66.5.3. Concerns with Higher Supply Voltage

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define what an active load is in amplifiers.

   Hint

   Think about the components used to replace a passive load.

2. 2.

   What does voltage gain represent?

   Hint

   It is a measure of amplification capability.

3. 3.

   What is the function of an active load in amplifiers?

   • To decrease power consumption
   • To enhance voltage gain
   • To regulate temperature
   • To replace all passive components

   Hint

   Consider why we would replace passive loads.

4. 4.

   True or False: Higher supply voltage always improves amplifier gain without consequences.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the trade-offs involved.

5. 5.

   Design a common emitter amplifier circuit that demonstrates the effects of lower supply voltage on gain while using a higher valued resistor as an active load. Calculate the theoretical maximum gain.

   Hint

   Calculate based on new resistor values.

6. 6.

   Evaluate how changing the transconductance of a transistor affects the overall gain of a common source amplifier given a fixed load configuration.

   Hint

   Relate to the multiplier effect of input characteristics.