ChatGPT ideas about amplifier design

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Just for the record, I never used AI in any form, the above post was more like a philosopher's impression. I had a look at
and it proves pretty useless. It definitely can't read schematics and I woudn't use it for my EE exams. But funny it is, well, not, it gives an error when asked to tell a joke :oops:
 
The quality of the prompting is very important to be able to get correct results otherwise GIGO - what's new in computing?

Don't blame the tool when the user doesn't even learn the basics of how to use the tool.

The upgraded paid version of GPT can pass a lot of exams actually.
 
Do you now see what I mean when I say people routinely underestimate it?

You think the invention of the Printing Press was big? This is bigger.

The computer? Although it depends on it, this is bigger.

The internet? Although it will thrive and grow with it and ultimately always depend on it to some extent, this is bigger.

In its current infancy for publicly available versions, it can already be used to enhance all of these and much, much more. In fact, I would argue this is bigger than all those three combined.
 
A Class-AB amplifier output stage can be implemented using several different circuit configurations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a summary of the main circuit configurations and their key characteristics:

  • Quasi-complementary output stage: Uses both NPN and PNP transistors, which can reduce the distortion caused by the crossover region where the transistors switch on and off. The circuit complexity and cost of the output stage is higher than the single transistor based circuit like emitter follower but it has less distortion.
  • Emitter follower output stage: Uses a single NPN transistor, where the emitter terminal is connected to the load. It has low output impedance and high current drive capability, which makes it ideal for driving loads such as speakers. However, the emitter follower output stage has a higher distortion due to the crossover distortion of single transistor.
  • Double or Triple emitter output stage : Similar to the emitter follower output stage, but uses multiple NPN transistors connected in parallel. It reduces the crossover distortion caused by a single emitter follower output stage, but it increases the complexity and cost of the output stage.
  • FET output stage: Uses a Field-Effect Transistor (FET) as the output stage. It has high input impedance, low output impedance, and low distortion. However, it also has lower voltage and current handling capability, and higher distortion at high frequencies compared to BJT based output stages.
  • Complementary Feedback Pair (CFP): Uses a combination of NPN and PNP transistors in a cascode configuration. The CFP output stage is known for its low distortion and high power output. It is more complex and costly than the other output stages, but it offers the best overall performance.
In summary, the choice of output stage configuration depends on the specific requirements of the amplifier and the trade-offs between distortion, output impedance, current drive capability, complexity, and cost. The Quasi-complementary output stage offers less discernible crossover distortion, the Emitter follower output stage has a lower distortion but also a lower current drive capability, the double or triple emitter output stage can reduce crossover distortion while still maintaining high current drive capability, the FET output stage has a high input impedance, low output impedance and low distortion but it also has lower voltage and current handling capability, and higher distortion at high frequencies and The CFP output stage offers the best overall performance but it is more complex and costly than the other output stages.
Going right back to the start >
"Quasi-complementary output stage" ... Should read: Fully-complimentary output stage.
 
When change inevitably comes it comes. The mental block that made some idea seem impossible now is possible. Soon many ideas including that of body transfer and resurrection sold to us by many movies such as the latest installation of Avatar suddenly don't seem so far fetched.
 
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Can chat gpt design a snubber

Question:
what's a suitable snubber to be used across a diode having 200pF that's connected to a capacitor bank of 10000uf. The diode is switched at 50hz 35V signal with 2.5uH of leakage inductance

Answer:
To design a suitable snubber for the diode, we need to consider the voltage and current stress on the diode during switching. The purpose of the snubber is to reduce voltage spikes and ringing that may occur across the diode due to the inductive nature of the circuit. In this case, the diode is connected to a capacitor bank, and there is leakage inductance associated with it.

The basic elements of a snubber circuit include a resistor and a capacitor. The snubber will act as a low-pass filter to dampen the voltage spikes and ringing. The values of the resistor and capacitor are chosen based on the characteristics of the circuit.

Here's a general guideline for designing a simple RC snubber for the given diode:

Calculate the diode peak current:
Since the diode is connected to a 35V signal, the peak current can be estimated using the capacitor bank's capacitance and the frequency of the signal.
Ipeak = Vrms / (2 * π * f * C)
Ipeak = 35V / (2 * π * 50Hz * 10000uF) ≈ 1.11A

Calculate the snubber resistor value (Rsnub):
A typical value for the snubber resistor is between 1 to 10 ohms. Let's use Rsnub = 5 ohms.

Calculate the snubber capacitor value (Csnub):
The snubber capacitor value is chosen to set the cutoff frequency of the RC filter. A typical value for Csnub is between 0.01uF to 0.1uF. Let's use Csnub = 0.047uF.

