Calculating BJT Voltage and Current Gain for Given Circuit

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the voltage gain (Av) and current gain (Ai) for a given BJT circuit. Participants explore the definitions and calculations associated with these gains, addressing uncertainties regarding the correct identification of output current (Iout) in the context of the circuit configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula for voltage gain Av and confirms it matches their textbook solution.
  • Another participant asserts that Iout is the current through the load, RL.
  • Some participants express confusion about the calculation of Iout, noting discrepancies with textbook solutions.
  • It is suggested that Iout corresponds to the total collector current, which includes contributions from both Rc and RL.
  • A participant proposes that Iout could vary based on circuit configuration, questioning whether it is always equal to the collector current (Ic).
  • Another participant introduces a formula for current gain Ai, indicating it is complex and context-dependent.
  • Participants discuss the definition of current gain and how it may differ based on the amplifier configuration used in class.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of Iout or its calculation, with multiple competing views on how it should be interpreted based on circuit configuration and the context of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about Iout, which may depend on the specific circuit configuration and the definitions used in different amplifier types. The discussion highlights the need for clarity in problem statements regarding the definition of output current.

etf
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Hi!
Here is my task:
Calculate voltage gain Av and current gain Ai for circuit on scheme .
scheme.JPG

I don't know how to calculate Ai. I got that Av=-gm*rce*Rc*Rl/(Rc*Rl+rce*(Rc+Rl)) and it matches with solution given in my textbook.
I know that Ai=Iout/Iin but which current is Iout? Ai should be gm*rce/((rce+Rc*Rl/(Rc+Rl))*(1/R1+1/R2+1/rpi)).
 
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Iout is the current through the load, RL.
 
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It seemed to me also that Iout is current through Rl but when I calculate Iout/Iin it doesn't match with solution in textbook :(
 
The current that corresponds to gm*rce/((rce+Rc*Rl/(Rc+Rl))*(1/R1+1/R2+1/rpi)) is the total collector current; the sum of the currents in Rc and RL.
 
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etf said:
It seemed to me also that Iout is current through Rl but when I calculate Iout/Iin it doesn't match with solution in textbook :(
Well, the current through RL definitely should be Iout.

However, you could imagine an additional load in parallel with RL, with Iout going into that additional load. But this is just equivalent to making RL smaller.
 
@The Electrician
Does Iout depend of circuit configuration or it is always Ic? What would be Iout for this circuit:
dilema.JPG

?
 
I would say that what Iout is, depends on the intention of the problem originator.

Iout for the circuit in post #1 is the sum of the currents in Rc and RL because that's what gives the answer from your book.

Iout for the circuit you show in post #6 could be the total current out of the emitter of Q1, or it could be the current only in a load connected to Vout.
 
Here is current gain for circuit in my previous post:
Ai=(1+gm*R3pi)*rce/(R12E+rce), where R12E=R1||R2||RE, R3pi=R3||rpi.
Really tricky for me...
 
What is the definition of current gain you have used? Is it the total emitter current, or something else?
 
  • #10
etf said:
Here is current gain for circuit in my previous post:
Ai=(1+gm*R3pi)*rce/(R12E+rce), where R12E=R1||R2||RE, R3pi=R3||rpi.
Really tricky for me...

If I take Iout to be the sum of the currents in R1, R2 and RE then I get your result. Is that what you used for Iout?
 
  • #11
The Electrician said:
What is the definition of current gain you have used? Is it the total emitter current, or something else?
We did in class basic BJT amplifier configurations (common base, common collector and common emittor) and Iout is differently defined for every configuration. Maybe my task is incomplete, it should be emphasized what Iout is I think.
Thanks for help guys!
 

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