EE2073 Project Report
Automatic Volume Control
for Audio Amplifier System
Student Name: Goh Cai Yu
Matric No.: U2023642A
Project Group: EJ28
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Academic Year 2021/22
Semester 2
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction………………………………………………………………..………………3
Chapter 2 Voltage Controlled Amplifier…………………………………………………………….3
2.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….3
2.2 Experiment Measurement….…………………………………………………………..4
2.3 Experiment Results………………………...……………………………………………5
Chapter 3 Power Amplifier……………………….……………………………….…………………6
3.1 Introduction……….……..……………………………………………………………….6
3.2 Experiment Measurement………………………………………………………….…..7
3.3 Experiment Results………………………...……………………………………………8
Chapter 4 VU Metre…………………………………………………………………………………..9
4.1 Introduction……….……..……………………………………………………………….9
4.2 Experiment Measurement……………...………………………………………………9
4.3 Experiment Results………………………...…………………………………………11
Chapter 5 Integration of System………………………………………………………………….12
5.1 Introduction……….……..……………………………………………………….…….12
5.2 Experiment Measurement…………………………………………..………………..13
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5.3 Experiment Results………………………...…………………………………………14
Chapter 6 Manual Volume Control………………………………………………………………15
6.1 Introduction……….……..………………………………………………………...……15
6.2 Experiment Measurement………………………………………………………..….15
6.3 Experiment Results………………………...…………………………………………17
Chapter 7 Automatic Volume Control……………………………………………………………18
7.1 Introduction……….……..…………………………………………………………….18
7.2 Experiment Measurement…………………………………………………………….18
7.3 Experiment Results………………………...…………………………………………20
Chapter 8 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………21
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Chapter 1
Introduction
The objective of this project is to create an automatic volume control for an audio amplifier
system. This is created by firstly building the three subsystems, voltage controlled amplifier,
Power Amplifier and Volume Unit Metre separately. Integrating these subsystems together
forms our audio amplifier system. Next, we add a manual volume control to our audio
amplifier system using a block diagram. Finally, build on the manual volume control block
diagram to include the automatic volume control function.Therefore, we have our automatic
volume control audio amplifier system.
Chapter 2
Voltage Controlled Amplifier
1. Introduction
A Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) allows us to control the gain of the system through
changing control voltage (Vc). The Voltage Controlled Amplifier is built by configuring a
THAT 2180C IC and a OP 275 Operational Amplifier into the configuration as shown by
Figure 2.1.1.
Using LabVIEW, we use the Function Generator (FGEN) to generate input signals and
Oscilloscope (SCOPE) to observe waveforms. We set up the following block diagram as
shown in Figure 2.2.2 which enables us to adjust control voltage and take measurements to
determine the gain of the system.
Figure 2.1.1 : Voltage Controlled Amplifier Schematic Diagram
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2. Experiment Measurement
Figure 2.2.1 : Voltage Controlled Amplifier Circuit
Figure 2.2.2 : Waveform, Block Diagram and Front Panel for Voltage Controlled Amplifier
Measured gain of the Voltage Controlled Amplifier can be calculated using :
Since the experiment is conducted at room temperature, ∆T = 0.
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Vin(Vpp) Vc(V) Vout(Vpp) Measured Measured Theoretical
Gain = Gain (dB) Gain (dB)
Vout/Vin
1.2 0.5 850.03 μ 708.35 μ -63.00 -81.97
0.50 0.36 779.2 μ 1557.4 μ -56.15 -59.02
0.52 0.18 17.61 m 33.86 m -29.40 -29.51
0.33 0.06 103.23 m 312.82 m -10.09 -9.84
0.36 0.00 357.2 m 992.22 m -0.793 0.00
0.14 -0.06 422.34 m 3016.71 m 9.59 9.84
0.12 -0.12 1.177 9.80 19.85 19.67
0.10 -0.15 1.654 16.54 24.37 24.59
Table 1 : Gain Measurement for Voltage Controlled Amplifier
3. Experiment Results
Functionality of Voltage Controlled Amplifier
Legend :
X-axis : Control Voltage (Vc)
Y-axis : Gain
Orange line : Theoretical gain
Blue line : Measured gain
Figure 2.3.1 Graph of Gain vs Vc
The Figure 2.3.1. shows that the measured gain is approximately equal to the theoretical
gain of the system. Hence, we can conclude that the Voltage Controlled Amplifier is
functioning according to what we desired. Looking at the theoretical graph, since the gain is
proportional to the control voltage, this suggests we hope to achieve a linear VCA. However,
looking at the measured graph, we can see that gain is not completely proportional to the
control voltage. Therefore, we can conclude that the VCA we have created is not ideal.
