EL 124

Electronic Devices and Circuits

Chapter 4
Bipolar Junction Transistors
A. Professor Sajid Ansari , P.Eng. PMP.

Department of Electrical Engineering

Usman Institute of Technology

Objectives
Introduction to Bipolar Junction
Transistor (BJT)
Basic Transistor Bias and Operation
Parameters, Characteristics and
Transistor Circuits
Amplifier or Switch
Key Words: BJT, Bias, Transistor, Amplifier, Switch

Introduction
A transistor is a device which can be used as either an
amplifier or a switch. Lets first consider its operation in a
more simple view as a current controlling device.

Basic Transistor Operation

Look at this one circuit as two separate circuits, the base-emitter(left
side) circuit and the collector-emitter(right side) circuit. Note that the
emitter leg serves as a conductor for both circuits.The amount of
current flow in the base
base-emitter
emitter circuit controls the amount of current
that flows in the collector circuit. Small changes in base-emitter
current yields a large change in collector-current.

Transistor Structure
The BJT (bipolar junction transistor) is constructed with three doped
semiconductor regions separated by two pn junctions, as shown in Figure
(a). The three regions are called emitter, base, and collector. Physical
p
of the two types
yp of BJTs are shown in Figure
g
(b)
( ) and (c).
( )
representations
One type consists of two n regions separated by a p regions (npn), and other
type consists of two p regions separated by an n region (pnp).

Transistor Currents
The directions of the currents in both npn and pnp transistors and their
schematic symbol are shown in Figure (a) and (b). Notice that the arrow
on the emitter of the transistor symbols points in the direction of
conventional current. These diagrams show that the emitter current (IE) is
the sum of the collector current (IC) and the base current (IB), expressed as
follows:
IE = IC + IB

Transistor Characteristics and Parameters

Figure shows the proper bias
arrangement for npn
transistor for active operation
as an amplifier.Notice that the
base-emitter (BE) junction is
forward-biased and the basecollector (BC) junction is
reverse-biased. As previously
discussed, base-emitter current
changes yields large changes
in collector-emitter current.
The factor of this change is
called beta().

= IC/IB

The ratio of the dc collector current (IC)

to the dc emitter current (IE) is the alpha.

= IC/IE

Ex 4-1 Determine DC, IE and DC for a transistor where IB = 50 A and IC = 3.65

mA.

DC =

I C 3.65mA
=
= 73
IB
50
0 A

IE = IC + IB = 3.65 mA + 50 A = 3.70 mA

DC =

I C 3.65mA
=
= 0.986
I E 3.70mA

Transistor Characteristics and Parameters

Analysis of this transistor circuit to predict the dc voltages and currents
requires use of Ohms law, Kirchhoffs voltage law and the beta for the
transistor.
Application of these laws begins with the base circuit to determine the
amount of base current. Using Kichhoffs voltage law, subtract the .7
VBE and the remaining voltage is dropped across RB. Determining the
current for the base with this information is a matter of applying of
Ohms law. VRB/RB = IB
The collector
current is
determined by
multiplying the
base current by
beta.
IC = IB

0.7 VBE will be used in

most analysis examples.

Transistor Characteristics and Parameters

What we ultimately
determine by use of
Kirchhoffs voltage law
for series circuits is that
in the base circuit VBB is
distributed across the
base-emitter junction and
RB in the base circuit. In
th collector
the
ll t circuit
i it we
determine that VCC is
distributed proportionally
across RC and the
transistor(VCE).

Current and Voltage Analysis

There are three key dc voltages and three key dc currents to be
considered. Note that these measurements are important for
troubleshooting.

