23.6. Voltage to Current Relationships

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does a current amplifier do?

   Hint

   Think about how currents can be manipulated in circuits.

2. 2.

   What is the role of a BJT in a current amplifier?

   Hint

   Recall the basic functions of BJTs in circuits.

3. 3.

   What is the primary function of a current amplifier?

   • Transform voltage to current
   • Output voltage based on input currents
   • Transform input currents to output currents

   Hint

   Think about the direction of signal processing.

4. 4.

   True or False: The unloaded current gain is affected by connected loads.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recap what loading effects do in amplifier circuits.

5. 5.

   Design a current amplifier with a specified unloaded current gain of 10. Choose appropriate components and justify your choices.

   Hint

   Use the relationship of current gain to calculate biasing conditions.

6. 6.

   Given a current amplifier produces an output current of 5 mA with 0.5 mA input current, what is the unloaded current gain? What does this tell us about the amplifier?

   Hint

   Remember the formula for calculating gain.