Past exam questions: BJT and Diode

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    Bjt Diode Exam
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing a circuit involving a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) and a diode, focusing on the conditions under which the BJT operates in saturation or cutoff regions. Participants explore calculations related to base current, collector voltage, and the behavior of the diode in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates base current (Ib) and collector current (Ic) based on given circuit parameters, suggesting that the BJT is in saturation.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion that the transistor can saturate at 0 volts, stating it typically saturates at a higher voltage (0.2V to 0.5V).
  • There is a discussion about the diode being forward biased and how to determine the base current (Ib) based on circuit conditions.
  • One participant proposes that if the base current is zero, the transistor would be in the cutoff region, leading to a collector-emitter voltage (Vce) of 6V.
  • Another participant confirms that if the base current is zero, the collector voltage would equal the supply voltage, and shares simulation results indicating low base current and diode current.
  • Participants express appreciation for the feedback and confirmation of their reasoning, indicating a collaborative effort to understand the circuit behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions for the BJT's operation, particularly regarding saturation and cutoff states, indicating that multiple competing views remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations and assumptions regarding the circuit parameters and behaviors are not fully resolved, particularly concerning the exact conditions for saturation and cutoff in the BJT.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying circuit analysis, particularly those focusing on BJTs and diodes, as well as individuals interested in practical applications of these components in electronic circuits.

sphericow
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Homework Statement



[PLAIN]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14490370/bjt.png

Homework Equations



beta=Ic/Ib
By 'ON' I think the lecturer means the saturation region and by 'OFF' he means cut off.

The Attempt at a Solution



a. My reasoning is Ib= (Vs-Vbase emitter)/Rtotal(6V-0.6V)/(20,000)=~ 270uAmps

b. Now if beta = 50 then Ic=0.0135A
Therefore collector voltage = 6-(1000*.0135)=-7.5V - This can't be right so the bjt must be saturated instead. It follows that collector voltage = 0V.

Is this correct line of reasoning? It seems like I have answered part c so i can answer part b; or I'm completely wrong.
 
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The figures look OK.

A transistor will not saturate at 0 volts, though. It is typically 0.2 V to 0.5 volts.
 
Thanks for the reply i really appreciate it.

d. The diode will be forward biased
e. This is my reasoning
[PLAIN]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/14490370/currents.png
IF that's correct how would I work out I2=Ib
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Double post: Would Ib=0 since current takes path of least resistance?
If so, transistor will be OFF and therefore Vce = 6v, since Ice = 0.
 
So, if the bottom 10 K has 0.6 volts at each end of it (relative to ground), what would be the current through the resistor?

So, what is the base current?
 
So base current = 0. Then I1=I3=(6-.6)/10k.
Since bass current = 0 the transistor must be off (cut off region).
 
sphericow said:
So base current = 0. Then I1=I3=(6-.6)/10k.
Since bass current = 0 the transistor must be off (cut off region).

Yes. So the collector voltage equals the supply voltage.

I ran a simulation on this and got 0.544 mA through the diode and 2 nA base current.

In a practical situation, the diode in this circuit would possibly be another transistor which was in saturation, so there would be little chance of any base current.
 
Thanks so for the help, I really appreciate it. My physical intuition seems to fly straight out the window when I'm analyzing circuits; so its really great to have someone confirm my reasoning.
 

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