Operation of BJT in Common Emitter Mode with Characteristics
1. Introduction
A Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) is a three-layer, two-junction semiconductor device used for
amplification and switching.
The Common Emitter (CE) configuration is the most widely used because it provides high voltage
and current gain.
In CE mode:
- Input is given between base and emitter.
- Output is taken between collector and emitter.
- Emitter terminal is common to both input and output.
2. Circuit Diagram of BJT in Common Emitter Configuration
(Schematic representation included separately)
3. Working Principle of CE Mode
- Base-emitter junction is forward biased.
- Collector-base junction is reverse biased.
- A small base current (Ib) controls a large collector current (Ic).
- Ic = beta × Ib
4. Modes of Operation
- Active Region: BE forward biased, CB reverse biased. Used for amplification.
- Saturation Region: Both junctions forward biased. Acts as closed switch.
- Cut-off Region: Both junctions reverse biased. Acts as open switch.
5. Input Characteristics (Ib vs Vbe)
- Similar to a diode curve.
- As Vbe increases, Ib increases non-linearly.
- Shows low input resistance (a few hundred ohms).
6. Output Characteristics (Ic vs Vce)
- Shows how Ic varies with Vce for different Ib values.
- Active region: Ic remains nearly constant as Vce increases.
7. Important Equations
- Ic = beta × Ib
- Ie = Ib + Ic
- Voltage gain = DeltaVout / DeltaVin
- Power gain = Voltage gain × Current gain
8. Applications
- Audio and RF Amplifiers
- Signal Processing
- Switching Circuits
- Oscillators
9. Advantages
- High voltage and power gain
- Phase inversion (180° out of phase)
- Versatile and commonly used
10. Conclusion
The Common Emitter configuration of BJT allows efficient amplification with high gain. It is widely
used in analog circuits for its reliability and performance.