Objectives

 Discuss the concept of dc biasing of a transistor for linear

operation
 Analyze voltage-divider bias, base bias, and collector-

Transistor Bias Circuits feedback bias circuits.

 Basic troubleshooting for transistor bias circuits

Introduction The DC Operating Point

The goal of amplification in most cases is to increase the
amplitude of an ac signal without altering it.
For the transistor to properly operate it must be
biased. There are several methods to establish the DC
operating point. We will discuss some of the methods
used for biasing transistors as well as troubleshooting
methods used for transistor bias circuits.
 The DC Operating Point The DC Operating Point
For a transistor circuit to amplify it must be properly biased with dc Recall that the collector characteristic curves graphically show the
voltages. The dc operating point between saturation and cutoff is relationship of collector current and VCE for different base currents. With
called the Q-point. The goal is to set the Q-point such that that it the dc load line superimposed across the collector curves for this
does not go into saturation or cutoff when an a ac signal is applied. particular transistor we see that 30 mA of collector current is best for
maximum amplification, giving equal amount above and below the Q-
point. Note that this is three different scenarios of collector current
being viewed simultaneously.

The DC Operating Point Voltage-Divider Bias

With a good Q-point established, let’s look at the effect a superimposed ac
voltage has on the circuit. Note the collector current swings do not exceed
the limits of operation(saturation and cutoff). However, as you might already Voltage-divider bias is the
know, applying too much ac voltage to the base would result in driving the most widely used type of
collector current into saturation or cutoff resulting in a distorted or clipped bias circuit. Only one
waveform. power supply is needed
and voltage-divider bias is
more stable(
independent) than other
bias types. For this reason
it will be the primary focus
for study.
 Voltage-Divider Bias Voltage-Divider Bias
In the case where base to ground resistance(input resistance) is low
Apply your knowledge of enough to consider, we can determine it by the simplified equation
voltage-dividers to RIN(base) = DCRE
understand how R1 and R2 are We can view the voltage at point A of the circuit in two ways, with or
used to provide the needed without the input resistance(point A to ground) considered.
voltage to point A(base). The
resistance to ground from the
base is not significant enough
to consider in most cases.
Remember, the basic
operation of the transistor
has not changed.

Voltage-Divider Bias Voltage-Divider Bias

We now take the known base
voltage and subtract VBE to find out
For this circuit we will not what is dropped across RE. Knowing
take the input resistance into the voltage across RE we can apply
consideration. Essentially we Ohm’s law to determine the
are determining the voltage current in the collector-emitter
across R2(VB) by the side of the circuit. Remember the
proportional method. current in the base-emitter circuit
is much smaller, so much in fact we
VB = (R2/R1 + R2)VCC
can for all practical purposes we
say that IE approximately equals IC.
IE≈ IC
 Voltage-Divider Bias Base Bias
This type of circuit is very unstable since its  changes with
temperature and collector current. Base biasing circuits are mainly
limited to switching applications.
Although we have used npn transistors for most of this discussion,
there is basically no difference in its operation with exception to
biasing polarities. Analysis for each part of the circuit is no
different than npn transistors.

Emitter Bias Collector-Feedback Bias

This type of circuit is independent
of  making it as stable as the
voltage-divider type. The Collector-feedback bias is kept
drawback is that it requires two stable with negative feedback,
power supplies. although it is not as stable as
voltage-divider or emitter.
Two key equations for analysis of With increases of IC, less
this type of bias circuit are shown voltage is applied to the base.
below. With these two currents With less IB ,IC comes down as
known we can apply Ohm’s law well. The two key formulas are
and Kirchhoff's law to solve for the shown below.
voltages.
IB ≈ IE/ IB = VC - VBE/RB
IC ≈ IE ≈ -VEE-VBE/RE + RB/DC IC = VCC - VBE/RC + RB/DC
 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting
Shown is a typical voltage divider circuit with correct voltage
R1 Open
readings. Knowing these voltages is a requirement before
logical troubleshooting can be applied. We will discuss some of With no bias the
the faults and symptoms. transistor is in
cutoff.
Base voltage goes
down to 0 V.
Collector voltage
goes up to 10
V(VCC).
Emitter voltage goes
down to 0 V.

Troubleshooting Troubleshooting
Resistor RE Open: Base Open Internally:
Transistor is in cutoff.
Transistor is in cutoff.
Base reading voltage will
Base voltage stays
stay approximately the
approximately the same.
same.
Collector voltage goes up
Collector voltage goes up to
to 10 V(VCC).
10 V(VCC).
Emitter voltage goes
Emitter voltage will be
down to 0 V.
approximately the base
voltage + .7 V.
 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting
Open BC Junction:
Open BE Junction:
Base voltage goes down
Transistor is in cutoff. to 1.11 V because of
more base current flow
Base voltage stays
through emitter.
approximately the same.
Collector voltage goes
Collector voltage goes up
up to 10 V(VCC).
to 10 V(VCC)
Emitter voltage will drop
Emitter voltage goes
to .41 V because of
down to 0 V.
small current flow from
forward-biased base-
emitter junction.

Troubleshooting Troubleshooting
RC Open: R2 Open:
Base voltage goes down to Transistor pushed close to or
1.11 V because of more into saturation.
current flow through the
emitter. Base voltage goes up slightly
to 3.83V because of
Collector voltage will drop to increased bias.
.41 V because of current flow
from forward-biased collector- Emitter voltage goes up to
base junction. 3.13V because of increased
current.
Emitter voltage will drop to
.41 V because of small current Collector voltage goes down
flow from forward-biased because of increased
base-emitter junction. conduction of transistor.
 Summary Summary
 The purpose of biasing is to establish a stable operating point (Q-  Voltage-divider bias is most widely used because it is stable
point). and uses only one voltage supply.
 The Q-point is the best point for operation of a transistor for a  Base bias is very unstable because it is  dependent.
given collector current.
 Emitter bias is stable but require two voltage supplies.
 The dc load line helps to establish the Q-point for a given
collector current.  Collector-back is relatively stable when compared to base bias,
but not as stable as voltage-divider bias.
 The linear region of a transistor is the region of operation
within saturation and cutoff.