66.6.3. Expression of Voltage Gain

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define voltage gain in your own words.

   Hint

   Think about it as an amplification factor.

2. 2.

   What does transconductance (g_m) measure?

   Hint

   Consider its role in amplifier performance.

3. 3.

   What is the main advantage of using active loads in amplifiers?

   • They are cheaper
   • They increase voltage gain
   • They simplify circuits

   Hint

   Consider what happens to the load characteristics.

4. 4.

   True or False: Voltage gain is always a positive value.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how phase inversion works.

5. 5.

   Design a basic common emitter amplifier circuit with an active load, aiming for a voltage gain of 50. Specify resistor values and calculate the required transconductance.

   Hint

   Use A_v = g_m * R_C and rearrange to find required parameters.

6. 6.

   Evaluate the impact of temperature on both active and passive loads in amplifiers. Describe how the operational parameters change and affect overall gain.

   Hint

   Consider how semiconductor behavior changes with temperature.