Introduction to Electronics – 6.

071

In this question, we will explore the use of a common-emitter BJT amplifier. The basic
configuration is

a. Provide a physical description of how the circuit works, including explanations of

1.) why the output is inverted from the input?
Solution: As Vin increases, the transistor is turned on and Vout is pulled
toward ground.
2.) what is the gain?
Solution: The gain originates from the large b, where a small change in the
base current can lead to a large change in the collector current.
b. For temperature stability, it is common to include an emitter resistance.
 Calculate the gain of this circuit.
Vin DVout R
Solution: IB = ; IC = bIB ; Vout = VCC - IC RC ; \ =- C
bRE DVin RE
kT
c. In series with Re the transistor has an internal resistance of re = . Plot the
† † e ⋅ IC
† †
temperature variation of the gain as a function of Re, assuming that the quiescent
current is 1mA.
†
RC kT 25mV T
Solution: gain = - , re = = ; IC = Iq = quiescent current; Iq =
RE + re e ⋅ IC 300k IC
RC
1mA; \ gain = -
25mV T
RE +
† † 300k (1mA)

To avoid temperature variation, we want Re >> re. So, let us select Re = 1kW.

d. In order to set the quiescent current, we can use a voltage divider at the base.
 What is the ratio of R1/R2 which provides a quiescent current of 1mA?
Ê R2 ˆ
Solution: VE = 1mA⋅RE; VB = VE + 0.6V = Á ˜VCC or
Ë R1 + R2 ¯
R2 VB 1.6
= = .
R1 VCC - VB 18.4
†
e. The voltage divider for biasing is a voltage source driving a load (the base of the
transmitter).
†
• What is the input impedance of the base of the BJT?
Solution: bRE
• What is the output impedance of the voltage divider?
R1 ⋅ R2
Solution: R1 || R2 =
R1 + R2
• When using a voltage source to drive a load, we desire that the
source impedance is much lower than the load impedance. Explain
†
why.
Solution: So that the load does not pull the source down.
• Choose values for R1 and R2 such that the biasing condition met.
Solution: R2 is much less than R1 so we want R2<bRE ~ 100kW.
\R2= 10kW works. R2 = 10kW, R1 = 110kW. Note: these are close
to the correct ratio and are standard values.
f. The amplifier is to be used to amplify a 1kHz sinusoid (we wish to avoid DC
signals) with a gain of 100. To avoid DC, we add bypassing capacitors:

.
We want to choose a value of C1 such that the RC filter,

passes 1kHz.
• Calculate Reffective in terms of the other circuit elements.
Solution:
R1 ⋅ R2 ⋅ bRE 1.1¥1014 W3
Reffective = R1 || R2 || bRE = = ª 8.4kW
R1 ⋅ R2 + R1 ⋅ bRE + R2 ⋅ bRE 1.31¥1010 W2
Assuming b~100.
• Choose C1 so that the 3dB attenuation point of the filter is at
† -1
300Hz. Hint: use the condition C1 = [2p ⋅ f 3dB ⋅ Reffective ] .

Solution: C1=63 nF.

g. Now we need to look again at the gain. With Re = 1kW and a desired gain of 100,
†
it appears that RC should be 100kW, meaning that the quiescent current of 1mA
can not be reached with VCC = 10V. Fortunately, we only want to amplify signals
at 1kHz; so, we can provide a second path for Re.

The combination of re+Rf and Cf makes a high-pass filter.

ß Lets select RC = 10kW and now calculate the values of Rf

and Cf that will provide a gain of ~100. A simple approach
is to choose Rf+re = 100W and Cf such that the 3dB point of
the filter is at 300Hz. What are Rr and Cf? Hint: use the
-1
condition C f = [2p ⋅ f 3dB ⋅ Reffective ] .

Solution: re~26W. \Rf = 74W. Cf =5.3 mF.

ß Why can we neglect Re?
†
Solution: Huge compare to Rf.
ß Why did we choose Rf+re = 100W?
Solution: gain of 100 with Rc = 10kW.
 ß What is the actual impedance of the high-pass filter at
1kHz; and therefore, what is the gain at 1kHz?
Solution: z=100+wCf=100+2p*1kHz*5.3x10-6F~100.33.
Thus, the gain of the circuit at 1kHz is ~100.
The choice of value for C2 needs to wait until we know what the load
impedance is, why?
Solution: Need load resistance.