Common emitter amplifier Electronics

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the analysis of a common emitter amplifier circuit, focusing on theoretical approaches, formulas, and practical considerations related to its operation. Participants explore various aspects of the circuit, including component values, expected behaviors, and the implications of those values on performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a formula to solve the common emitter amplifier problem, expressing a desire for theoretical guidance.
  • Another participant questions the validity of the resistor value Rb=40 ohms, suggesting it may be a typographical error and should be Rb=40 kohms instead.
  • Some participants discuss the need to determine the quiescent operating point and the importance of knowing the frequency range and capacitor value for accurate analysis.
  • A participant mentions that the circuit's low resistor values may lead to practical issues in a lab setting, raising concerns about potential circuit failure.
  • There is a suggestion that a "standard formula" may not exist due to the variability in transistor configurations, emphasizing the need for circuit-specific analysis.
  • One participant provides a systematic approach to analyze the circuit, assuming infinite beta and discussing the implications of base-emitter voltage on calculations.
  • A later reply indicates that a simulation of the circuit using a power transistor was successful, but notes limitations on input signal levels due to low Vce values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness of the resistor values and the existence of a standard formula for analysis. There is no consensus on the correct values or the best approach to take, indicating ongoing debate and uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations related to the assumptions made in calculations, such as the base-emitter voltage and the impact of component values on circuit behavior. The discussion reflects a range of theoretical and practical considerations that may affect the analysis.

Alexa431
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
media%2F6c0%2F6c06edb6-6a1d-4b15-9fb8-489f29e37250%2FphpzK0HEa.png

Rb=40 ohms
RL=100 ohms
Vcc=15V

I need help in figuring this problem out, I understand if anyone here doesn't want to give me the answer but I would appreciate if someone would give me a formula in which I could solve the problem myself.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Alexa - are you sure about the value of Rb=40 Ohms? This is equivalent to a base current in the order of 100mA.
Perhaps Rb=40kohms?
 
Yeah Its 40 ohms I checked again to make sure.
 
This looks like a description of a lab exercise. Is this an experiment that you've carried out? What sort of help are you looking for?

Determining the gain theoretically will involve modelling the transistor to some extent.
 
I agree with LvW -- that circuit looks to have problems. Is this for a lab? Or are you supposed to simulate it? Have you calculated its quiescent operating point?EDIT -- Dang it! Beaten out by gneill again! :smile:
 
Well I was in charge of doing the theory part (formulas) and my partner the actual experiment if his numbers are wrong then, I would repeat the experiment myself but I just need to figure out how to solve the v0 on paper.
 
You'll need to know the frequency range that was used and the capacitor value (its impedance will be of the same order of magnitude as the circuit's resistors unless the frequency is pretty high). You'll also need to know something about the transistor used, either its specific part number or know its β or have its characteristic curves on hand.
 
The capacitor was 0.1uF, the B was 100
 
All in all I just want a standard formula which could be used to solve this circuit and circuits like these, all I need is the theory part of it
 
  • #10
Alexa431 said:
The capacitor was 0.1uF, the B was 100
Well, with only the β you can start by finding the approximate DC operating point. You'll have to assume a typical value for the base-emitter voltage. Since the base current is going to be pretty substantial for this circuit (I'd guess on the order of a couple of milliamps thanks to the collector current pulling down the voltage at the collector and limiting the voltage at the "top" of RB), that base-emitter voltage will probably turn out to be somewhat higher than "typical".
 
  • #11
Alexa431 said:
All in all I just want a standard formula which could be used to solve this circuit and circuits like these, all I need is the theory part of it
Unless you can find this circuit already analyzed somewhere you won't find a "standard formula". There are many different configurations for transistors, each requiring their own analysis and producing different formulas. The approach here would be to replace the transistor with a simple equivalent model and then apply circuit analysis to the resulting circuit.
 
  • #12
Alexa431 said:
media%2F6c0%2F6c06edb6-6a1d-4b15-9fb8-489f29e37250%2FphpzK0HEa.png

Rb=40 ohms
RL=100 ohms
Vcc=15V
The 'standard way' to analyze a circuit like this is the following:
1. assume infinite beta so base current = 0
2. therefore, the input current is Vin/Zc = current thru the feedback resistor Rb. Zc = 1/ωC.
3. this gives you Vc = collector voltage.
4. sum currents to zero at the collector. This gives you Ic = collector current.
You can use this approach for either ac or dc analysis.
Problem is, your resistor values are way too low to make this approach work in the lab. Who came up with 40 and 100 ohms? What is the range of ω? What is Vcc? I predict a puff of smoke for this circuit ...
 
  • #13
Alexa431 said:
All in all I just want a standard formula which could be used to solve this circuit and circuits like these, all I need is the theory part of it

Yes - there is something like a "standard formula"; better: Standard procedure for finding the ioperational DC point:
You have to solve a system of two equations with two unknowns (assuming a base-emitter dc voltage Vbe=0.8V):

* Base current Ib=Ic/B=(Vc-0.8)/RB
*
Ic+Ib=Ic(1+B)=(Vcc-Vc)/RL

The two unknowns are the collector voltage Vc and the current Ic.
However, as mentioned already - this is a pure academical exercise without much practical relevance.
 
  • #14
Alexa, I have simulated the circuit using a power transistor - and it works!
However, because the voltage Vce is in the order of 1V only, the input signal must not exceed a value of app. 10mV.
This applies for a very large coupling capacitor (100uF) and a frequency which is sufficiently high (some kHz).
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: NascentOxygen

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
10K
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
7K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K