The amplifying stage basic structure is actually the one commonly used until now, this
is, a push-pull mounted A-B class amplifier, using P-type (IRFP9240) and N-type
(IRFP240) mosfets.
The system's controlling core is a NE5534 OpAmp, which is internally compensated in
order to obtain an amplifying gain ratio equal or greater than 3. The amplifier's
feedback runs through a resistor and a capacitor associated to the OpAmp's noninverting input.
Transistors BF871 and BF872 are common-base configured, becoming actually a
current source structure. They accomplish a dual function: on one hand, they polarise
the mosfet's gate-source junction, keeping them on their conduction knee. On the other
hand, they carry out the OpAmp's output voltage variations, referred to signal ground.
The polarisation current adjustment is fixed by a 2k5 trimming potentiometer connected
to the BF transistors base. This current is added to the current source's output, which
passes through the BF-transistors load resistors. The bias current stability against
temperature is fixed through the BD437 transistors. Their temperature- dependent base
emitter voltage curve is used to alter adequately the current source's reference voltage.
As a consequence, if the temperature rises, the reference voltage decreases, thus the
gate-source voltage also does, and finally the bias current also decreases.
LER
52.0007version: 01.00
approved:
title:
FUNCTIONING DESCRIPTION
POWER MODULE
The Zobel network, formed by a resistor-inductor-capacitor group, and which is located
at the amplifier's output, intends to keep the amplifier's load impedance as constant as
possible, no matter which load is connected to the stage's output, or which signal
frequency is to be amplified, in order to prevent an inverted-phase feedback signal.
In order to avoid a DC offset on the output signal, a diac-triac tandem system is used,
which shorts the output to signal ground when the DC level is enough to get the diac
triggered. To prevent this from happening while carrying audio signal (sine-wave,
music), the diac's reference voltage is taken from a filter formed by resistor R149 and
capacitor C124.
The protection circuitry supervises at any time the power consumed by the MOSFETS.
The circuitry basically consists on two sections: MOSFET's drain current (Id) monitoring
and drain-source voltage (Vds) monitoring.
When the drain current exceeds a certain limiting value, a transistor (called controltransistor) becomes conducting, together with an auxiliary circuitry (helper), formed by
a transistor (which is the same type as the control-transistor) and a 8'2V Zener diode.
This value determines the point where the auxillary circuitry starts to run. The helpertransistor's base-emitter junction curve is used to obtain a non-linear variation on the
MOSFETS gate-source voltage control, and thus on their drain current.
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Moreover, as the helper-transistor's base-emitter current is temperature-dependent, the
controlling circuitry (basically the control-transistor) compensates the safe operation
area (SOA) drift due to temperature.
If the MOSFET's drain-source voltage (Vds) drops too low, a second circuitry actuates
to alter thecontrol-transistor's triggering level, obtaining a SOA-like curve section and
a current stage, which can be adjusted adequately in order to maintain the MOSFET's
power consumption as close as possible to its SOA.
Moreover, the amplifier also includes an ANTICLIP system.
When the amplifier reaches its clipping level, the OpAmp becomes unable to keep the
system under control, and as a consequence ±V peaks appear at its output (15V
power supply). This peaks are used to be rectified and sent to an optocupler (ledresistor) which modifies its impedance as a function of those peaks' amplitude. The
resulting impedance is part of a voltage divider, together with the amplifier's input
impedance. So, as the optocoupler increases its impedance, the amplifier's input signal
level decreases until the system becomes stable.
LER
52.0007version: 01.00
approved:
title:
FUNCTIONING DESCRIPTION
POWER MODULE
Also a dual-function temperature control circuitry is provided:
- Temperature-depending control of the cooling fan speed, whose voltage supply is
variable between 7 and 14 Vac.
- Amplifier shutdown when temperature exceeds approximately 90ºC.
The circuitry is formed byLM35D-type IC, which acts like a thermal probe, an
amplifier, thermal probe level comparator and a 7805-type voltage regulator.
The amplifier is responsible for the cooling fan speed control. The comparator triggers a
relay, which cuts off the MOSFETs' bias current by shunting a 22W resistance to the
BF-type transistors' load resistors. This way, the output signal of the amplifier is
effectively cutted off.
The STAND-BY circuit.
This circuit keeps the safety relay closed for about 10 seconds, thus the MOSFET's
bias current is cutted off during this period, until the whole system reaches again a
voltage-stable situation. Due to this, hearing annoying transients and noises during start
up through the loudspeakers is avoided. This delay is obtained by a RC-cell, where
R=287K, and C=47µF/50V. During start up, this RC-cell's voltage smoothly rises until
the 40106-type Trigger-Schmitt trigging level is reached, and the amplifier starts
functioning. C=47µF resets or discharges when the unit is turned off. During a short
period of time, a BC817-type transistor acts like a switch, connecting two 75W parallel
resistors to C=47µ/50V.
When this potentiometer is being replaced, after soldering it on the printed circuit
board, the two leads should be shorted as shown in the picture, in order to ensure a
correct performance depending on the available service part.