IB: dc base current

IE: dc emitter current
IC: dc collector current
VBE: dc voltage across
base-emitter junction
j

VCB: dc voltage across

collector-base junction

VCE: dc voltage from

collector to emitter

Current and Voltage Analysis-continued

When the base-emitter junction is forward-biased,
VBE 0.7 V
VRB = IBRB : by Ohms law
IBRB = VBB VBE : substituting for VRB
IB = (VBB VBE) / RB : solving for IB
VCE = VCC VRc : voltage at the collector with
VRc = ICRC

: respect to emitter

VCE = VCC ICRC

The voltage across the reverse-biased
collector-base junction

VCB = VCE VBE

where IC = DCIB

Ex 4-2 Determine IB, IC, VBE, VCE, and VCB in the circuit of Figure.
The transistor has a DC = 150.
When the base-emitter junction is forward-biased,
VBE 0.7 V
IB = (VBB VBE) / RB
= (5 V 0.7 V) / 10 k = 430 A

IC = DCIB
= (150)(430 A)
= 64.5 mA
IE = IC + IB
= 64.5 mA + 430 A
= 64.9 mA

VCE = VCC ICRC

= 10 V (64.5 mA)(100 )
= 3.55 V
VCB = VCE VBE
= 3.55 V 0.7 V
= 2.85 V

Collector Characteristic Curve

Collector characteristic
curves gives a graphical
illustration of the
relationship of collector
current and VCE with
specified amounts of
base current. With
greater increases of VCC ,
VCE continues to increase
until it reaches
breakdown, but the
current remains about the
same in the linear region
from .7V to the
breakdown voltage.

Ex 4-3

Sketch an ideal family of collector curves for for the circuit in Figure for
IB = 5 A increment. Assume DC = 100 and that VCE does not exceed breakdown.

IC = DC IB

IB

5 A
10 A
15 A
20 A
25 A

IC

0.5 mA
1.0 mA
1.5 mA
2.0 mA
2.5 mA

Transistor Characteristics and Parameters-Cutoff

With no IB the transistor is in the cutoff region and just as the
name implies there is practically no current flow in the collector
part of the circuit. With the transistor in a cutoff state the the full
VCC can be measured across the collector and emitter(VCE)

Cutoff: Collector leakage current (ICEO) is extremely small and is usually

neglected. Base-emitter and base-collector junctions are reverse-biased.

Transistor Characteristics and Parameters - Saturation

Once this maximum is reached, the transistor is said to be in
saturation. Note that saturation can be determined by application
of Ohms law. IC(sat)=VCC/RC The measured voltage across this
now seemingly shorted
shorted collector and emitter is 0V.
0V

Saturation: As IB increases due to increasing VBB, IC also increases and VCE

decreases due to the increased voltage drop across RC. When the transistor reaches
saturation, IC can increase no further regardless of further increase in IB. Baseemitter and base-collector junctions are forward-biased.

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Transistor Characteristics and Parameters

- DC Load Line
The dc load line graphically illustrates IC(sat) and Cutoff for a transistor.

DC load line on a family of collector characteristic curves illustrating the

cutoff and saturation conditions.
Floyd

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Ex 4-4

Determine whether or not the transistors in Figure is in saturation.

Assume VCE(sat) = 0.2 V.

First, determine IC(sat)

I C ( sat ) =
=

VCC VCE ( sat )

RC

10 V 0.2V
= 9.8 mA
1.0 k

Now see if IB is large enough to produce IC(sat).

Now,

IB =

VBB VBE 3V 0.7 V 2.3V

=
=
= 0.23 mA
RB
10k
10 k

I C = DC I B = (50)(0.23 mA) = 11.5 mA

Transistor Characteristics and Parameters

Maximum Transistor Ratings
A transistor has limitations on its operation. The product of VCE
and IC cannot be maximum at the same time. If VCE is
maximum,
i
IC can be
b calculated
l l t d as

IC =

PD (max)
VCE

Ex 4-5 A certain transistor is to be operated with VCE = 6 V. If

its maximum
it
i
power rating
ti is
i 250 mW,
W what
h t is
i the
th mostt collector
ll t
current that it can handle?

