Experiment 1

Field-Effect Transistor Amplifiers

I. Objectives

● To analyze a common-source JFET Amplifier comprising of a JFET, a capacitor, and a resistor.

● To theoretically calculate and verify the circuit parameters.
● To determine and verify the voltages (V S , V G , V D ) with respect physical circuit layout and the
circuit simulation.
● To determine if the output voltage from a common-source amplifier is in-phase or out-of-phase
with input waveforms.
● To determine the voltage gain of the circuit.

II. Software: MultiSim

III. Procedure

A. Theoretical Analysis

1. Given the circuit in Figure 1,

−V GS
I D= ; V D =V DD−I D × R3 ;V S=I D × R2 ; V G =V GS +V S ; V DS=V D −V S
R2

Below is the procedure to find V GS.

Based on the datasheet for 2N5454 JFET, IDSS = 3 mA and VGS(off) = -2 V. For the circuit:
 
−V GS
I D=
R2
2
V
I D =I DSS (1− GS )
V GS ( off )

Plug: IDSS = 3 mA and VGS(off) = -2 V into above equations:

V GS 2 −V GS
3 mA (1− )=
−2 1 kΩ

V GS 2 −V GS
3mA(1− )=
−2 1 kΩ

3mA¿
 2
.003(1+V GS +0.25 V GS❑ )=−.001 V GS

2
1+V GS +0.25 A V GS❑ =−.333 V GS

2
0.25 V GS❑ +1.333 V GS +1=0

−1.333 ± √ 1.3332 −1
V GS= =−4.426∧−0.906
0.5

Since VGS must be between 0 and VGS(off) (0 ≥ V GS ≥−2)

Therefore VGS = -0.906 V

2. Calculate the DC parameters as listed in Table 1 according to the information given above, and
enter the calculated values in Table 1 on the worksheet.

Figure 1
 Table 1

Calculated Measured
Voltages
Voltage (V) Voltage (V)
Source Voltage (VS)
Gate Voltage (VG)
Drain Voltage (VD)
Calculated Voltage drop between source and drain
(VDS) where VDS = VD - VS

B. MultiSim Simulation

1. Enter the circuit as shown in Figure 1 using 2N5454 JFET in MultiSim. Set the DC source for a
VDD of +12V. Connect the signal source Vin to a function generator with sine-wave mode
selected. For now make sure the input voltage is set for zero. A typical MultiSim circuit is
shown below.

VDD
XSC1
12V

Ext Trig
+

R3
_
A B
+ _ + _
XMM1
4.7kΩ

XFG1
C3
XMM2

C1 Q1A 100nF

100nF 2N5454
XMM3

R1 R2
1kΩ C2
470kΩ
1µF

2. Measure the DC voltages as listed in Table 1 above and enter the measured values in Table 1 on
the worksheet.

3. Connect Vin to one channel of the oscilloscope and V out to the second channel of the
oscilloscope. Adjust the signal source at Vin to be a signal of 1 kHz at 0.5 V Pp. Capture the input
and output waveforms using print screen and insert them on the worksheet with proper
caption. A typical scope display is shown below.
Answer the following questions on the worksheet.

a. What is the peak-to-peak voltage of V in on the oscilloscope display?

b. What is the peak-to-peak voltage of V out on oscilloscope display?
c. Are the Vin and Vout waveforms in phase or out of phase?
d. What is the calculated voltage gain (A V) of this circuit?
e. Can the voltage gain of a common-source amplifier be greater than 1? Why?

4. Reduce the setting of the DC source (V DD) to +9V as shown below. Note that if the peak of the
waveform at Vout is clipped; reduce the input signal level until the clipping effect is no longer
apparent. Capture the input and output waveforms using print screen and insert it on the
worksheet with proper caption.
Answer the following questions on the worksheet.

a. What is the peak-to-peak voltage of V in on the oscilloscope display?

b. What is the peak-to-peak voltage of V out on the oscilloscope display?
c. What is the calculated voltage gain (A V) of this circuit?
d. Does decreasing the value of VDD increase the voltage gain?

Discussion:

Conclusion: