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Today, we'll start by exploring the voltage gain of the common base amplifier and compare it with that of the common emitter amplifier.
How does the voltage gain of the common base amplifier compare to the common emitter?
Good question! The common base amplifier can achieve a voltage gain of around 100 to 108.85, which is comparable to the common emitter amplifier when both are biased similarly.
Does that mean the common base amplifier acts similarly to the common emitter amplifier?
Yes, particularly in terms of gain, but keep in mind that the common base has a much lower input impedance. Remember the acronym GAIN: 'Gain of Amplifier in a Normal configuration' to recall this effect!
What is the significance of low input impedance?
Low input impedance means that the amplifier can draw more current, but it may also lead to attenuation of the input signal if the source resistance is high.
So, what happens if we have a 10 k⦠source resistance?
Good point! This leads to significant attenuation, reducing the overall voltage gain. Just remember, too much load can degrade performance.
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Next, letβs analyze input and output impedance. The input impedance of the common base amplifier is notably low at around 26 β¦.
Why is the input impedance so low?
The design encourages a low input impedance to allow the amplifier to function effectively with a grounded base, but this can also cause signal attenuation.
What about the output impedance?
The output impedance is around 2.83 kβ¦. Remember, this is crucial in how well the amplifier can drive the load.
So, does that mean higher output impedance is better?
Not necessarily. Higher output resistance can mean less power transfer to the load. So balance is essential.
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Now, letβs discuss how source resistance plays a role in the overall performance of these amplifiers.
What are the consequences of having a higher source resistance?
Increased source resistance can lead to greater signal attenuation. This means if your source is 10 kβ¦ instead of 0 β¦, the gain drops significantly.
What are the implications for design?
You need to consider the source impedance relative to input impedance to maintain signal integrity. Use the acronym GUIDE: 'Gain Uncertainty In Design Evaluation.'
So would you recommend keeping source resistance low?
Absolutely, when possible, as this minimizes losses in gain and provides better performance overall.
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Finally, letβs tackle the concept of upper cut-off frequency in relation to input capacitance.
How does input capacitance affect the upper cut-off frequency?
The input capacitance combined with the input resistance determines the upper cut-off frequency. In common base amplifiers, it remains low, leading to better frequency performance.
Why is that beneficial?
A lower input capacitance allows the system to operate at higher frequencies efficiently, which is desirable in many applications. Remember the acronym FINE: 'Frequency Informs New Efficiency.'
Are there trade-offs?
Yes, while you gain bandwidth, you may sacrifice some gain when input capacitance increases in high-frequency scenarios.
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In this section, the differences between common base and common gate amplifiers with respect to common emitter configurations are thoroughly evaluated. Specific attention is given to performance attributes such as voltage gain and impedance characteristics, while guidance is offered to students on how these configurations impact practical circuit design.
The comparison between common base and common gate amplifiers to the common emitter amplifier centers on their operational characteristics in circuit design. Voltage gain, input and output impedances, and the influence of source resistance are key metrics discussed. The common base amplifier shows a notable similarity in voltage gain to the common emitter, particularly under certain bias conditions. Despite its low input impedance, the common base amplifier allows for efficient signal transmission, making it suitable for high-frequency applications. The section emphasizes the importance of design considerations, including how source resistance affects overall circuit performance.
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In this example, since we are considering R = 0 that is that is why the effect of the C is not coming in the frequency response. But if we consider in general so the upper cutoff frequency defined by R and C , so that is the other candidate of the upper cutoff frequency that may using this expression. And if we are having R it can be easily prominent that the common base circuit. Since it is input capacitance is low it is useful for some high bandwidth application.
This chunk highlights the importance of input resistance and bandwidth in comparing common base amplifiers to common emitter amplifiers. When R (source resistance) is considered very low (approaching zero), the capacitance C has minimal effect on the frequency response. In scenarios where the source resistance is higher, the upper cutoff frequency of the common base amplifier becomes significant. The low input capacitance of the common base amplifier makes it favorable for high bandwidth applications, as it allows faster signal processing.
Think of a common base amplifier like a highway with wide lanes (low input capacitance) where cars (signals) can travel quickly. If the highway has low traffic (low source resistance), cars can zoom through easily, reflecting how well the circuit can transmit signals. However, if more cars show up (higher source resistance), the efficiency of the highway decreases, affecting how well it can handle increased traffic without slowdowns.
