48.1 - Common Collector and Common Drain Amplifiers (Contd.): Numerical Examples (Part B)
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Analyzing the Circuit
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Today, we're analyzing a common collector amplifier circuit. Let's start with the given values. The supply voltage is 6 V, and a resistor at the emitter is 9.8 kΩ. Can anyone tell me how we would begin to find the operating point?
We should consider the current flow and use Kirchhoff's loop rule to write an equation for the voltage.
And we also need to take into account the base-emitter voltage drop, which is typically around 0.6 V for silicon transistors.
Exactly! So, if we set up the equation with 6 V minus the drop across the emitter resistor, we can find the base current. Can someone provide the equation for this?
We would have 6 V = I_B * (100 kΩ) + 0.6 V + I_E * (9.8 kΩ).
Great job! Let's calculate I_E using these values. What do we get?
Calculating gives us I_E ≈ 5 µA, based on our setup.
Correct! Now let's summarize the operating point we deduced from this analysis.
Voltage Gain Calculation
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Now that we have the operating point, let's compute the voltage gain. Recall the formula for voltage gain in common collector configurations.
It's A_v = (g_m * r_o) / (R_E + r_o), right?
And r_o will approximate to 5.2 kΩ, while we already set R_E as 9.8 kΩ.
Exactly! So can you calculate A_v?
Plugging in the values, we can find that A_v is approximately 1, as expected for a common collector amplifier.
Fantastic! What does this imply about our amplifier's behavior?
It shows that the voltage gain is roughly unity, confirming the amplifier's buffering role.
Good observation! Remember, voltage gain close to 1 means high input impedance and low output impedance—key features of this configuration.
Input and Output Resistances
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Moving forward, let’s examine the input and output resistances of our amplifier. What formula can we use for the input resistance?
For input resistance, it's r + (g_m * r_o) || R_E.
Is this for looking into the base of the transistor?
Yes! What do we compute the input resistance to be?
I computed it out to be around 914.2 kΩ.
Exactly! High input resistance is critical for ensuring minimal loading effect on the preceding stage. Now how about output resistance?
The output resistance for a common collector stage typically comes out very small, around 52 Ω in this case.
Excellent! Low output resistance is desirable for driving loads effectively. Great teamwork, everyone!
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we analyze practical examples involving common collector and common drain amplifiers, particularly focusing on calculating circuit parameters such as operating points, voltage gains, input and output resistances, and small signal parameters. The section guides through various calculations while identifying key principles governing the performance of these amplifiers.
Detailed
In this section, we delve into numerical examples of common collector and common drain amplifiers. The analysis begins with setting up a circuit model with a bias current and resistance values. The calculated parameters include the operating point of the transistor, the voltage gain (A), input and output resistances, and small signal parameters including transconductance (g_m) and output resistance (r_o). We also discuss the impact of resistance values selected, ensuring understanding of how circuit components affect performance. The results demonstrate that despite variations, voltage gain and resistance remain stable within specified ranges. The section wraps up by briefly addressing similar analyses for common drain amplifiers, paving the way for further exploration of transistor circuits.
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Example Circuit Analysis
Chapter 1 of 8
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Chapter Content
Welcome back after the short break. So, we do have here it is the third example. So, it is you can see that essentially, we are adding one resistance at the emitter instead of having ideal bias current and also we do have the R at the base node. We can say the source resistance. Let you consider this R = 9.8 kΩ. So, let me change this one to 9.8 kΩ and let us try to analyze the circuit to find the operating point of the transistor.
Detailed Explanation
In this part, we are setting up a circuit analysis example. A resistance of 9.8 kΩ is introduced at the emitter, changing how we analyze the transistor's operating point. The step involves replacing an ideal bias current with this resistor, affecting the current and eventually yielding a real-world application of the circuit.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this circuit analysis like planning a trip. Instead of taking the fastest route (ideal conditions), you intentionally choose a route with obstacles (resistors) to learn how to navigate real-world traffic challenges.
Finding the Operating Point
Chapter 2 of 8
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So, to start with let me draw the DC loop here. So, we do have Vdd which is 6 V and then we do have the Rs, which is 100 k and then we do have the VBE(on) this diode drop and then we do have the resistance here RE. We can say the current flow here it is IB. And then of course, we do have the β times of this IB current it is coming from the collector. So, we can say that this is βIC.
Detailed Explanation
Here, we are laying out the DC loop which helps in calculating the transistor's operating point. It shows how various components relate to each other. For instance, we have a power supply (Vdd), a resistor (Rs), and the base-emitter voltage drop (VBE(on)). Using these, we aim to find the current flowing through IB and relate it to the collector current IC using the transistor's current gain β.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're preparing to bake a cake. You gather your ingredients (voltage and resistors) and measure them out carefully to ensure that the cake will rise properly (the circuit's operating point will be successful).
Calculating the Current I
Chapter 3 of 8
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So, the current flowing through this resistor on the other hand it is (1 + β)IB. So, if I consider that this current it ≈ βIB and then if you analyze this circuit. Namely, if we consider the potential drop through this loop. So, what we can get it is in this loop. We do get 6 V here and then we do have 0.6 V here. So, 6 V equals to we do have IB × 100 k + 0.6 V.