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Control Voltage (Vc) sensitivity
Vc sensitivity is the inverse of the gradient of graphs shown in Figure 2.3.1. Vc sensitivity
shows the extent a change in voltage affects the gain of the system.
The gradient of the graph of measured gain is less steep as compared to that of theoretical
gain. This indicates that the Vc sensitivity of measured gain will be smaller than that of
theoretical gain. Since the theoretical value of Vc sensitivity is 6 mV/dB, we can estimate the
measured value of Vc sensitivity to be 5mV/dB.
Thus, we can conclude that our Voltage Controlled Amplifier will be less sensitive to a
change in voltage as compared to ideal cases.
Chapter 3
Power Amplifier
1. Introduction
A Power Amplifier provides the load with its necessary gain and power amplification.
The Power Amplifier is built by configuring a LM380N Power Amplifier IC into the
configuration as shown by Figure 3.1.1.
Using LabVIEW, we use the Function Generator (FGEN) to generate input signals and Bode
Analyzer, we can observe the Bode frequency response of the power amplifier to study the
various gains of the Power Amplifier.
Figure 3.1.1 : Power Amplifier Schematic Diagram
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2. Experiment Measurement
Figure 3.2.1 : Power Amplifier Circuit
Vp = 0.02 Vp = 0.03
Vp = 0.06 Vp = 0.04
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Vp = 0.12 Vp = 0.13
Vp = 0.16 Vp = 0.14
Table 2 : Frequency Response Measurement for Power Amplifier
3. Experiment Results
Interesting Trends and Cases
The shape of the bode plots are generally the same.
The gain tends to decrease almost linearly after the -3dB position.
As frequency increases, the bode plots become increasingly distorted.
From Vp = 0.02 to 0.06: as frequency increases, gain decreases.
From Vp = 0.12 to 0.16: as frequency increases, gain slightly increases before decreasing
again. As Vp increases, there is a larger increase in gain before gain decreases.
Gains of Power Amplifier
The gain of the amplifier tends to decrease almost linearly after the -3dB position.
From Vp = 0.02 to 0.13, as Vp increases, the gain at the -3dB position shows a very slight
decrease. From Vp = 0.14 onwards, gain at the -3dB position shows a very slight increase.
Since the gain depreciates as frequency increases, therefore, we can conclude that the
Power Amplifier is a low pass filter.
In general, input voltage (Vp) has almost no effect on gain as a change in Vp only shows
slight changes in gain. This is in line with the theory of PA, as gain should remain constant
for varying values of input signal. However, the very slight changes in gain at the -3dB
position shows that the PA we have created is not ideal.
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Chapter 4
VU Metre
1. Introduction
The Volume Unit Metre measures the output signal magnitude from the PA ; this is feedback
used to control the input signal magnitude of the PA. The Volume Unit Metre is built by
configuring a CA3140 Operational Amplifier into the configuration as shown by Figure 4.1.1.
The Volume Unit Metre measures the magnitude of the output signal by determining the
average magnitude of the signal. The average magnitude of the signal is obtained by firstly
rectifying the input signal to only use the positive half cycle of the signal. This is shown by
Figure 4.2.2 and Figure 4.2.3, which shows half wave rectified waveforms The RMS value of
the signal, which is the average magnitude of the signal, is then determined. This is shown
by Figure 4.2.4, which shows a constant value for VUoutput3.
