Need help biasing this transistor circuit

In summary, the conversation is discussing the difficulties of biasing a transistor circuit and finding the value of Ic. The equation given is 6 - Vce - ie*Re - (-6) = 0, but it cannot be solved without knowing the value of Vce. The conversation also mentions the values of beta, Vbe sat, Vbe, and Va, and how they relate to the circuit. The conversation then goes on to explain how the emitter follower works and how the signal is impressed upon the bias. It is also mentioned that Vs is not a biasing supply, but rather represents the input signal. Finally, a task is proposed to calculate Ic for different values of Vs.
  • #1
FOIWATER
Gold Member
434
12
I am having troubles biasing this transistor circuit

Mainly, I cannot find Ic

The only equation I can come up w/ is 6 - Vce - ie*Re - (-6) = 0

but it doesn't help me, as I do not Vce

I do not know how to find Ib, Vs is messing me up, I am not sure how to analyze this...

The given values are beta 100 Vbe sat 0.3 Vbe 0.7 Va = 100 (early voltage)

this isn't homework, btw
 

Attachments

  • ppppp.png
    ppppp.png
    4.4 KB · Views: 522
Last edited:
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
My only thought would be to midpoint bias it? idk,
say that at cutoff Vce = Vcc - Vee = 12 volts, and take half as 6 volts for Vce (bias)
Ic (sat) approx = Ie sat ------> 12 - Vcesat (0.3) - Re * ic = 0
Given Re I could solve for Ic, then take half?
 
  • #3
I see an emitter follower where the emitter voltage will be roughly 0.7V less than Vs minus the drop across Rs.

Ic will be determined by the voltage across Rl with [Vs -(drop across Rs) - Vbe] on one side and -6V on the other.

Drop across Rs is Ic/Beta. Vbe is around 0.7V.

Do you understand how the emitter follower works? Basically the transistor supplies whatever current is required for the emitter voltage to be a Vbe drop (about 0.7V) less than the base voltage.
 
  • #4
yes I understand that, I do not know Vs value, though
 
  • #5
So I am still unsure how to find what that current would be
 
  • #6
If you don't know Vs you can't determine anything. So I am confused about what you are trying to determine.

Basically Ic = (Vs - (-6))/Rl not accounting for Vbe or drop across Rs.
 
  • #7
Yeah I would agree with all those things.

It's just that I am doing a course in analog ccts soon, and this was a question on an old exam from another teacher.

Vs was not given
 
  • #8
Then you write the equation in Vs like I did. The answer has to have the variable Vs in it and I've given you all the pieces.
 
  • #9
Why for most biasing circuits is a signal Vs not present then?

for example a voltage divider biasing cct, or a base biasing cct?

There is not usually an ac input
 
  • #10
Vs isn't part of the biasing arrangement, it represents the signal to be buffered/amplified. Most similar circuits, to be useful, allow a signal input! In many cases the signal is capacitor-coupled to the base, so it certainly is there. Whether the AC is shown as being in series with the DC, or in parallel with it, is immaterial, all that matters is that the signal be impressed upon the bias.

It might seem that there is no biasing voltage source in your circuit here; but there is, and it is zero volts. If the transistor base were connected by a piece of wire directly to ground it would mean the AC coupled to the base would also get shorted to ground, so not be amplified.

Q: what does "Va = 100 (early voltage)" mean?
 
  • #11
So the signal here is impressed upon the bias? I don't understand what that means, although I've read it everywhere, I don't understand the meaning of it. Does it simply mean that, the bias point is calculated as if no signal is applied, then the ac signal is put on top of it? If so, how does this bias prevent noise at the output?

Va = early voltage, since the width of the base changes for changes in Vcb, the transistor has an additional resistance due to the early effect, the resistance is labelled ro and is calculated as Va (early voltage) divided by Vt (thermal voltage). It is usually quite high and can be ignored (in parallel with Rc in small signal model) but here there is no Rc, I am not sure even if this resistance goes in parallel with gmVbe, or in parallel with the load resistor, or where it does go)

So why again should the biasing voltage be zero volts? is it a rule to short the ac supply?
 
  • #12
FOIWATER said:
So the signal here is impressed upon the bias? I don't understand what that means, although I've read it everywhere, I don't understand the meaning of it. Does it simply mean that, the bias point is calculated as if no signal is applied, then the ac signal is put on top of it? If so, how does this bias prevent noise at the output?
The signal AC has zero average value, so the signal contributes nothing to the bias. The bias contributes no noise because we use a DC power supply which is smooth and well filtered.

Vs is not a biasing supply; the ~ indicates it is AC, so that source represents the input signal.
 
  • #13
Thanks friend
 
  • #14
With all the information given you should be able to easily determine the Ic for any given Vs value. This is not about "bias".

I propose you solve the following and post the answers:
Assume Beta = 100, Rs = 10K and Rl = 1K.

1. Calculate Ic for Vs = 0V DC.

2. Calculate Ic for Vs = +1 DC and Vs = -1v DC.

There is no bias as such. At least not in the sense that I think of when biasing a transistor circuit. It is a DC coupled emitter follower and the output voltage (at the emitter) follows the input voltage Vs. (offset by a few voltage drops which we have explained)
 

1. What is transistor biasing and why is it important?

Transistor biasing is the process of applying a suitable DC voltage to a transistor to ensure that it operates in a desired region. This is important because it determines the operating point of the transistor and affects its performance and stability.

2. What are the different types of transistor biasing?

The three main types of transistor biasing are fixed biasing, self biasing, and collector feedback biasing. Fixed biasing uses a fixed resistor to set the base current, self biasing uses a resistor and a diode to stabilize the base-emitter voltage, and collector feedback biasing uses a resistor and a capacitor to provide negative feedback.

3. How do I calculate the values for transistor biasing components?

The values for the biasing components can be calculated using the transistor's datasheet and the desired operating point. The base current can be determined using the desired collector current and the DC current gain (hFE) of the transistor. The resistor values can then be calculated using Ohm's law.

4. What are some common problems with transistor biasing?

Some common problems with transistor biasing include thermal runaway, which occurs when the transistor heats up and self-biases itself to a higher current, and instability, which can occur if the biasing components are not chosen correctly. Biasing components can also drift over time, causing changes in the operating point of the transistor.

5. How can I troubleshoot a biasing circuit that is not working properly?

If a biasing circuit is not working properly, you should first check all connections and make sure the components are properly connected. You should also check the values of the biasing components and make sure they are within the recommended range. If the circuit still does not work, you may need to adjust the values of the components or try a different biasing method.

Similar threads

  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
7K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
29
Views
7K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top