Snubber power rating:
Make sure that the power rating of the snubber resistor is sufficient to handle the power dissipation during operation. The power rating of the resistor can be estimated as follows:
Psnub = Ipeak^2 * Rsnub
Psnub = (1.11A)^2 * 5Ω ≈ 6.16W
Choose a resistor with a power rating higher than 6.16W (e.g., 10W).

Keep in mind that this is a basic guideline, and actual snubber performance may require further optimization and testing. It's essential to simulate the circuit and verify its effectiveness in reducing voltage spikes and ringing. Additionally, always consider safety and ensure proper isolation and insulation for the snubber components in high-voltage applications.

Question:
can we use this capacitor alone as a snubber will it work
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/cornell-dubilier-illinois-capacitor/104MSR102K/5343940
0.1 µF
Tolerance
±10%
Voltage Rating - AC
250V
Voltage Rating - DC
1000V (1kV)
Dielectric Material
Polyester, Metallized
ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance)
17.684 Ohms

Answer:

Using the capacitor alone as a snubber may not be sufficient in this case. The provided capacitor has a capacitance of 0.1µF and an ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) of 17.684 ohms. While capacitors can be used as snubbers to some extent, the ESR of this capacitor is relatively high for an effective snubber.

An effective snubber should have a low ESR and be capable of quickly discharging energy when the diode is switched off. The high ESR of this capacitor would limit its ability to discharge quickly, and it may not adequately dampen voltage spikes and ringing.

A proper snubber design typically involves using both a capacitor and a resistor in combination to form an RC snubber, as mentioned in the previous response. The resistor helps to limit the discharge time of the capacitor and improves the snubber's overall performance.

If you don't want to use an external resistor, you may consider using a different capacitor with lower ESR. Ceramic capacitors are commonly used in snubber applications due to their low ESR and high-frequency capabilities. Be sure to choose a capacitor with a low ESR value and appropriate voltage ratings for your application.

As always, it's essential to simulate and test the snubber circuit to ensure it effectively reduces voltage spikes and ringing in your specific setup.

Question:
wont its internal ESR work the same way and limit its charging and discharge in the same way as a low esr capacitor in series with an external resistor?

Answer:

You are correct, and I apologize for the confusion in my previous response. The internal ESR of a capacitor will indeed affect its charging and discharging behavior, and it can be used as part of an effective snubber circuit.

In many cases, the internal ESR of capacitors is not explicitly provided in datasheets, so I appreciate that you provided that information. A capacitor with a higher ESR will have slower charging and discharging characteristics, which can help in dampening voltage spikes and ringing.

If the capacitor you have (0.1µF with an ESR of 17.684 ohms) is the only option available, it can still be utilized as a snubber component. In this scenario, you would use the capacitor alone without an external resistor, as the internal ESR will serve that purpose to some extent.

However, when comparing to an RC snubber (a combination of capacitor and resistor), the main advantage of the RC snubber is that you have more control over the snubber's characteristics. By choosing an external resistor, you can tailor the snubber response to better suit your specific circuit requirements, providing faster discharge or additional damping.

In summary, yes, the capacitor's internal ESR will limit its charging and discharging in a manner similar to an RC snubber, but using an external resistor in combination with a capacitor allows for more flexibility and fine-tuning of the snubber's performance. If the capacitor's internal ESR is the only option available, it can still be utilized as a snubber, but its effectiveness might be limited compared to an optimized RC snubber design.
 
How accurate is chat gpt or did it just pick on this common snubber that's also used on the outputs of switching class AB amplifiers. How suitable is this snubber for the speaker wire? Should we use the same snubber across the power supply of the amplifier and opamps?
 
In a few iterations of the AI we may be in for a surprise


Title: Optimizing Thermal Management for Electronics in High-Temperature Environments

Introduction:
In today's fast-paced technological landscape, electronic devices are increasingly expected to operate reliably across a spectrum of environmental conditions. Achieving this reliability necessitates a comprehensive understanding of thermal management, particularly when dealing with high-temperature scenarios. This article delves into the intricacies of thermal analysis, shedding light on the considerations and calculations required to ascertain a device's safe power output under elevated temperatures.

Device Specifications:
Consider a device with the following specifications:

Collector power dissipation (PC): 150 W @ Tc = 25°C
Maximum Junction temperature (Tj_max): 150 °C
Junction to Case resistance (θjc): 0.8335 °C/W
Heatsink Thermal Resistance (θhs): 0.38 °C/W (new value)
Realistic Mica-to-Heatsink Thermal Resistance (θmh): 0.1 °C/W (estimate)
Thermal Analysis:

Total Thermal Resistance (θja): To gain insight into the device's thermal performance, we commenced by calculating the total junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θja). This comprehensive metric entailed aggregating the effects of θjc, θcm, θmh, and θhs.

