From Sections 10.10 and 10.11 we know that whether a feedback amplifier is or is not stable
can be determined by examining its loop gain Aβ as a function of frequency. One of
the simplest and most effective means for doing this is through the use of a Bode plot for Aβ,
such as the one shown in Fig. 10.42. (Note that because the phase approaches –360°, the network
examined is a fourth-order one.) The feedback amplifier whose loop gain is plotted in
Fig. 10.42 will be stable, since at the frequency of 180° phase shift, ω180, the magnitude of the
loop gain is less than unity (negative dB). The difference between the value of at ω180
and unity, called the gain margin, is usually expressed in decibels. The gain margin represents
the amount by which the loop gain can be increased while stability is maintained.
Feedback amplifiers are usually designed to have sufficient gain margin to allow for the
inevitable changes in loop gain with temperature, time, and so on.