Problem : Find the Range of Vdrop at 1kOhm Resistor with Label of R5, given that max value of

Potentiometer is 500ohms, (let’s assume na 0 ohms ideally) and lowest value.

Calderon's 101

If you were to solve a circuit problem involving Potentiometer, Varistor, rheostat or any component to
determine the range of value of a specific component or values of components. Solve it using its ideal
minimum value and maximum value.

1. For this problem. Redraw two circuit. 1 with 500 ohms and 1 with 0ohms (ideally No Resistor at
all) then solve the Vdrop at R5.
2. Let’s start with potentiometer value at 0 ohms or having no resistor at all.
3. We will redraw the circuit as well to make it easier to analyze
4. Let’s start with the ideal minimum value of the Pot : 0 ohms (redrawing the circuit)
5. Redraw the circuit in a way that it is more easy to analyze and it is friendly to our eyes haha
6. We need to get the Supplied voltage on base terminal.
Using Voltage divider formula on Loop as show above. VB = VCC(220x0/220+0) = 0, VB = 0
therefore there will be no voltage to forward bias Q1 Base to Emitter. The Transistor now is just
like an open circuit.

7. Making the series of R5 (1K) and R2 (220) parallel with R7 (220) and the Supply Voltage.
8. Vdrop at R5 (1K) is equal to : VR5 = VCC(1K/1K+220) = 2.7V at Potentiometer Minimum Value
(0 ohm Ideally)
9. Now let’s try to solve for the Vdrop at R5 (1K) at Potentiometer Maximum Value : 500 Ohms.
10. Let’s redraw our circuit.

11. Since we have Resistor 500 ohms, there will be a voltage drop the base of the transistor to
forward bias and turn on the circuit. We can also assume that VCE is ideally Zero since we have a
high Base current provided by Low Resistance Value of 500 and 220 ohms.
12. Since VCE = 0. It is like an Idea Wire, making R5(1k) and Collector Resistor(1k) Parallel to each
other.
13. By Applying Voltage Divider Bias DC Analysis : Solving Eth and Rth

Eth = 3.3V (500/500+220) = 2.29V

Rth = (500x220)/(500+220) = 152.778 Ohms

14. We can also say that 3.3V is divided into 500 Ohms and 220 Ohms
15. So 3.3V = I1(500) + (I1 + I2)(200)

16. And also, : 2.29V = I2(Rth) + VBE + (I1 + I2)(220)

Now we have two equations with 2 unknowns.

3.3V = I1(500) + (I1 + I2)(200) eq.1

2.29V = I2(Rth) + VBE + (I1 + I2)(220) eq.2

Use your magical Calculator Mode 5 (Equation) to Solve for I1 and I2, or you can be Martyr and solve it
using Substition Method Manually.

After solving the equations for I1 and I2,

I1 = 4mA

Therefore, the drop at 500 Ohms is

Vdrop at 500 = 4mA x 500 ohms = 2V, which is the voltage drop also for both R5 and Collector Resistor
Separately since they are in parallel.

Vdrop at R5 (1K) at Potentiometer = 500 ohms is 2V

So the answer will be:

2V to 2.7V at Potentiometer range of 0 to 500max Ohms.