Power Output Calculation (P): By leveraging the derived θja, we formulated the power output equation: P = (Tj - Ta) / θja. Here, Tj signifies the junction temperature, Ta denotes the ambient temperature, and θja encapsulates the holistic thermal resistance.

Summer Application:
Anticipating the device's deployment in a high-temperature environment during the summer months, we set the ambient temperature (Ta) at a realistic 40°C. The subsequent calculations were predicated on this elevated ambient temperature:

Heatsink Temperature Estimation: Employing the power output equation, we extrapolated a heatsink temperature (Ths) of 66.45°C. This figure illustrates the projected heatsink temperature under the specified circumstances.

Maximal Safe Power Output: Factoring in a Tj_max of 150°C and the recalibrated ambient temperature (Ta) of 40°C, our computations yielded a maximum secure power output of roughly 98.45 watts. This prudent assessment ensures device reliability even amidst sweltering summer conditions.

Conclusion:
Effective thermal management constitutes an indispensable facet of modern electronics design. In our exploration, we elucidated the stepwise computations entailed in gauging power output and appraising temperature thresholds for devices functioning within elevated temperature contexts. By assimilating nuances such as thermal resistance, ambient temperature fluctuations, and permissible junction temperature thresholds, engineering professionals can judiciously navigate the terrain of high-temperature electronic applications. The mastery of these thermal analysis techniques remains a pivotal skill as the technological landscape advances and diverse environmental challenges persist.
 
Well its mastered the over-blown passive voice with too many long words and sentences. Clearly what it was trained on! Odd little errors like not knowing the meaning of "spectrum", equating it with "variety" rather than "continuum", pretty much the antonym really.

And this is nonsense grammer: "This comprehensive metric entailed aggregating the effects of θjc, θcm, θmh, and θhs". A noun can't entail, a process or action entails. How about the simpler "This metric is comprehensive, aggregating θjc, θcm, θmh, and θhs", hich is also in the correct tense too.

So my impression is its got not an inkling of understanding of the content, just of how words are commonly put together.

Which is why is says stuff like "By assimilating nuances such as thermal resistance, ambient temperature fluctuations, and permissible junction temperature thresholds". It doesn't know a factor from a nuance - ironically that would take a nuanced understanding!
 
It just links words or phrases that are statistically associated in the training data. There is no understanding at all.
And there is no assurance that anything whatsoever generated is correct. None.

It's like that obnoxious BS artist you used to know at work, who got fired because he didn't actually know anything.
 
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Question:
In the above scenario for a class AB amplifier how many think its a good idea to set the over temp protection at (66.45 * 1.414)-15=78.9 although this is above the 60 degrees centigrade after which burns occur, I guess that's why many manufacturers mount heat sinks internally, so that the external chassis temperature is customer friendly.

Answer:

Setting the over-temperature protection for a class AB amplifier involves careful consideration of various factors, including the amplifier's design, the intended usage, and safety concerns. The temperature you've calculated (78.9°C) seems to be a result of considering the calculated heatsink temperature (66.45°C) multiplied by a factor of 1.414 and then subtracting 15°C.

Your reasoning is on the right track, and manufacturers do indeed take measures to ensure that external chassis temperatures remain safe for users. Here are a few points to consider when deciding on the over-temperature protection threshold:

Component Tolerances: Electronic components, including sensors used for over-temperature protection, might have tolerances that can impact their accuracy. It's important to account for these tolerances when setting protection thresholds.

Safety Margin: It's common to include a safety margin above the calculated temperatures to provide a buffer and account for unexpected variations, transient conditions, and inaccuracies in measurements.

User Comfort: As you've mentioned, manufacturers often design devices to keep the external chassis temperature at user-friendly levels. This is to prevent accidental burns or discomfort to users who might touch the device during operation.

Reliability: Electronic components can experience performance degradation and reduced lifespan at elevated temperatures. Setting the over-temperature protection threshold below the maximum junction temperature can help ensure the long-term reliability of the amplifier.

Environmental Factors: Consider the environment in which the amplifier will be used. If it's in a location with high ambient temperatures or limited ventilation, it might be prudent to set a lower over-temperature protection threshold.

Intended Usage: The way the amplifier will be used can impact the threshold. For instance, if the amplifier is intended for continuous high-power operation, a lower protection threshold might be suitable.

In light of these points, while your calculated threshold (78.9°C) is above the temperature at which burns occur, it's important to add safety margins and consider factors like component tolerances and long-term reliability. Manufacturers might also have internal guidelines and standards for setting protection thresholds based on their experience and the specific characteristics of their products.

In summary, setting over-temperature protection requires a balance between performance, safety, and reliability. Manufacturers often take a conservative approach to ensure that their products operate safely and reliably even in demanding conditions.