Figure 4.1.1 : Volume Unit Metre Schematic Diagram
2. Experiment Measurement
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Figure 4.2.1 : Volume Unit Metre Subsystem Circuit
Figure 4.2.2 : Waveform for VUoutput1
Figure 4.2.3 : Waveform for VUoutput2
Figure 4.2.3 : Waveform for VUoutput3
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VUinput (Vpp) VUoutput1 VUoutput2 VUoutput3 Measured Gain
(Vpk) (Vpk) (VRMS) =
2 VUoutput2 /
VUinput
5 2.33 1.738 0.77262 0.6952
9.2 3.814 3.195 1.662 0.6945
4.50 2.144 1.574 0.66925 0.6995
3.52 1.792 1.237 0.46656 0.7028
2.53 1.429 0.89007 0.26747 0.7036
1.56 1.065 0.54838 0.09306 0.703
0.54 0.65937 0.19509 0.00402 0.72255
0.22 0.50859 0.08587 0.00056737 0.7806
Table 3 : Gain Measurement for Volume Unit Metre
3. Experiment Results
Gain Comparison
Legend:
X axis : VUinput
Y axis : Measured Gain
The measured gain decreases as VUinput increases. There is a large drop in measured gain
during the initial increase in VUinput. Overall, The measured gain is approximately the same
as theoretical gain.
Functionality of VU metre
Legend:
X axis : VUinput
Y axis : VUoutput3
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The VUoutput3 increases almost linearly to an increase in VUinput. This indicates there are
close to no undesired factors affecting the output voltage as input voltage increases.
Therefore, the functionality of VU metre is met as the VU metre can accurately measure the
output signal magnitude from the PA. This is because the magnitude of the output signal
changes corresponding to a change in magnitude of the input signal.
Theoretically, input voltage should be proportional to the output voltage. However, since
input is not completely proportional to the output, we can conclude that the VU metre we
have created is not ideal.
Chapter 5
Integration of System
1. Introduction
The Audio Amplifier System is built by integrating the Voltage Controlled Amplifier, Power
Amplifier and Volume Unit Metre into the configuration as shown by Figure 5.1.1.
Using LabVIEW, we use the Function Generator (FGEN) to generate input signals and
Oscilloscope (SCOPE) to observe waveforms. We set up the following block diagram as
shown in Figure 5.2.2 which enables us to adjust control voltage and take measurements to
determine the gain of the system.
Figure 5.1.1 : Audio Amplifier System Schematic Diagram
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2. Experiment Measurement
Figure 5.2.1 : Audio Amplifier System Circuit
Figure 5.2.2 : Waveform, Block Diagram and Front Panel for Audio Amplifier System
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Audio Input VC (V) Audio Output Gain (dB) VUoutput3
(Vpp) (Vpp) (VRMS)
1.2 0.5 0.01547 0.01289 0.000878.39
0.50 0.36 0.313 0.626 0.00085591
0.52 0.18 0.74402 1.4308 0.0009051
0.33 0.06 4.678 14.175 0.00317
0.36 0.00 13.666 37.961 0.00869
0.14 -0.06 0.00138 0.009857 0.00010735
0.12 -0.12 0.00258 0.02375 0.00063063
0.10 -0.15 0.00124 0.0124 0.0128
Table 4 : System Testing for Audio Amplifier System
3. Experiment Results
Legend
X-axis : VCA control voltage (Vc) Y-axis : Gain
Output performance
From Vc = 0.5 to 0, output performance has met the desired
objective.
From Vc = 0 onwards, output performance has not met the
desired objective, as the gain obtained is unrealistic.
According to theory, VCA control voltage should be linearly
proportional to the gain. However, since VCA control voltage is
not completely proportional to the gain, we can conclude that
the Audio Amplifier System we have built is not ideal.
Increasing the frequency of the function generator to 100 kHz,
Increasing the frequency of the function generator from 300Hz to 100 kHz, the waveform
becomes more distorted than the one shown in figure 5.2.2.
Troubleshooting
Due to loose connection of the IC chip with the circuit board, we were unable to obtain a
waveform for the audio output. We are also confused if the problem was caused by how we
connected the components or loose connection. Therefore, it is important to ensure the
components are properly connected to the circuit board by pressing all the components onto
the circuit board once before trying to obtain any outputs.
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Chapter 6
Manual Volume Control
1. Introduction
The Manual Volume Control is an open-loop system. The Manual Volume Control requires
us to manually adjust VCA control voltage to obtain the desired VU metre voltage.
