ELE402 - Electronics Lab - Spring 2023

Experiment VII: BJT in Saturation Mode

Objectives
● Analysis of different BJT-based circuits in saturation mode Material and

Equipment
● BJT (PN2222 or KSP2222)
● Resistors
● LEDs

Background & Theory

Figure 1. KSP2222 & PN2222 BJT Schematic

Experiments
BJT Characteristics During Saturation Mode
 Figure 2. BJT in Saturation Mode Circuit

1. We measure the values of the resistors using the DMM

R1 = 0.989 kΩ
R2 = 0.986 kΩ
R3 = 0.979 kΩ
2. We have constructed the circuit shown in Figure 2 and have applied a 4V DC
voltage to V1. By varying the value of V2 as per the table, we have measured the
voltages across R1 and R2 respectively. In addition, we have also measured VBE,
VCE, and VBC. The values were filled in the table.
 V2
0 2 4 5 6 6.25 6.5 6.75 7
(V)
VR1 0 0.0076V 18.5mV 24mV 0.234V 0.313V 0.394V 0.475V 0.556V
7.6845 0.236m
IB 0 18.7 μA 24 μA 0.316mA 0.398mA 0.4802mA 0.56m
μA A
VR2 0 1.346V 3.291V 4.271V 4.854V 4.934V 5.022V 5.109V 5.196V
IC 0 1.36mA 3.33mA 4.33mA 4.92 mA 5.00 mA 5.093 mA 5.181 mA 5.269 m

VBE 1.89V 0.3637V 0.661V 0.669V 0.677V 0.68V 0.682V 0.684V 0686V
VCE 4V 3.306V 1.393V 0.326V 72.6mV 65.39mV 60mV 56.1mV 52.96m
VBC -4V -2.669V -0.733 0.242V 0.604V 0.615V 0.621V 0.627V 0.633V
Mode C A A A S S S S S

3. V2 = 4V

ic 3.33 mA
β= = =17 8
ib 18.7 μA

V2 = 8V.

ic 4.58 mA
β= = =5.14
ib 0.89 m A

We've noticed that as we increase the value of V2 from 4V to 8V, the 𝛽 value
decreases. This is because the transistor changes from active mode to saturation
mode as we approach the higher end of the voltage range. In the saturation mode,
the 𝛽 value is much smaller than in the active mode. So, we have calculated the 𝛽
value at V2=8V, which is the 𝛽forced value when the transistor is in saturation mode.

We Plot ic versus ib and determine ic(EOS) (at the Edge of Saturation) from the graph.
 Plot Of Ic vs Ib
6

3 Ic
Ic

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
Ib

We have determined that the edge of saturation for the transistor occurs when the
collector current (Ic) is approximately 4.65 mA, and this occurs at a voltage of VCE
around 0.3V. This value is consistent with the values we obtained in the table,
particularly for V2=5V where VCE=0.326V and Ic=4.33 mA.

Experiment 2: BJT as a Switch

Figure 1 BJT as a switch circuit

 Vin = 0V Vin = 6V

VBE1 7.6mV T1 Mode: 0.733V T1 Mode:

cutoff saturation
VCE1 0.885V 26.35mV

VBC1 -0.876V 0.705V

VBE2 0.685V T2 Mode: 27.5mV T2 Mode:

Saturation cutoff
VCE2 84.5mV 0.296V

VBC2 0.599V -0.282V

We Assemble on the board the circuit shown in Figure 3. Then Measure V BE, VCE, and
VBC for each of the transistors when Vin = 0V. Measure VBE, VCE, and VBC for each of the
transistors when Vin = 6V. What is the mode of the transistor if Vin = 6V?

Now Using the function generator, we set Vin to a 6Vpp, 3V DC offset, and 0.5Hz frequency
square waveform. So that Vin will swap between 0V to 6V with same frequency.

When the voltage input is set to 0, transistor T2 will enter saturation mode, acting as a
closed switch, while transistor T1 will be in cutoff mode, acting as an open switch. As a
result, the first LED (LED 2) will turn on for a period of 1 second while the second LED (LED
1) will remain off.

On the other hand, when the voltage input switches to 6V, transistor T1 will
become saturated, acting as a closed switch, while transistor T2 will be in cutoff
mode, acting as an open switch. This will turn on the second LED (LED 1) while
turning off the first LED (LED 2). This alternating pattern will continue, with the
LEDs switching on and off every 2 seconds.

BJT as a Logic Gate

Assemble on the board the circuit shown in Figure 4. Fill in the truth table and specify the
logic gate.
 Figure 4. BJT as a Logic Gate Circuit

1. Fill the tables below:

V1 (V) V2 (V) Vout

0.2 0.2 5.011

0.2 5 5.011

5 0.2 5.011

5 5 0.01

Research
1. Prepare a small research about the H-bridge using BJTs (structure and applications
with an emphasis on driving a DC motor).