Do Transistors That Divide Voltage Exist?

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SUMMARY

Transistors do not inherently divide voltage; they primarily amplify or switch signals. The discussion highlights that while transistors can create the appearance of amplification, they do not perform mathematical division in the traditional sense. Instead, the output voltage is controlled by the input current, particularly in NPN transistors, where the base current regulates a larger collector-emitter current. For analog computations resembling division, alternative circuit designs or configurations are necessary.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of NPN transistor operation
  • Basic knowledge of analog signal processing
  • Familiarity with transistor characteristics and configurations
  • Concept of current control in electronic circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research analog computing techniques using operational amplifiers
  • Explore transistor circuit configurations for signal manipulation
  • Study the principles of current control in electronic devices
  • Read the June 1958 Radio-Electronics article, "Mr. Math Analog Computer"
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Electronics enthusiasts, circuit designers, and students of electrical engineering seeking to understand transistor functionality and analog computation methods.

FortranMan
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So I know a transistor is built to amplify or multiple an input signal using a base voltage. Are there such transistors that are analog? That is the output voltage is amplified depending on the base voltage? If so, is there analogously a transistor that divides instead of multiplies? That is where the base voltage is in the denominator and reduces the output voltage if the base voltage is increased? Basically I am looking for a transistor that can perform the analog computation analogy of mathematical division.
 
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FortranMan said:
So I know a transistor is built to amplify or multiple an input signal using a base voltage. Are there such transistors that are analog? That is the output voltage is amplified depending on the base voltage? If so, is there analogously a transistor that divides instead of multiplies? That is where the base voltage is in the denominator and reduces the output voltage if the base voltage is increased? Basically I am looking for a transistor that can perform the analog computation analogy of mathematical division.

Read this June 1958 Radio-Electronics article, "Mr. Math Analog Computer".
 
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FortranMan said:
So I know a transistor is built to amplify or multiple an input signal using a base voltage. Are there such transistors that are analog? That is the output voltage is amplified depending on the base voltage?

you also need to do some reading up on how a transistor actually works :smile:
their neither amplify nor multiply and transistors are analog :wink:

Very basically, their operation gives the "appearance" of amplification. That is the input current between the base and emitter (NPN Transistor) is not amplified, rather, it is used to control a larger current flow between the collector and emitter

 
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Most likely this can only be answered by an "old timer". I am making measurements on an uA709 op amp (metal can). I would like to calculate the frequency rolloff curves (I can measure them). I assume the compensation is via the miller effect. To do the calculations I would need to know the gain of the transistors and the effective resistance seen at the compensation terminals, not including the values I put there. Anyone know those values?

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