Using LabVIEW, we use the Function Generator (FGEN) to generate input signals. We set
up the following block diagram as shown in Figure 6.1.1 which enables us to adjust VCA
control voltage and observe the change in Volume Unit Metre voltage.
Figure 6.1.1 : Block Diagram Schematic of Open-Loop System
2. Experiment Measurement
Figure 6.2.1 : Manual Volume Control Circuit
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Figure 6.2.2 : Block Diagram for Manual Volume Control
VCA Vc = -0.18, a very high pitch sound can be heard.
VCA Vc = 0.4, no sound can be heard.
VCA Vc = 0, a very loud humming sound can be heard.
Table 4 : Varying VCA Control Voltage for Manual Volume Control
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3. Experiment Results
As we increase VCA control voltage, the VU metre voltage decreases and the sound heard
from the speaker becomes softer, till no sound can be heard. The VU metre voltage falls
drastically as we increase VCA control voltage from -0.18 to 0.
Theoretically, as we increase VCA control voltage, the VU metre voltage decreases. Hence,
we can conclude that the Manual Volume Control we have built is extremely close to an ideal
Manual Volume Control.
Troubleshooting
During implementation, the VU metre voltage did not change according to the change in
VCA control voltage. Hence, we checked the physical channel setting of the DAQ assistants
and realised one of the DAQ assistants is connected to a different physical channel as
compared to the one we connected on the circuit board. We changed the channel we
connected on the circuit board to match the one connected in the DAQ assistant.
Loose connections of the IC affected the magnitude of the sound produced. Thus, ensure
the components are properly connected to the circuit board by pressing all the components
onto the circuit board once before running the simulation.
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Chapter 7
Automatic Volume Control
1. Introduction
The Automatic Volume Control is a closed-loop system. The ability to control gain from the
VCA enables the output volume to change accordingly to a change in input signal. The VU
metre measures the magnitude of the output signal level. We will use a Step-Up-Down
controller algorithm for the block diagram.
Using LabVIEW, we use the Function Generator (FGEN) to generate input signals. We set
up the following block diagram as shown in Figure 7.1.1 which enables us to adjust VCA
control voltage and other controller parameter variables. Also, we can observe the change in
Volume Unit Metre voltage corresponding to the changes in controller parameter variables.
Figure 7.1.1 : Block Diagram Schematic of Closed-Loop System
2. Experiment Measurement
Figure 7.2.1 : Automatic Volume Control for Audio Amplifier System Circuit
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Figure 7.2.2 : Block Diagram and Front Panel for Automatic Volume Control
r0 = 0.4
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r0 = 0.9
Table 6 : Varying Setpoint values, r0 for Automatic Volume Control
3. Experiment Results
Before circuit is on,
After turning on the circuit, we realise the red needle follows the black needle.
Despite different set point values, the VU metre value always ends up at the same values as
the set point value. This indicates the Automatic Volume Control is functioning properly as
the output volume automatically adjusts itself to match the volume set.
According to theory, the final VU metre value should be exactly the same as the set point
value. During the experiment, the final VU metre value is extremely close to the set point
value. Thus, we can conclude that the Automatic Volume Control we have built is extremely
close to an ideal Automatic Volume Control.
Varying controller parameter variable
At larger step size, there will be a larger increment in VU metre values in each step. This
results in more abrupt changes in output volume hence, less smooth sounds are heard. At
larger step size, the VU metre can take less steps to reach the set point values. Thus, the
time taken for the VU metre value to reach the set point value decreases.
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Troubleshooting
During operation, the chip heats up. This is because the PA was sharing the same ground as
other components. Sharing the same ground will cause the ground to be contaminated by
the signals of other components. A solution to this problem is to move the PA ground away
from the other grounds.
Chapter 8
Conclusion
Figure 1 : Audio Amplifier System Circuit
At the end of this project, we were able to successfully create an automatic volume control
for the audio amplifier system. However, throughout the project we frequently encountered
problems with our circuit due to the loose connection of our IC chip. One way to resolve this
issue is to solder the components onto the breadboard to ensure the components will be
properly connected to the breadboard. The components should be properly soldered with no
air gaps as air gaps will prevent proper connections to the breadboard.
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