17.6.2. Transconductance and Gain

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define transconductance and its units.

   Hint

   Think about what role voltage change has on current.

2. 2.

   What is the formula for calculating gain in a MOSFET circuit?

   Hint

   Consider what parameters are involved in transconductance.

3. 3.

   What does transconductance measure?

   • The ratio of output voltage to input voltage
   • The change in output current with respect to input voltage
   • The load resistance in a circuit

   Hint

   Consider what directly impacts the current from the input.

4. 4.

   True or False: The gain of a MOSFET amplifier is expressed as A = g_m * R_D.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the nature of signal output compared to input.

5. 5.

   Design an amplifier circuit with the specified requirements: Input voltage range of 1-5V and a gain of -10 using a MOSFET. What values would you choose for R_D and transconductance?

   Hint

   Balance the resistor values with the operational characteristics of the MOSFET.

6. 6.

   If a MOSFET begins to clip at output voltages when fed a signal, what adjustments can be made to avoid distortion within the linear range?

   Hint

   Consider the overall behavior of the circuit as components interact.