Doubt about NMOS Transistor in Microcap: Varunag

  • Thread starter Thread starter varunag
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Doubt Mosfet
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around issues encountered while modeling an NMOS transistor in Microcap for an assignment. The user observed negative current when varying the body-source voltage (V_{BS}), leading to confusion about the transistor's behavior. It was identified that applying a positive voltage to the body creates reverse bias conditions in the body-source and body-drain junctions, altering the transistor's operation. The conversation highlights that many commercial MOSFETs are three-terminal devices, and the first-order model in Microcap may not adequately account for the body effect. Further exploration of higher models is suggested to resolve the simulation issues.
varunag
Messages
25
Reaction score
0
I was making a model of a NMOS transistor in Microcap. It was part of an assignment. I was supposed to make graph with changing value of V_{BS}. But after a certain value of V_{BS}, I got negative current. It came to my mind it is not possible. But, I couldn't think of a reason instantly, as to why current can't flow in the opposite direction.
Here V_D = 2.5V, V_G = 1.5V, source is grounded and V_B = 4V. I hope that a reasoning could be given without other parameters of the transistor, yet if other parameters are required I would give them.

I myself will look about this and share it with everyone.

-varunag
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
It's fairly unclear what your test circuit looks like, but, yeah, a MOSFET will conduct equally well between drain and source, in either direction--according to bias.
 
I found the problem with the design. When we give positive supply to the body, we are making the body-source junction reverse bias.(I have not mentioned in my query that source is grounded, but I suppose that could be expected by the way I had given the values)
And on further increasing the body voltage, we make the body-drain junction reverse bias as well. Making these junctions reverse bias, we are changing the way the transistor works. I could only figure out this.

I hope someone could give a reason more suitable.

-varunag
 
Not all mosfets are four terminal. Most commercial decretes are three terminal.
I don't know what "negative current" means.
 
Phrak said:
Not all mosfets are four terminal. Most commercial decretes are three terminal.
I don't know what "negative current" means.

Well we know 4 terminal mosfets. And we usually short the body with the source. only this time we tried to give some voltage to the body, to check the theoretical relations we have. It seems the first order model used by "Microcap" software, is inadequate to deal with this, and we need to check with higher models.
 
varunag said:
Well we know 4 terminal mosfets. And we usually short the body with the source. only this time we tried to give some voltage to the body, to check the theoretical relations we have. It seems the first order model used by "Microcap" software, is inadequate to deal with this, and we need to check with higher models.

Not if MicroCap can be used for a circuit simulation with body effect considered. And that is described very briefly here: http://www.zenex.fi/microcap/files/9rm.pdf , on page 484. So there's probably a small glitch with your model.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi all I have some confusion about piezoelectrical sensors combination. If i have three acoustic piezoelectrical sensors (with same receive sensitivity in dB ref V/1uPa) placed at specific distance, these sensors receive acoustic signal from a sound source placed at far field distance (Plane Wave) and from broadside. I receive output of these sensors through individual preamplifiers, add them through hardware like summer circuit adder or in software after digitization and in this way got an...
I am not an electrical engineering student, but a lowly apprentice electrician. I learn both on the job and also take classes for my apprenticeship. I recently wired my first transformer and I understand that the neutral and ground are bonded together in the transformer or in the service. What I don't understand is, if the neutral is a current carrying conductor, which is then bonded to the ground conductor, why does current only flow back to its source and not on the ground path...
I have recently moved into a new (rather ancient) house and had a few trips of my Residual Current breaker. I dug out my old Socket tester which tell me the three pins are correct. But then the Red warning light tells me my socket(s) fail the loop test. I never had this before but my last house had an overhead supply with no Earth from the company. The tester said "get this checked" and the man said the (high but not ridiculous) earth resistance was acceptable. I stuck a new copper earth...
Back
Top