BJT voltage divider bias beta variation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the minimum value of Rb for a BJT to remain in the active region and determining the base-collector voltage with a beta variation. The initial calculations yield Rbmin as 7K, with base current Ib calculated at 0.0087mA. Participants clarify the correct equation for Rb, emphasizing the need to sum currents at the base rather than using Thevenin equivalents. With a new beta of 200, the collector current Ic is recalculated, leading to a maximum Vce conclusion that depends on the specific transistor characteristics. The conversation highlights the complexities of saturation voltage and its dependency on the transistor type.
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Homework Statement


Given, β=100, Is = 6E-16
See attachment.
a) Find min value of Rb such that the BJT is in active region
b) For the Rb found, what is the base-collector voltage if β=200


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Assuming, VCE min for active region operation as 0.75V, I got Ic = 0.87mA
since β=100, Ib = 0.0087mA
Vbe = Vt ln (Ic/Is) = 0.728V

using Ib = (Vth-Vbe)/Rth {thevenin equivalent}, I got Rbmin as 7K. The voltage divider voltage is 0.75v and Rth is 2.1k.
But now, when I plug in Ib = Vth-Vbe/Rth, I get 0.00104mA. Which Ib is correct?

I can't figure out how to calculate the beta change. Where do I use the beta?

Ib is 0.0087mA, with new beta Ic will be 1.74mA. which will make IcRc = 3.48v, which doesn't make sense.
 

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likephysics said:

Homework Statement


Given, β=100, Is = 6E-16
See attachment.
a) Find min value of Rb such that the BJT is in active region
b) For the Rb found, what is the base-collector voltage if β=200


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Assuming, VCE min for active region operation as 0.75V, I got Ic = 0.87mA
since β=100, Ib = 0.0087mA
Vbe = Vt ln (Ic/Is) = 0.728V

using Ib = (Vth-Vbe)/Rth {thevenin equivalent}, I got Rbmin as 7K. The voltage divider voltage is 0.75v and Rth is 2.1k.
But now, when I plug in Ib = Vth-Vbe/Rth, I get 0.00104mA. Which Ib is correct?

I can't figure out how to calculate the beta change. Where do I use the beta?

Ib is 0.0087mA, with new beta Ic will be 1.74mA. which will make IcRc = 3.48v, which doesn't make sense.
[/b]

Rb has to furnish the base current plus the current thru the 3K. So how did you arrive at that strange equation for Rb? You know Vcc and you calculated ib and Vbe correctly, so what is the right equation for Rb?
 
I can't figure out the equation for Rb.

I assumed the Vth as 0.75v (voltage divider output)

So, if Rb=7k, I get Vth as 0.75v

Equation for Rb = (Vcc-Vth)/Ix
Ix=0.25mA (this is the current flowing thru the voltage divider).

To supply the desired Ib, Rth should be 2.1k
Rth = Rb(3K)/(Rb+3k)
 
I don't know what Vth is. Stop worrying about Thevenin equivalents. That theorem is not appropriate here.

Instead, write an equation summing currens to zero at the base.
 
rude man said:
I don't know what Vth is. Stop worrying about Thevenin equivalents. That theorem is not appropriate here.

Instead, write an equation summing currens to zero at the base.
Whenever I see voltage divider bias, I immediately think thevenin.

Anyway,

Vcc-Vbe/Rb = Vbe/3k + Ib

I know, Ib = 0.0087mA and Vbe = 0.728v

I get, Rb = 7.05K

How do I use the new β?
 
likephysics said:
Whenever I see voltage divider bias, I immediately think thevenin.

Anyway,

Vcc-Vbe/Rb = Vbe/3k + Ib

I know, Ib = 0.0087mA and Vbe = 0.728v

I get, Rb = 7.05K

How do I use the new β?

Almost.
(Vcc - Vbe)/Rb = Vbe/3K + Ib. Which I think is what you meant anyway. So, so far, so good.

Rb = 7.05K is correct.

With the new beta of 200, what do you compute Ic to be? Vc? Realizing that Ic can't exceed 2.5V/2K and Vc can't be < 0V, what do you conclude about Ic and Vc?
 
Max Vce is Vce sat, which is about 200mV generally.

This will result in an Icmax of Ic = (2.5-0.2)/2K = 1.15mA

IS that it , you just assume Vce?
 
I would give you an A at this point.

Saturation voltage is a tricky business, it depends a whole lot on the particular type of transistor. At saturation, the base-collector junction is also forward-biased. Generally, Vc_sat is lower than 200 mV. More like 50-100 mV. But you see the picture vey well now.
 

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