Understanding AC Emitter Resistance | 25mV

[shayaan_musta]

Hello experts!

AC emitter resistance is given as,
r_E'=25mV/i_E

My question is that what does this 25mV tells us? and where does it come from?

Thanks in advance.

 

[waht]

Vt = 25 mV is a thermal voltage at room temperature, about 20 degrees Celsius I believe. This value changes with temperature.

It comes from semiconductor physics where you try to describe a PN junctions diode, you arrive at Shockley's equation which describes its IV characteristics. It turns that the Shockley's equation is highly non-linear.

BJT transistors are composed of two such diodes which also behave non-linearly. So ultimately, when you try to describe the behavior of BJT transistor amplifier, it will be non-linear. But because it's difficult to deal with non-linear equations, the diode equations have been linearized by making some assumptions into what is called the small-signal model. As a results a couple of new parameters come into play, such as r_e, r_pi, g_m.

When you work this out, Vt makes its way into the linearized model and that's why see it.

For more info check out: Sedra/Smith.

 

[shayaan_musta]

Thanks for reply.

You mean it is thermal voltage at room temperature and it varies if temperature varies. Am I right?
It is the voltage assumed on 20°C? Am I right?

 

[Bassalisk]

Thanks for reply.

You mean it is thermal voltage at room temperature and it varies if temperature varies. Am I right?
It is the voltage assumed on 20°C? Am I right?

Thermal voltage temperature is at 300 K, so that is about 27°C (room temperature)

 

[shayaan_musta]

Thermal temperature is at 300 K, so that is about 27°C (room temperature)

OK. Thanks a lot.