IC =

PD (max)
VCE

250 mW
= 41.7 mA
6V

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Ex 4-6

The transistor in Figure has the following maximum ratings: PD(max)

= 800 mW, VCE(max) = 15 V, and IC(max) = 100 mA. Determine the maximum
value to which VCC can be adjusted without exceeding a rating. Which rating
would be exceeded first?

First, find IB so that you can determine IC.

IB =

VBB VBE 5V 0.7V

=
= 195A
22k
RB

I C = DC I B = (100)(195A) = 19.5mA
The voltage drop across RC is.
VRc = ICRC = (19.5 mA)(1.0 k) = 19.5 V
VRc = VCC VCE when
h VCE = VCE(max) = 15 V
VCC(max) = VCE(max) + VRc = 15 V + 19.5 V = 34.5 V
PD = VCE(max)IC = (15V)(19.5mA) = 293 mW
VCE(max) will be exceeded first because the entire supply voltage, VCC will
be dropped across the transistor.

The Transistor as an Amplifier

Amplification of a relatively
small ac voltage can be had by
placing the ac signal source in
the base circuit.
circuit
Recall that small changes in the
base current circuit causes large
changes in collector current
circuit.

The ac emitter
Th
i
current : Ie Ic = Vb/r
/ e
The ac collector voltage : Vc = IcRc
Since Ic Ie, the ac collector voltage : Vc IeRc
The ratio of Vc to Vb is the ac voltage gain : Av = Vc/Vb
Substituting IeRc for Vc and Iere for Vb : Av = Vc/Vb IcRc/Iere
The Ie terms cancel : Av Rc/re

11

Ex 4-8

Determine the voltage gain and the ac output

voltage in Figure if re = 50 .

The voltage gain : Av Rc/re = 1.0 k/50 = 20

The ac output voltage : AvVb = (20)(100 mV) = 2 V

The Transistor as a Switch

A transistor when used as a switch is simply being biased so that it
is in cutoff (switched off) or saturation (switched on). Remember
that the VCE in cutoff is VCC and 0V in saturation.

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Conditions in Cutoff & Saturation

A transistor is in the cutoff region when the base-emitter junction is not
forward-biased. All of the current are zero, and VCE is equal to VCC
VCE(cutoff) = VCC
When the base-emitter junction is forward-biased and there is enough base
current to produce a maximum collector current, the transistor is saturated.
The formula for collector saturation current is

I C ( sat ) =

VCC VCE ( satt )

RC

The minimum value of base current

needed to produce saturation is

I B (min) =

I C ( sat )

DC

Ex 4-9 (a) For the transistor circuit in Figure, what is VCE when VIN = 0 V?

(b) What minimum value of IB is required to saturate this transistor if DC is

200? Neglect VCE(sat).
(c) Calculate the maximum value of RB when VIN = 5 V.

(a) When VIN = 0 V

VCE = VCC = 10 V
(b) Since VCE(sat) is neglected,

I C ( sat ) =
I B (min) =

10 V
VCC
=
= 10 mA
RC 1.0 k
I C ( sat )

DC

10 mA
= 50 A
200

(c) When the transistor is on, VBE 0.7 V.

VR = VIN VBE 5 V 0.7 V = 4.3 V
Calculate the maximum value of RB
B

RB (max) =

VR B
I B (min)

4 .3 V
= 86 k
50 A

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Troubleshooting
Opens in the external resistors or connections of the base or the circuit
collector circuit would cause current to cease in the collector and the
voltage measurements would indicate this.
IInternall opens within
i hi the
h transistor
i
itself could also cause transistor
operation to cease.
Erroneous voltage measurements that
are typically low are a result of point
that is not solidly connected. This
called a floating point. This is
typically indicative of an open.
More in-depth discussion of typical
failures are discussed within the
textbook.

Troubleshooting
Testing a transistor can be viewed more simply if you view it
as testing two diode junctions. Forward bias having low
resistance and reverse bias havingg infinite resistance.

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Sajid Ansari , P.Eng

P.Eng.. PMP.
A. Professor (UIT).

15