AC Emitter resistance.

1. Nov 19, 2011

shayaan_musta

Hello experts!!

AC emitter resistance is given as,
rE'=25mV/iE

My question is that what does this 25mV tells us? and where does it come from?

2. Nov 19, 2011

waht

Vt = 25 mV is a thermal voltage at room temperature, about 20 degrees Celsius I believe. This value changes with temperature.

It comes from semiconductor physics where you try to describe a PN junctions diode, you arrive at Shockley's equation which describes its IV characteristics. It turns that the Shockley's equation is highly non-linear.

BJT transistors are composed of two such diodes which also behave non-linearly. So ultimately, when you try to describe the behavior of BJT transistor amplifier, it will be non-linear. But because it's difficult to deal with non-linear equations, the diode equations have been linearized by making some assumptions into what is called the small-signal model. As a results a couple of new parameters come into play, such as r_e, r_pi, g_m.

When you work this out, Vt makes its way into the linearized model and that's why see it.

Last edited: Nov 19, 2011
3. Nov 20, 2011

shayaan_musta

You mean it is thermal voltage at room temperature and it varies if temperature varies. Am I right?
It is the voltage assumed on 20°C? Am I right?

4. Nov 20, 2011

Bassalisk

Thermal voltage temperature is at 300 K, so that is about 27°C (room temperature)

Last edited: Nov 20, 2011
5. Nov 20, 2011

shayaan_musta

OK. Thanks a lot.