Voltage amplification done by a transistor amplifier

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the voltage amplification characteristics of a transistor amplifier, focusing on the equivalent circuit representation, assumptions about the p-n junctions in forward and reverse bias, and the implications for output impedance and voltage gain. The context includes a homework problem related to circuit analysis and transistor behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant assumes the potential drop across the forward-biased p-n junction is 0 V, equating it to a connecting wire, while questioning the validity of this assumption given the input voltage.
  • Another participant challenges the initial claim about the output impedance, suggesting that the output resembles a dependent current source with a high output impedance in parallel with a load resistor.
  • Some participants agree on the calculation of the emitter current (I_E) as 25 mA and that the collector current (I_C) is approximately equal to I_E due to a small base current (I_B).
  • There is a discussion about the representation of the forward and reverse bias p-n junctions in the equivalent circuit, with some suggesting that the forward bias can be treated as a linear element while the reverse bias should be treated as non-linear.
  • One participant proposes simplifying the transistor model to an amplifier model, emphasizing that the input resistance should not be viewed as a separate resistor but as a combined effect of the transistor and its bias circuit.
  • A later reply indicates that the issue in the original circuit lies in the connection at the base, implying a misunderstanding of the relationship between I_B and I_C.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the treatment of the p-n junctions in the circuit and the implications for output impedance. While there is some agreement on the calculation of currents and voltage gain, the overall discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the circuit representation.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved assumptions regarding the linearity of the p-n junctions, the treatment of output impedance, and the implications of the input resistance in the circuit. There are also unresolved mathematical steps regarding the equivalent circuit analysis.

Pushoam
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Homework Statement


upload_2017-9-17_16-12-33.png
upload_2017-9-17_16-41-8.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


The equivalent circuit is drawn below.
It is assumed that the potential drop across the pn junction in forward bias is 0 V(I can't take it 0.7 V as the input voltage is 0.5 V). In this case the p-n junction is equivalent to a connecting wire-piece.
Since ##\alpha ## is nearly equal to 1, ##I_B# is taken to be 0.

upload_2017-9-17_16-59-14.png


So, the current flowing through ##R_{in}## is ##I_E = \frac{500~mV}{20~\Omega} = 25 ~mA##
In fact, the above figure is wrong.Right?
It is the p-n junction in forward bias which should get replaced by Rin and np junction in reverse bias which should get replaced by Rout.
Then, the potential drop across the diode in forward bias is equal to the potential drop across the Rin i.e. 500 mV and the potential drop across the reverse bias is the potential drop across the Rout.
Potential drop across Rout = ## I_C R_{out} = 2500 V ##........(1)
Using Kirchoff's Voltage loop law, this voltage drop should be equal to the voltage drop across## R_C##.
But, due to Ohm's law, voltage drop across ##R_C = I_C R_C = 25V##......(2)
So, there is a contradiction.
In (1), I have considered the n-p junction as a linear element. I think this is wrong. The n-p junction could not be replaced by Rout. Then , in this case, there is no need to know Rout. Right?
So, does it mean that , in general, in transistor, the forward bias p-n junction could be taken as a linear element, but the reverse bias p-n junction has to be taken as a non-linear element?

The voltage amplification is : ## \frac{25V}{0.5V}=50##
 

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  • upload_2017-9-17_16-41-34.png
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I'm a bit rusty but...

Potential drop across Rout = ICRout=2500VICRout=2500V I_C R_{out} = 2500 V ........(1)

No that's not correct. The output looks like a dependent current source with the 100K output impedance in parallel. So the 1k load resistor is in parallel with the 100K output impedance.

300px-Common-base_small_signal.svg.png



I agree that IE = 25mA
IB is small so IC = IE = 25mA
The output impedance is high compared to the load so the output impedance can be ignored.
So the voltage across RC is 25mA * 1K = 25V
So the voltage gain is 25/0.5 = 50.
 
Last edited:
CWatters said:
No that's not correct. The output looks like a dependent current source with the 100K output impedance in parallel.
O.K.
So, in the equivalent circuit, the forward bias p-n junction gets replaced by an input resistance in series while the reverse bias junction gets replaced by an output resistance in parallel.
The output circuit acts as a current source with current ##I_C##.

upload_2017-9-19_10-54-50.png


Is this right?
 
No, I would simplify the transistor model to an amplifier model and draw it like this...

Common Base Amp.png


When the problem statement says the input resistance is 20R you shouldn't think of the circuit as a transistor and a separate 20R resistor. The 20R results from combining the effects of the transistor, it's bias circuit, feedback, base current (eg the whole thing) into one amplifier parameter for the input.
 
I got it.
The problem is with the connection at B in my circuit. The connection at B implies that ##I_B >>I_C##.
Thank you.
 

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