Detailed Explanation
This section calculates the current flow through a resistor in the circuit. We equate the voltage drops around the loop, remembering that the total voltage must equal the sum of the drops. By rearranging the equation, we derive a value for IB, which will help in calculating all other related currents in the circuit.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a water pipe system. The water pressure (voltage) drops as it flows through different sections (resistors). Understanding how the pressure changes helps you to calculate the rate of water flow (current) throughout the system.
Determining Voltage Levels
Chapter 4 of 8
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So, once we obtain this IB of say 5 µA, so, that gives us the IC = β × IB = 100 × 5 µA = 0.5 mA right. Then you can calculate what will be the voltage here. Similar to the previous case; the voltage here it will be 6 V here minus this drop, across this RE, which is 0.5 V. So, we can say the voltage here VSB = 6 - 0.5 = 5.5 V.
Detailed Explanation
In this part, we calculate the collector current IC from the base current IB using the current gain β. We then use IC to find voltage drops across resistors. By subtracting the drop across RE from the source voltage, we find the output voltage at the transistor's emitter.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine pouring water into a container with holes at the bottom (representing resistances). The amount of water collected (voltage at the emitter) depends on how fast you pour (current) and how much leaks out (voltage drop).
Finding Small Signal Parameters
Chapter 5 of 8
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Now using this value of the quotient currents and voltages we can find the small signal parameter. And since the currents particularly, the collector current and base current they are the same. So, we can see that the gm value of the gm remains the same. Namely, A/V, and likewise ro = 5.2 k and then re = 100 k right.
Detailed Explanation
In this section, we derive small-signal parameters needed for designing and evaluating amplifiers. The transconductance (gm) and output resistance (ro) are calculated, showing how they are derived from the previously computed currents and voltages in the circuit.
Examples & Analogies
Think of small signal parameters like the measurements taken for a recipe's fine adjustments (like adding spice). They ensure that minor variations (small signals) still lead to a well-balanced final dish (operating amplifier performance).
Calculating Voltage Gain
Chapter 6 of 8
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So, we will see that, but for the time being let you consider voltage gain from precisely at the base terminal to the emitter terminal and even though this Rs is coming in parallel with ro because, this we do have (1 + β) getting multiplied. So, still and hence we can say that this is approximately 1.
Detailed Explanation
This part discusses the voltage gain from the input (base terminal) to the output (emitter terminal). Each of the resistances affects this gain, but due to the specific arrangement of the circuit, the overall voltage gain is roughly equal to one, indicating that the output voltage is nearly equal to the input voltage.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a tutor helping a student. The knowledge transferred from tutor to student (the input to output) might be almost equal because of effective communication, similar to how output voltage approximately equals input in this circuit.
Understanding Input and Output Resistance
Chapter 7 of 8
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So, the input resistance on the other hand it is as we have discussed before...
Detailed Explanation
This section provides a deeper understanding of input and output resistance in the context of the amplifier. It highlights the significance of these resistances and how they affect the operation of the amplifier, impacting how much signal is successfully delivered or received.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a conversation where two people have to communicate important information. If one person is too quiet (high input resistance), the message might not get through effectively. Similarly, understanding these resistances helps determine the efficiency of our circuit's communication.
Conclusion on Circuit Performance
Chapter 8 of 8
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So, the conclusion here it is what we can say that even if you consider Rs and RE still we do have the overall performance of the circuit even with RE being very high.
Detailed Explanation
This conclusion emphasizes that the overall performance of the circuit remains robust, even when introducing the resistors. It reassures that the desired outcomes can still be achieved, which is vital for successful circuit operation in real-world applications.
Examples & Analogies
Much like a sports team succeeding despite individual injuries, the circuit can still perform well when robust components are thoughtfully chosen and integrated, ensuring collective success.
Key Concepts
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Operating Point: Determined by biasing arrangements, essential for consistent performance.
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Voltage Gain: Reflects the ratio of output to input voltage; common collector typically close to 1.
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Input and Output Resistance: Input should be high to minimize loading effects, while output should be low for effective load driving.
Examples & Applications
Example of operating point calculation for a common collector amplifier with provided resistances and voltages.
Illustration of voltage gain close to 1 in practical applications.
Comparison of input and output resistances in typical BJT amplifiers.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
For voltage gain close to one, common collectors are quite fun!
Stories
Imagine a busy post office where every package (signal) arrives and is delivered without any loss - that's like a common collector amplifier buffering signals!
Memory Tools
GIVE A V - Gain, Input resistance, Voltage, Emitter current, Always voltage gain near unity, Voltage buffer effect in CC.
Acronyms
POV - Point of Volts explaining Operating point of transistors.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Common Collector Amplifier
An amplifier configuration where the collector terminal is common to both input and output, providing high input impedance and low output impedance.
- Operating Point
The Q-point of a transistor circuit, where the device operates under steady-state conditions.
- Voltage Gain
The ratio of output voltage to input voltage in an amplifier circuit.
- Input Impedance
The impedance seen by the input signal at the amplifier's input.
- Output Impedance
The impedance seen by the load connected to the output of the amplifier.
Reference links
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