Experiment #3 Report

BJT CE AND CC AMPLIFIERS

Group : GB02
Group member : D-C2-2838-9 ZHANG HANLING 張 瀚 靈
D-C2-2846-4 AUNG MINN KHANT
1. Objective
There are 3 basic BJT amplifier structures, Common Base (CB), Common Emitter
(CE) and Common Collector (CC). These amplifier structures offer various characteristics
in-terms of voltage gains, input impedance and so on. The purpose of this experiment is to
have a better understanding of the operations of CE and CC amplifiers, measure and realize
their different behaviors and reasons.

2. Procedures and prediction based on theory

a. For CE amplifier:
(1) Connect the BJT circuit as the graph above using component values listed in Table 1
without apply the AC input (Vi and all 10 F capacitors are disconnected);
(2) Bias the BJT with VCC = 12 V;
(3) Measure all DC voltages VB, VC and VE; (Hint: these can be used to determine β)
(4) Connect both capacitors CC and CCE;
(5) Apply the AC sine signal with 0.5 Vpp (peak-to-peak) and 1 kHz to input Vi;
(6) Measure both Vi and VoE by increasing Vi from 0.5 Vpp to 5 Vpp at the same frequency
(decide the step size yourself).

Theoretical Analysis and Results: The Thévenin theorem is used to analyze the DC power
input of a circuit, providing the Thevenin voltage (ETH) and resistance (RTH) values. The ETH
can be calculated as Vcc multiplied by R2/(R1+R2)=1.83V, while RTH is determined by
R1*R2/(R1+R2)=3.05 KΩ. In the experiment, the measured β of the DC power can be used to
estimate the β of the AC power, which can simplify the calculation in the AC power part.
When applying AC power, the output voltage may reach its maximum value, resulting in a
"cut-off" phenomenon where further increases in input voltage have no effect. Understanding
this phenomenon helps to determine the amplifier's output limits and behavior in AC power
applications.
b. For CC amplifier:
(1) Modify the BJT circuit using component values listed in Table 2 above without apply the
AC input;
(2) Bias the BJT network with VCC = 6 V;
(3) Measure all DC voltages VB, VC and VE;
(4) Connect both capacitors CC and CCC;
(5) Repart Part B procedures by apply the AC sine signal with 0.5 Vpp (peak-to-peak) and 1
kHz to input Vi;
(6) Measure both Vi and VoC by increasing Vi from 0.5 Vpp to 5 Vpp at the same frequency.

Theoretical Analysis and Results: Still, the Thévenin theorem should be applied to analyze
the DC power input of the circuit, providing the Thevenin voltage (ETH) and resistance (RTH)
values. The ETH can be calculated as Vcc multiplied by R2/(R1+R2)=2.25V, while RTH is
determined by R1*R2/(R1+R2)=11.25 KΩ. In the second experiment, the measured β of the
DC power can also be used to estimate the β of the AC power, simplifying the calculation in
the AC power part. When applying AC power, due to the changes on input points and values
and the transistors, the output voltage probably cannot reach its maximum value, avoiding the
"cut-off" phenomenon.

3. Observations during the experiment

a. Part(1) DC Analysis of CE Amplifier
The measured voltages at various points in the circuit are as follows: VE = 1.06V, VB =
1.74V, VC = 6.37V, VCC = 12.18V. We calculated VBE and VCE, it’s obvious that the
transistor is operating in the active region due to VCE being significantly greater than
VBE. And we got the β value 210.98 which signifies a notably high current gain
exhibited by the transistor in this particular circuit setup. This high current gain could
result in substantial amplification of input signals passing through the common
emitter amplifier. The implications of a high beta value is essential in real world
circuit design, as it impacts the selection of components and overall circuit behavior.
Part(2) AC Analysis of CE Amplifier
Next, we connect CC and CCE to input and output terminals. From the DC analysis, we
got IE = 4.818 mA, so re = 5.396 kΩ. With the appropriate AC analysis model, we got
the AV = -5.32 from our dc analysis calculation. And then we apply the AC signal
with 0.5 Vpp (peak-to-peak) and 1kHz to input Vi. Increase the Vi from 0.5Vpp to 5
Vpp at the same frequency for the observations. The results of observations are shown
as below.

Figure(1): Left to Right- Vi=0.5Vpp, Vi=2.5Vpp, Vi=5Vpp

 As shown in figure, when the input Vpp is 0.5V, we got VO equals to 2.61V . So the
gain is AV = 5.22 V/V. Additionally, when the Vpp of the input voltage reaches 2.5V,
we found that the output voltage is “cut off”, which means there is distortion at the
top of the output curve. In the second figure, it is more obvious that there is a flat part
at the top of the output voltage image that should have been sinusoidal. The same
observation happened when the Vi reached 5V of Vpp.

b. Part(1) DC Analysis of CC Amplifier

In this amplifier, the measured voltages are as follows: VE = 2.97V, VB= 3.64V,
VC= 3.69V and VCC= 6.12V. Similar to CE Amplifier, we got the DC current gain
β value which is 325.35 according to the instructions.
Part(2) AC Analysis of CC Amplifier
Next, we connect CC and CCC to input and output terminals. From the DC analysis, we
got IE= 2.475mA, so re is 10.505 KΩ. We can also get the voltage gain AV= 0.99
from our AC appropriate model calculation. As a next step, we applied the AC sine
input with 0.5Vpp and 1kHz. As an observation from the oscilloscope, we got the AV
approximately close to 1. We found out that the input and output waveform are in
phase since it is an emitter follower circuit the gain Av is approximately “ONE”.