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So yes, so this is this is what I was telling, that all the parameters here we are taking same except the source resistance. So, we are considering the source resistance it is 10 kβ¦. Now, let us see what will be the corresponding voltage gain. So, the voltage gain from this point to this point namely emitter to collector we already have seen that voltage gain it is g (r β«½ R ). And then if I consider from this point to this point primary input to the emitter node it is having attenuation and that attenuation it is .
In this chunk, the focus shifts to real-world applications where source resistance is not negligible, such as 10 kβ¦. It discusses how this higher source resistance affects voltage gain by introducing attenuation from the input signal to the emitter of the amplifier. The voltage gain from the primary application signal at the input to the output at the collector is now subject to this source resistance, which can significantly decrease the overall effectiveness of the amplifier.
Imagine trying to fill a swimming pool (the amplifier) with water (the input signal) through a thin hose (the high source resistance). If the hose is wider (low source resistance), water flows in quickly, and the pool fills efficiently (high gain). But if the hose is narrow (high source resistance), the water flow slows down significantly (attenuation), making it harder to fill the pool, similar to how voltage gain is affected in the circuit.
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Now, what is the effect on the output impedance on the other hand, since we are considering the finite resistance R. So, the output resistance if I see it is having 2 components one is R and the resistors coming from the active part. So, the resistance coming from this active part it is basically it is you may recall if I call this is Rβ², so that is the impedance of the active device.
This chunk addresses the output impedance of the circuit when incorporating practical resistance values. The output impedance is influenced by two components: the external resistance (R) and the intrinsic resistance of the active device (Rβ²). The calculation combines these two resistances to find the effective output resistance of the amplifier, which can significantly affect performance metrics such as gain and bandwidth.
Think of the output impedance as a faucet in your bathroom (the amplifier's output). The water flow (output current) comes from two sources: the tap's maximum flow rate (active resistance) and the pipe leading to the faucet (external resistance). If the pipe is thin (high external resistance), the overall flow to the faucet will be greatly reduced, affecting your ability to fill a bathtub or sink efficiently.
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So the voltage gain in summary the voltage gains it is very bad particularly if I start considering practical value of the source impedance. Of course, it depends on the source impedance. But then even if you consider say 1 k which may be in many of the application, then also the this attenuation will be quite big.
This chunk concludes that the common base amplifier's performance, especially its voltage gain, diminishes when realistic levels of source impedance are applied. This effect is exacerbated as the source impedance increases, leading to greater signal attenuation. It emphasizes the importance of considering source impedance in real-life applications when designing and analyzing amplifiers.
Imagine trying to listen to music on a phone placed inside a noisy car (high source impedance). As the engine roars and the music plays, the sound from the car reduces music clarity (attenuation). If you were to listen in a quieter setting (lower source impedance), the music would come through much clearer, much like how a circuit performs better with appropriate source resistance.
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
Voltage Gain: The measure of how much an amplifier increases the input voltage.
Input Impedance: The resistance faced by the input signal of the amplifier.
Output Impedance: The resistance seen by the load connected to the output.
Source Resistance: Affects how much of the input signal reaches the amplifier.
Upper Cut-off Frequency: The frequency at which the amplifier's response drops.
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
For a BJT configured as a common base amplifier, with a voltage gain calculated as 108.85, the input impedance is significantly low (around 26 β¦).
If a common base amplifier has a source resistance of 10 kβ¦, this introduces significant attenuation, effectively reducing the voltage gain.
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
For gain so bright, keep load in sight, with source too high, it won't fly.
Imagine a town where everyone comes to drop off books. If only a few people come with many books (high source resistance), the library can't give out many books (low gain). But if everyone brings just a few books (low source resistance), the library helps many.
G.A.I.N. β Gain for Accurate Input Needs. Always focus on the interaction with input and source resistances.
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Review the Definitions for terms.
Term: Common Base Amplifier
Definition:
An amplifier configuration where the base terminal is common to both input and output.
Term: Common Emitter Amplifier
Definition:
An amplifier configuration where the emitter terminal is common to both input and output.
Term: Voltage Gain
Definition:
The ratio of output voltage to input voltage in an amplifier.
Term: Impedance
Definition:
The measure of opposition that a circuit presents to the flow of alternating current.
Term: Source Resistance
Definition:
The equivalent resistance of the signal source that affects the total voltage gain.