Understanding AC Amplifiers: DC vs. AC Circuits and Oscilloscope Analysis

In summary, the speaker is confused about the negative value of ic/ib in the second picture of the oscilloscope graph and asks if it is caused by the capacitance between the base electrode and collector electrode. They try changing the sense resistors and discuss the concept of phase. They have also tried similar experiments on other software and devices but still get the same result. They are looking for an explanation for this issue.
  • #1
genxium
141
2
Although this question may seem too simple, I still want to ask it on the forum because I’m really confused……

Here are the easiest amplifiers circuits for DC and AC currents, and what’s shown in the oscilloscope I’ve got in Multisim (corresponding), I want to know why ic/ib is negative in the second picture of oscilloscope graph, is it caused by the capacitance between base electrode and collector electrode? If so , what exactly the division is for the current (around the transistor)?

5362039283_81b139d9fe.jpg

5362039339_12a2054087.jpg

5362649468_5d9b5c5ce3.jpg

5362649508_d975b4d85d.jpg
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
genxium said:
Although this question may seem too simple, I still want to ask it on the forum because I’m really confused……

Here are the easiest amplifiers circuits for DC and AC currents, and what’s shown in the oscilloscope I’ve got in Multisim (corresponding), I want to know why ic/ib is negative in the second picture of oscilloscope graph, is it caused by the capacitance between base electrode and collector electrode? If so , what exactly the division is for the current (around the transistor)?

5362039283_81b139d9fe.jpg

5362039339_12a2054087.jpg

5362649468_5d9b5c5ce3.jpg

5362649508_d975b4d85d.jpg

Hmm. That is indeed weird. The way you've set up your voltage probes, they should show Ic and Ib in phase, as they do for the DC case.

My only idea at this point is that you are using way too small voltages for the source drive in the AC case (in the DC case too, but whatever). That may be introducing calculation errors into the simulator. I've seen that happen before.

Increase the 1 Ohm sense resistors to more like 1k Ohm, and try to get at least 1Vpp out of the collector circuit. Do the waveforms end up in phase now?
 
  • #3
I changed those "1 Ohm"s to 1k and 5k to test,and I got the same result,I drawed a picture of currents through the transistor and guessed it might be just easy as the situation in DC circuit,I would post it as long as I get my laptop
 
  • #4
I guess that the currents might go through the transistor in this way,when Vb>Ve at some moments : (picture shown below)

5375244945_c62cd0574e.jpg


Firstly I got some problems understanding what the "phase" actually is and was quite confused about the directions of currents, but after a discussion with my friends, we all think that there is no "phase" for a certain moment ("phase" should be a concept along with the whole time line), so the picture above maybe right.

Always expecting answers for this problem~ I'm still not sure about that, and I've also done some other similar experiments about AC amplifiers, on Qucs, even on real devices (also with transistor 2N2222A), but I just got the same result: ic/ib is negative...

Any explanation will be appreciated~
 
  • #5


Thank you for your question. It is great to see that you are exploring the differences between DC and AC circuits and using an oscilloscope to analyze the signals.

In the first picture of the oscilloscope graph, you can see a DC circuit with a constant input voltage and a constant output voltage. This is because in a DC circuit, the input voltage is constant and does not change over time. Therefore, the output voltage also remains constant. In this case, the current flowing through the circuit is also constant, as shown by the flat line on the oscilloscope.

In the second picture, you can see an AC circuit with a varying input voltage and a varying output voltage. In an AC circuit, the input voltage changes over time, causing the output voltage and current to also change. The negative ic/ib ratio in the second picture is due to the phase difference between the input and output signals. This is caused by the capacitance between the base and collector electrodes, which affects the current flowing through the transistor.

To understand this better, it is important to know that in an AC circuit, the input voltage and current are out of phase with each other. This means that the current does not flow through the circuit at the same time as the voltage is applied. This is due to the capacitance between the base and collector electrodes, which causes the current to lag behind the voltage.

In the second picture, the negative ic/ib ratio indicates that the current is lagging behind the voltage. This is because the input voltage is increasing while the current is still decreasing, resulting in a negative ratio.

In summary, the negative ic/ib ratio in the second picture is caused by the phase difference between the input and output signals in an AC circuit, which is influenced by the capacitance between the base and collector electrodes. I hope this helps to clarify your confusion. Keep exploring and experimenting with different circuits and signals to deepen your understanding of amplifiers and oscilloscope analysis.
 

What is an AC amplifier?

An AC amplifier is a type of electronic circuit that is used to amplify alternating current (AC) signals. It takes in a small AC signal and increases its amplitude, making it stronger and more suitable for further processing.

How does an AC amplifier work?

An AC amplifier typically consists of three main components: an input stage, an amplification stage, and an output stage. The input stage receives the AC signal and prepares it for amplification. The amplification stage uses active components, such as transistors or operational amplifiers, to increase the amplitude of the signal. The output stage then delivers the amplified signal to the output device.

What are the applications of AC amplifiers?

AC amplifiers are used in a wide range of electronic devices, including audio equipment, televisions, and radio receivers. They are also commonly used in scientific and research equipment, such as oscilloscopes and signal generators.

What is the difference between AC amplifiers and DC amplifiers?

The main difference between AC amplifiers and DC amplifiers is the type of signal they are designed to amplify. AC amplifiers are specifically designed for amplifying AC signals, while DC amplifiers are designed for amplifying DC signals. Additionally, AC amplifiers typically use capacitors and inductors in their circuitry, while DC amplifiers do not.

What are some factors to consider when choosing an AC amplifier?

Some important factors to consider when choosing an AC amplifier include the desired frequency range, input and output impedance, gain, and bandwidth. It is also important to consider the specific application and any special features or requirements that may be needed.

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