Chapter 5

BJT AC Analysis

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 Introduction

• We will begin to examine the ac response of the BJT amplifier by reviewing the models
most frequently used to represent the transistor in the sinusoidal ac domain.
• One of our first concerns in the sinusoidal ac analysis of transistor networks is the
magnitude of the input signal
• The magnitude of the input signal will determine whether small-signal or large-signal
techniques should be applied
• There is no set dividing line between the two, but the application—and the magnitude
of the variables of interest relative to the scales of the device characteristics — will
usually make it quite clear which method is appropriate
• Only the small-signal technique will be introduced in this course
• Large-signal applications are out of the scope of this course.
• Three models commonly used in the small-signal ac analysis of transistor networks:
• The re model
• The hybrid equivalent model
• The hybrid π model

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 BJT Transistor Modeling

• We can make a complete dc analysis of a system before considering the ac response

• Once the dc analysis is complete, the ac response can be determined using a completely
ac analysis
• It happens, however, that one of the components appearing in the ac analysis of BJT
networks will be determined by the dc conditions, so there is still an important link
between the two types of analysis
• The key to transistor small-signal analysis is the use of the equivalent circuits (models)
• A model is a combination of circuit elements, properly chosen, that best approximates
the actual behavior of a semiconductor device under specific operating conditions.
• Once the ac equivalent circuit is determined, the schematic symbol for the device can
be replaced by this equivalent circuit and the basic methods of circuit analysis applied
to determine the desired quantities of the network.

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 Different BJT Transistor Models

• In the early years of transistor network analysis the hybrid equivalent network was
employed the most frequently
• Easy to use as datasheet vales are directly used in the hybrid equivalent model
• Drawback to using this equivalent circuit, however, is that, the datasheet values are
defined for a set of operating conditions that might not match the actual operating
conditions
• Use of the re model became the more desirable approach because an important
parameter of the equivalent circuit is determined by the actual operating conditions
rather than using a datasheet value that in some cases could be quite different
• However, one must still turn to the data sheets for some of the other parameters of the
equivalent circuit.
• The re model is really a reduced version of the hybrid π model used almost exclusively
for high-frequency analysis

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AC Equivalent of a Transistor Network

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 The re Transistor Model

• BJTs are basically current controlled devices, therefore the re model uses a diode and a
current source to duplicate the behavior of the transistor.
• One disadvantage to this model is its sensitivity to the dc level. This model is designed
for specific circuit conditions.

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Common-Emitter Configuration

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Input Impedance in Common-Emitter Configuration

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 Output Impedance in Common-Emitter Configuration

VA is called Early voltage

• In situations where the specification sheets of a transistor do not include the Early
voltage or the output characteristics, the output impedance can be determined from the
hybrid parameter hoe that is normally plotted on every specification sheet.
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Common – Base Configuration

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 Common-Collector Configuration

• The Common-Emitter Model is used for Common-Collector.

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 npn vs. pnp

• The dc analysis of npn and pnp configurations is quite different in the sense that the
currents will have opposite directions and the voltages opposite polarities.
• However, for an ac analysis where the signal will progress between positive and
negative values, the ac equivalent circuit will be the same.

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 Common-Emitter (CE) Fixed-Bias Configuration

• The input (Vi) is applied to the base and the output (Vo) is from the collector.
• The Common-Emitter is characterized as having high input impedance and low output
impedance with a high voltage and current gain.

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 re Model

Determine β, re , and ro:

β and ro: look in the specification sheet for the transistor or test the transistor using a curve
tracer.

re : calculate re using dc analysis:

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Impedance Calculations

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Gain Calculations

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Phase Relationship

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Common-Emitter (CE) Voltage Divider Bias Configuration

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Impedance Calculations

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Gain Calculations

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 Phase Relationship

• The phase relationship between input and output is 180 degrees. The negative sign used
in the voltage gain formulas indicates the inversion.

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