How does FET amplifier amplify?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the amplification mechanism of FET (Field Effect Transistor) amplifiers, comparing it to BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) amplifiers. Participants explore how FETs utilize gate voltage to control output, the role of power supplies, and the calculation of output impedance in FET circuits.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that while BJTs amplify output voltage due to a DC supply keeping them active, they question how FETs achieve amplification since the gate voltage only controls the gate.
  • Another participant explains that FET amplifiers also require a power supply for the output, describing the FET's operation in a voltage divider configuration where its resistance is varied by gate voltage.
  • A further comment reiterates the explanation of FET operation and raises a question about calculating output impedance, noting the presence of DC supplies and referencing a potential contradiction in their textbook regarding small signal parameters.
  • Another participant clarifies that there is no supply to the input side of the circuit and discusses the use of small signal parameters for output impedance calculations, suggesting that some figures must be referenced from manufacturer data sheets rather than directly from circuit diagrams.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of DC supplies and the calculation of output impedance, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on these aspects.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations in understanding due to reliance on textbook definitions and small signal parameters, as well as the need for specific manufacturer data for accurate calculations.

Outrageous
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BJT ,the output voltage is amplified because there is dc voltage supply to keep BJT active ,but what about the FET? The voltage supplied only control the gate only, anything to do with the output?
Thanks
 
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FET amplifiers also get a power supply to the output.

In a typical amplifier, the FET is placed in series with a resistor across the supply voltage.

The resistance of the FET is then varied by controlling the gate voltage and this causes the voltage across the FET to change. It behaves as part of a voltage divider where it is varying in resistance.

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTvHnGAYiKiAiDSesIVAFkkcPQm2GCJvY1Kninx7FJFcJAWa_MoOA.jpg
 
vk6kro said:
FET amplifiers also get a power supply to the output.

In a typical amplifier, the FET is placed in series with a resistor across the supply voltage.

The resistance of the FET is then varied by controlling the gate voltage and this causes the voltage across the FET to change. It behaves as part of a voltage divider where it is varying in resistance.

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTvHnGAYiKiAiDSesIVAFkkcPQm2GCJvY1Kninx7FJFcJAWa_MoOA.jpg

Thank you. If I want to calculate the output impedance, I have to off the input signal, yet there are still 2 dc supplies ,one to gate-source, another is the $V_cc$ , and there should be current pass though , but my book said $g_mV_{gs}$ =0?
From the picture you gave,
 

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There is not a supply to the input (left hand side) in this circuit.

The control voltage (your input signal you want to amplify) is across from Gate to ground.

In other circuits, there may be a bias voltage in the input circuit.

Your book is using small signal parameters to calculate the output impedance of the amplifier. There are figures you can get from the manufacturers data sheets and refer to a particular type of FET. You can't read some of these figures directly from a circuit diagram.
 

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