Design:
Voltage Peak detector

1. Vcc = 12v.

2. Choose VCQ1 output, = 9v.

3. Choose VBQ1 = 8v.

4. VEQ1 = 7.3v.

5. choose RCQ1 = 470 ohms. (to drive a LED output)

6. IRCQ1 = (Vcc - VCQ1) / RCQ1 = ~ 6.38 mA.

7. RE is a split resistance, between the emitter of Q1 and Q2.
RE = ( REQ1 + REQ2) = (VEQ1 / IRCQ1) = ~ 1143 ohms.
So make REQ1 = REQ2 = 560 ohms each.

8. Now VEQ2 =...

Page 3.
If this works properly I will post this particular design page in the electronics general category
for people to look at and suggest design corrections, for beginners to learn from.

This can be scrutinized by people more knowledgeable to give good design suggestions so everyone starting
out in this field can benefit from the learning in this thread.
　
VCC = 12V.
Freq. = 400 Hz.
Vin pk. = 10mV.
VinZout = 700 ohms.
...

PAGE 3 REDESIGN working from input to output stage.

At this point I'm running into clipping problems when I add a fourth stage,
I check the DC bias for each stage and the VC. is around the 1/2 VCC area.

I check the Av. each individually, and I get the gains required, but coupling them is when I run into problems,
with clipping of the waveform.

So I will start over again:

This time I need to check the audio frequency generator, Volt...

Ok Now I've been working on the next stage, and realizing that the Zin is dropping instead of increasing, as I try to get as much gain as possible.

Probably if I were to use bypass caps. It would solve most of this but I'm trying to not have to use bypass caps. if I don't have to.

My other alternative is to start over, and make the Volt. gain. of the output stages low and begin to increase the gains as I approach the input stages,

that way I can use larger...

　
As a hobbiest (NON engineer), I am designing a small signal amp in the most proper way I know how through my methods of calculations, and imperical breadboarding and measurements and tests, using a calculator breadboard and components, oscilloscope, audio signal generator,
resistor sub box. and multimeters. My method is design and build and test and make adjustments as necessary, and recalculate build and test until it works according to the constraints I put for it.
This will...