Understanding BJT Voltages and Operating Point Analysis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the analysis of voltages in a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) circuit, particularly focusing on identifying the common element, calculating various voltages (VBE, VCE, VCB), and understanding the operating point of the transistor. The scope includes theoretical analysis and practical application of transistor operation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to identify the common element of the transistor, suggesting it may be the element connected to ground.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on whether the voltage labeled "12" in the circuit is the applied voltage.
  • A participant provides a step-by-step analysis of the circuit, calculating VBE, the voltage across the base resistor, base current, collector current, and collector voltage.
  • There is a discussion about determining VCB and whether Vb is the same as VBE, along with inquiries about the operating point of the transistor.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the definition of the operating point and describes the four regions of operation: Active, Cut off, Saturation, and Inverted, while questioning the biasing of the collector-emitter junction.
  • Another participant points out a potential error in the labeling of the circuit diagram.
  • Repeated inquiries about the definitions of Vc, Vb, and the biasing of the collector-base junction are raised, emphasizing the need for clarity on these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the operating point and the biasing of junctions, indicating that there is no consensus on these definitions and their implications in the context of the circuit analysis.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the circuit configuration and the definitions of voltages are not explicitly stated, which may affect the clarity of the discussion. The analysis relies on the understanding of BJT operation and may depend on specific circuit conditions.

JasonHathaway
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Hi everyone,


I'm new to transistors analyzing, and I need a way to correctly identify the voltages.

Let's take this circuit for example:

20140618_112601.jpg


Assuming that the Emitter is the common element (The one with arrow which is connected to the ground), then VBE would be:

22222.jpg


My questions are:

1- If I want to know the common element of the transistor, shall I look for the element that is directly connected to the ground?
2- For this circuit, I've VBE - VCE + VCB =0, On which basis I can get the these voltages?
 
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Is the "12" at the top right the voltage applied to the circuit? Or is that something else?
 
You analyze it like this:

(1) The BE junction is forward biased, so Vbe is about 0.7 V.
(2) The voltage across the base resistor is then 12.0 - 0.7 = 11.3 V.
(3) The current through the base resistor Ib = 11.3 / 376 K = .03 mA = 30 uA.
(4) The colector current Ic is beta times this. Assuming beta = 100, Ic = 3 mA.
(5) Vc = 12 - (3mA * 2 k) = 6.0 V.

Does this make sense?
 
Drakkith:
Yes, it's applied on the circuit.

phyzguy:
That makes sense. Now I want to determine Vcb, which is Vc - Vb. Now I've Vc, is Vb the same as Vbe (0.7)? And what's the operating point of the transistor?
 
JasonHathaway said:
That makes sense. Now I want to determine Vcb, which is Vc - Vb. Now I've Vc, is Vb the same as Vbe (0.7)? And what's the operating point of the transistor?

Since you now know the voltages on all three terminals (Ve, Vb, and Vc) calculating the differences is easy. Vbe = Vb - Ve, Vce = Vc-Ve, etc. What do you think the operating point is? What's the definition of operating point? Are the BE and CE junctions forward biased or reverse biased?
 
Actually, that what I'm asking for, the definition of the operating point. As far as I know, the operating point should be one of four regions: 1- Active (forward biased diode and reversed biased one) 2- Cut off (two reversed biased diodes) - 3- Saturation (two forward biased diodes) 4- Inverted (inverse of active).

I know that BE resamples forward biased diode, but I'm not sure about CE
 
In your second pic, those red + and ─ signs are wrong way 'round.
 
NascentOxygen

Thanks :)
 
JasonHathaway said:
Actually, that what I'm asking for, the definition of the operating point. As far as I know, the operating point should be one of four regions: 1- Active (forward biased diode and reversed biased one) 2- Cut off (two reversed biased diodes) - 3- Saturation (two forward biased diodes) 4- Inverted (inverse of active).

I know that BE resamples forward biased diode, but I'm not sure about CE

Well, what is Vc? What is Vb? Is the CB junction therefore forward biased or reverse biased? Given that it is an NPN transistor, you should be able to figure this out.
 

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