 11 = = 20 k
+ 51(200 k
) = 10.2 M

i1
 10.5 Two-Port Models for Amplifiers 675

z21 : To find v2 , we apply KCL at the output node:

v2
v2 = (i1 + 50i1 )(200 k
) = (51)(200 k
)i1 and z 21 = = 10.2 M

i1
z12 and z22 : Looking again at the definitions of the z-parameters, we see that z 12 and z 22 use the
same boundary condition.
 
v1  v2 
z 12 =  and z 22 = 
i2 i1 =0 i2 i1 =0
For these parameters, we apply current source i2 to the output port, and the input port is open-
circuited (i1 is set to zero).

i1 = 0 i2
+ 20 k +
v1 200 k v2 i2
50i1 = 0
– –

z12 and z22 : Since i1 = 0, the dependent source is also zero, and

v1 = v2 = i2 (200 k
)

Therefore
v1 v2
z 12 = = 200 k
and z 22 = = 200 k

i2 i2
The final z-parameter equations for the network are
v1 = 1.02 × 107 i1 + 2.00 × 105 i2

v2 = 1.02 × 107 i1 + 2.00 × 105 i2

Check of Results: This result appears to be unusual since both equations are the same, and
v2 = v1 . Observe that the determinant of the system is zero! The equations are not independent
and results from a loss of significant digits in the answers. If we look back at the derivations and
keep all the significant digits, we find that
v1 = 1.022 × 107 i1 + 2.000 × 105 i2
v2 = 1.020 × 107 i1 + 2.000 × 105 i2
Discussion: The determinant of this system of equations is 4.0 × 109 , which is small relative to
each of the cross-product terms. The z-parameters are not a good parameter set to use to model
this network. One must be very careful not to lose significance in the calculations. Again we see
that the value of the forward transfer parameter is much larger than that of the reverse transfer
parameter − z 21 z 12 .
Computer-Aided Analysis: Numerical values for two-port parameters are found using the trans-
fer function (TF) capability of SPICE. In order to find the z-parameters for the circuit in this
example, we drive the network with current source I1 at the input and current source I2 at the out-
put, as in the figure here. These choices correspond to the boundary conditions in the definitions
676 Chapter 10 Analog Systems

of the g-parameters. Zero-value voltage-source VAM I1 functions as an ammeter to sense the

controlling current for CCCS F1. Note that both independent sources are assigned zero values.
The TF analysis calculates how variables change in response to changes in an independent
source, and a starting point of zero is therefore valid. The zero-value sources directly satisfy the
boundary conditions required to calculate the z-parameters.

0V R1

20 k
VAM_I1
I1 R2 200 k I2
F1
0A 0A

Two TF analyses are used — one to find z 11 and z 21 and a second to find z 12 and z 22 . The
first analysis requests calculation of the transfer function from current source I1 to the voltage
at the output node across source I2. SPICE will produce values for the transfer function, the
input resistance presented to I1 at the input node, and the resistance presented to I2 at the output
node. The SPICE results are transfer function = 10.20 × 106 , input resistance = 10.22 M
,
and output resistance = 200 k
. Parameter z 11 equals the input resistance, and parameter z 21
equals the TF value.
The second analysis requests the transfer function from source I2 to the voltage appearing
across I1 (the input node of the two-port). The results from SPICE are transfer function =
2.00 × 105 , input resistance = 200 k
, and output resistance = 10.22 M
. Reverse transfer
parameter z 12 is equal to the transfer function value, and parameter z 22 is equal to the 200-k

resistance presented to source I2, which is the “input resistance” in this calculation. All param-
eters agree with our hand calculations. In this particular case, it is interesting to note that each
transfer function analysis yields three of the z-parameter values.

Exercise: Find the z-parameters for the circuit in Ex. 10.5 if the 200-k resistor is replaced
with a 50-k resistor, and the dependent source is changed to 75i1 .
Answers: 3.82 M; 50.0 k; 3.80 M; 50.0 k; Note the nearly identical equations that
result from these parameters.

Exercise: Confirm your calculations in the previous exercise using SPICE.

Exercise: Find the voltage gain Av = vo /vs for the network in Ex. 10.3 assuming that the
two-port can be described by the z-parameters found in Ex. 10.5. (Be careful not to lose
significant digits in the calculations.)
Answer: 0.670