4. Data And analysis

The graph presented depicts the response of the circuit to AC power sources. The red curve
represents the applied source voltage, while the blue curve represents the output voltage. The
experiment reveals that the voltage gain (AV) of the BJT device is approximately 5. In the
first graph, the output voltage remains below its maximum limit, indicating a normal
operating condition. However, in the second and third graphs, the output voltage surpasses its
maximum value. This results in a phenomenon known as "cut-off," where the output voltage
reaches its maximum limit and ceases to change despite further increases in the input voltage.
The occurrence of the "cut-off" phenomenon signifies a constraint on the amplifier's output
capability. It reveals that the amplifier has reached its peak performance, and any additional
increase in the input voltage will not result in a corresponding increase in the output voltage.
The graph presented depicts the response of the circuit to AC power sources. The red curve
represents the applied source voltage, while the blue curve represents the output voltage. The
experiment reveals that the voltage gain (AV) of the BJT device is approximately 1. In these
three graphs, the output voltage remains very close to the input value. However, when
looking at those graphs in detail, we may find out that the first graph is much more unstable
compared with other graphs, that’s because the input and output values are all very tiny,
which may enlarge the inaccuracy relatives and show directly in the graphs.

5. Compare and error analysis

Part(1) CE Amplifier
The DC analysis provided crucial information about the transistor’s biasing and
operating point, confirming the active region operation due to the significant difference
between VCE and VBE. The calculated high β value of 210.98 highlighted the transistor’s
substantial current gain potential, impacting the amplifier’s signal amplification capabilities.
On the other hand, the AC analysis incorporated the coupling capacitors at input and output
terminals, allowing the amplifier’s behavior concerning signal transmission at varying
amplitudes and frequencies. The observation of an output voltage VO of 2.61V at 0.5Vpp
input(Vi) indicated an amplification of approximately 5.22 V/V, in line with the calculated
voltage gain (AV=-5.32) from the DC analysis.
(a) Gain behavior and Distortion
The comparative analysis between the calculated and observed voltage gains at
different input amplitudes revealed consistency up to a certain point. However, the
occurrence of distortion at higher input amplitudes resulting in “cut off” in the output
waveform indicated a limitation in the amplifier’s linear response.
(b) Limitation at Higher Input Amplitudes
The distortion observed at input amplitudes beyond 2.5Vpp led to a non-sinosoidal
output waveform with a flat portion at the top, signifying signal clipping or saturation of the
amplifier. This limitation suggests the circuit reaching its maximum output capability,
causing distortion due to insufficient headroom or current saturation in the transistor.
(c) Distortion and Non-Linearity
The occurrence of distortion and flattening of the output waveform at higher input
amplitudes could result from the amplifier reaching its maximum output swing capacity,
leading to a non-linear behavior.

Figure: Cut-off Distortion

Part(2) CC Amplifier
(a) Input-Output Waveform Discrepancy
The discrepancy between the input and output waveforms, increasing with the higher
input voltages, suggests a non-linear behavior or distortion in the amplifier’s
response. While the voltage gain(AV) remains close to unity (AV ~ 1), the divergence
in waveforms implies a deviation from ideal amplification.
(b) Non-Linearity and Distortion
The discrepancy between input and output waveform suggests non-linear distortion in
the amplifier’s response, particularly evident at higher input voltages. Potential causes
could include non-linear characteristics of the transistor, saturation effects, or
limitations in the circuit design for larger signal amplitudes.
(c) Signal Integrity and Distortion Analysis
The increasing difference between input and output waveforms at higher input
amplitudes indicates a potential limitation in the CC amplifier’s ability to faithfully
reproduce the larger signals. Non-linearitites, potential saturation, or limitations in
component selection could contribute to the observed discrepancies.

6. Conclusion
Part(1) Common Emitter (CE) Amplifier
The DC analysis revealed proper biasing and operating conditions within the active
region for the transistor due to VCE being notably higher than VBE. Calculated β value of
210.98 indicated a significantly high current gain, suggesting substantial signal amplification
potential within this circuit setup.The AC analysis, incorporating input and output coupling
capacitors, allowed observation of the amplifier's behavior with varying input amplitudes and
frequencies.
At lower input amplitudes, the observed voltage gain aligned closely with calculated
values, signifying stability and expected amplification characteristics. Distortion and signal
degradation became apparent at higher input amplitudes, resulting in a non-linear response
and distortion in the output waveform. Possible causes of distortion could be related to the
amplifier's saturation, limitations in linearity, or insufficient handling of larger input signals.

Part(2) Common Collector (CC) Amplifier

DC analysis confirmed proper biasing conditions and active region operation for the
transistor within the CC amplifier circuit. A high β value of 325.35 highlighted the
transistor's substantial current gain potential in this configuration. AC analysis demonstrated
an approximately unity voltage gain in small signal conditions, reflecting expected
amplification behavior. However, discrepancies between input and output waveforms
increased notably with higher input voltages, indicating non-linear behavior and signal
distortion. The divergence between input and output waveforms at larger input voltages
suggested non-linearities or limitations in the CC amplifier's response to higher amplitude
signals. Possible causes include non-linear transistor characteristics, saturation effects, or
limitations in the circuit design for larger signal amplitudes.
As a conclusion, both CE and CC amplifiers showcased amplification capabilities
under small signal conditions, yet exhibited limitations in linearity and signal integrity at
higher input amplitudes. Distortion and non-linearities observed in both amplifiers at larger
input signals indicate potential areas for circuit optimization and improvement.Addressing
issues of distortion and linearity might involve adjusting biasing, selecting suitable
components, or considering feedback mechanisms to enhance amplifier performance.
Modification of component values or exploring transistor alternatives capable of handling
larger signals could potentially improve linearity and reduce distortion in future designs.